Soul in the Community 2026: Surbiton High School pupils give back

Surbiton High School pupils make a lasting difference across the borough through Soul in the Community 2026.

 

Pupils from Years 9, 10 and 12 at Surbiton High School have made a significant impact across the local community through Soul in the Community 2026, completing 18 projects across Kingston, Surbiton, Chessington and New Malden.

Over two days, 260 pupils and 60 staff members worked alongside local schools, charities, churches, care homes and community organisations to deliver practical support, transform shared spaces and build meaningful connections with people of all ages.

Soul in the Community is an annual initiative that encourages pupils to use their time, skills and energy to support the wider community. This year’s projects showcased the pupils’ creativity, teamwork and commitment, with activities ranging from restoring gardens and improving outdoor facilities to supporting younger children, spending time with older generations and enhancing spaces designed to support well-being.

The breadth of work completed was remarkable. Pupils cleared overgrown gardens, created outdoor learning spaces, restored community areas and supported local organisations through a wide range of practical and social activities.

At Barnfield Riding School, pupils transformed an overgrown plot into a productive allotment for horses and created a peaceful outdoor space for disabled riders. The work will support a charity that provides opportunities for 88 disabled riders.

At Maple Infants, Surbiton, pupils revitalised outdoor play areas with colourful improvements, new play features and an F1 scooter track, creating new opportunities for children to explore and enjoy their surroundings.


Pupils also supported mental health services at CAMHS (Children’s Mental Health Services) at Tolworth Hospital, transforming previously sterile rooms and corridors into colourful, welcoming therapy spaces designed to provide a more positive environment for young people.

The initiative also created opportunities for meaningful intergenerational connections. At Raleigh House Day Centre for the Elderly and Surbitonian Gardens Care Home, pupils spent time with residents, sharing conversations, playing games, gardening and creating resources to support activities.

One community partner commented: 'I am completely blown away.'

Another shared: 'This will make a huge difference.'

The impact of pupils’ contribution was recognised widely by community partners, with feedback including: 'Your pupils were absolute credits to your school.' and 'Every one of you made such a wonderful impression and left us in an exceptional state of happiness.'

The experience provided pupils with the opportunity to develop confidence, leadership and resilience while seeing first-hand how small acts of kindness can create lasting change.

A member of staff involved in the initiative said: 'To see pupils get stuck in and ultimately to soar and shine as they have done is soul-enriching. They are a credit to themselves, to Surbiton High School and to you.'



From restoring Beverley Park’s former award-winning rose garden and maintaining the Riverside Garden along the Queen’s Promenade, to supporting local churches, schools and charities, pupils demonstrated the values of compassion, service and community spirit throughout the two-day programme.

Surbiton High School is incredibly proud of the contribution made by every pupil and staff member involved. Through Soul in the Community 2026, pupils have shown that education extends beyond the classroom and that leadership is demonstrated through kindness, empathy and a willingness to make a difference.

July 2026