Big Give

Students appeal for community support to revitalise historic Assembly Hall

Students reaching out to their neighbours and the local community for support in our ambitious fundraising campaign to transform the iconic Assembly Hall into a vibrant community space. With a fundraising goal of £1,875,000, we're excited to announce that we have already secured approximately 80% of the campaign goal.

The Assembly Hall has a rich history of hosting shows, music events, and community gatherings. The students aim to restore the Hall to its former glory, creating a space that serves as a hub for people of all ages to come together for heritage and arts activities, including hosting the world’s first Museum of Brutalist Architecture.

In July’s Brutal Walk, over 700 members of the school community including students, staff and volunteers walked across London to visit the capital’s famous brutalist landmarks such as the Barbican, Brunswick Centre, South Bank and National Theatre. The phenomenal sponsored walk raised over 10,000 for this vital campaign.

Now the school has partnered with The Big Give, an organisation that has pledged to match every pound donated in the week of 3 to 10 of December, upto £15,000. The students are urging the community to contribute during this critical period, as the matched funding offer is time-sensitive and they will be visiting over 10 thousand homes this weekend with appeal letters.

£15 could buy a light switch that could turn on the hall lights, £100 could buy specialist timber for the renovation. Donations can be made through the Big Give website and every contribution, no matter the size, will bring the project closer to fruition. For any further information contact Hannah Newman.

“We’re so close to reaching our goal,” said Harvey O’Brien in Y10 who is also on the Community-Led Management Board for the Hall for All. “With your help, we can create a space that will benefit the entire community. Thank you for your generosity and support!”

Headteacher Nicholas John said “This isn’t just about renovating a building. For our neighbours, safe, accessible spaces like this Hall can be a lifeline. The Hall for All will give young people, families and community groups a place to connect, learn and belong. Your generosity will create a lasting impact, ensuring that this treasured space remains accessible and inspiring for generations.”

Big Give student letter