A Cumbrian school has secured its future after raising over £180,000 in six days.
Hunter Hall, in Penrith, launched an urgent appeal last week after it revealed that it needed to raise £180,000 by today, Wednesday, December 3, or be forced to close its doors before Christmas.
But people have pulled out all the stops to save school, which has 80 pupils aged three to 11 and 20 staff.
Yesterday, it had hit the fundraising target and today it stands at £188,660.
Head Paul Borrows said: “We are hugely grateful for, and have been truly humbled by, the warmth and generosity shown by our school community, as well as the kindness of strangers from across the UK.
“Throughout this challenging time, the team have ensured that it’s been business as usual for the children.
“They, along with staff, can now look forward to the run up to Christmas and being able to enjoy everything the final two weeks of term has in store. Theatre trips, choir performances, the Lower School nativity and winter production, a chance for the Upper School children to have a go at curling, Christmas lunch and the annual carol concert are all on the packed agenda.”
The school said it was struggling under the Government’s addition of VAT to school fees and that governors had been looking for ways to secure the school’s future.
Despite significant cost-saving measures implemented over the past year, including negotiated rent reductions and staff voluntarily accepting a 7.5% salary reduction, several anticipated savings had not materialised, the school said.
As a result, the school was facing a larger than expected deficit for the 2025-2026 financial year, it added.
Mr Borrows said: “We were preparing for changes within the sector, but the speed and scale of the financial impact has been challenging for many schools like ours. The hardest part is knowing what this means for our children.
“At Hunter Hall, we nurture and celebrate every child as an individual, ensuring they have the confidence and strength of character to thrive whatever lies ahead. Losing the school would be heartbreaking for our families and for the region.”
Parent Sophie Hodgson said: “As a parent, I feel a strong sense of relief: relief at not having to tell my child she won’t be returning to Hunter Hall after Christmas; relief at not having to try and secure a place at another primary school weeks before the Christmas break and relief at being able to meet the new year knowing that the school is on a safe footing for now and the future.
“Our heartfelt thanks go to everyone who supported this campaign and helped make this possible.”
Natalie Harling, co-chair of governors said: “With this critical fundraising target achieved, we can now look to the future with renewed confidence.
“Funds secured above the required £180,000 target will go straight into the Hunter Hall Foundation – a bursary fund to enable as many children as possible to benefit from a Hunter Hall education.
“Thanks to the phenomenal support of our community, past and present, Hunter Hall moves into its 40th year happy, healthy and, most importantly, here.”
Donations can still be made via the school’s official Crowdfunder page.
