Help us make our school buildings as special as the people inside them
Campaign totaliser
Figures are as of 25 November 2025.
"The UK is in the midst of a school buildings crisis, with Hatherop Primary among those affected. As a community, we need to act now to secure the future of our school.”
Taryn Hancock, Headteacher
Fundraising news
A big splash for the Big Build
In December, Year 5 pupil Ophelia Forbes completed an astonishing 5km swim, tackling 200 lengths to help raise funds for the next phase of the Big Build. Despite admitting she was nervous about the distance, she powered through — all to help replace one of the the school's dilapidated classrooms with a brand-new hall. Her incredible effort inspired donors across the community and raised over £1,000.
A brilliant achievement — well done, Ophelia!
Making waves for Hatherop’s future — Judy’s Big Build challenge
After 25 years at Hatherop Primary, Judy Francis has since been supporting the Big Build project in her retirement with two extraordinary swimming challenges. She first completed 1,352 lengths — the distance of the English Channel — before taking on 3,260 lengths to match all 15 Lake District lakes. Her determination has inspired 53 donations and £1,941 raised. Thank you Judy for your extrordinary dedication to the school!
Dearly Preloved brings sustainable style to Hatherop — all for the Big Build
The Big Build was delighted to welcome Dearly Preloved to Hatherop Primary on 13 November, where a beautifully curated pop-up of pre-loved fashion and accessories brought sustainable style to Hatherop. With a decent turnout, a community buzz and delicious canapés, the evening proved a wonderful success — raising £592 for the Big Build.
Huge thanks to Dearly Preloved owner and school mum, Polly Hewitt and her team of helpers!
Pam Ayres raises funds - and the roof - for the Big Build
The brilliant Pam Ayres brought her trademark warmth and wit to a special fundraising performance for the Hatherop Big Build at the Wyvern Theatre in Swindon. With a full house, a buzzing auction and a generous raffle, the afternoon was a runaway success — raising more than £27,000 to support improvements at Hatherop Primary.
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Opening ceremony hits the headlines!
Hatherop Primary’s Big Build made the headlines once more as broadcaster Anne Robinson officially opened Phases 1 & 2 at a lively ribbon-cutting ceremony on 10 October. Pupils, staff, parents and supporters turned out in force to celebrate the new Year 4 classroom and ground-floor entrance lobby, while ITV West Country News captured all the excitement — highlighting how our village community has raised over £300,000 to date.
Next events
There are currently no events planned. If you would like to run an event to raise money for the Big Build, or have an idea for one, please email fundraising@hatherop.gloucs.sch.uk.
Thank you!
£50,000 donation keeps Phase 1&2 plans on track
Big Build supporters have been bowled over by the extraordinary generosity of the John Armitage Charitable Trust, which has donated an astonishing £50,000 to the campaign. The Trust is a charitable foundation committed to "helping people help themselves". Its support for the community-led Big Build certainly did just that, helping us get over the line for our Phases 1 & 2 targets.
