Queen’s School Community Smashes Fundraising Target, Raising £65,000 for Bursary Fund

The Queen’s College, London and Queen’s College Preparatory School community has exceeded all expectations in a major fundraising challenge, collectively covering nearly 7,000 miles - an achievement that represents 280% of their original 1,848-mile target - while raising more than £65,000 for the school’s Bursary Fund.



The challenge invited families, pupils and staff to walk, run, swim, and move their way towards a shared goal of 1,848 miles over 8 days in June 2026, to celebrate the founding of Queen’s College in 1848. The response was extraordinary, with participants embracing the initiative in large numbers and logging miles throughout the week in what organisers described as an “unprecedented level of community engagement.”

Funds raised will directly support the school’s Bursary Fund, helping to expand access to a Queen’s education for pupils who may not otherwise be able to attend.

A significant contribution came from families who pledged sponsorship of £10 per mile from the outset, alongside a generous donor who match-funded contributions towards the end of the challenge, amplifying the overall impact.

Richard Tillett, Principal of Queen’s commented:

'We set out with an ambitious goal, but what our community has achieved goes far beyond anything we could have imagined. The level of generosity and collective spirit has been truly remarkable. This success belongs to every family, pupil and staff member who took part or contributed.'

The event saw a particularly strong show of support from parents, many of whom actively participated alongside their children. Activity tracking platforms recorded a surge in usage throughout the week, reflecting the scale of involvement.

School staff also played a key role, contributing a significant number of miles and supporting pupils throughout the challenge.

Further comment - Lucy Campbell, Head of Development said:

'Truly special things happen when our Queen’s community comes together. This has been a powerful reminder of what we can achieve collectively, and of the difference we can make to the lives of future pupils.'

Donations are still being received, and the final fundraising total is expected to rise further in the coming days.

Together, Queen's College London and Queen's College Preparatory School form an independent day school for girls aged 3–18 in the heart of central London.  Queen's College made history as the first school in the UK to offer academic qualifications to women, receiving a Royal Charter from Queen Victoria in 1853. Today, it continues its pioneering tradition as a leader in girls' education.

July 2026