Monday, 6 Sep 2010
Latymer Upper School is founded on the magnanimous gesture of one man. Successive generations of children have benefited from Edward Latymer's foresight. His belief that a good education could change the lives of disadvantaged children is still at the core of the School's ethos almost four hundred years later.
During the 1950s, ‘60s and 70s up to 80% of the student body were in receipt of either total or partial support from their local councils throughout their time at Latymer. (For a more detailed account go to "The History of Free Places at Latymer"). Nowadays the School must rely on the generosity of the whole Latymer community to help it increase the number of free places on offer to deserving children who could otherwise only dream of accessing a Latymer education.
The Governors take their responsibility to provide such places very seriously in order to maintain Latymer's treasured ethos of social diversity and accessibility. There are currently 53 students in the School on 100% free, means-tested places and another 5 in receipt of more than 75% support. This is wonderful news but the aim is to increase the number of means-tested, full scholarships to at least 100.
Unlike many comparable schools, Latymer is not a rich one. The property around Hammersmith once owned by the Foundation has been sold and finances 8 free places at the School in perpetuity. The current fees are amongst the lowest of any independent school in London and the annual increase is kept to a minimum by prudent financial management. Thus, in order to provide more means-tested scholarships, Latymer relies on private donations, principally from past pupils and current parents.
You can help in several ways to widen access to Latymer and to support the School:
If you are living overseas, please go to our Overseas Giving page.
For a more detailed discussion on giving to Latymer, please contact the Development Office Team.
Latymer foundation at Hammersmith
Registered Charity No. 312714