Salve!
As we near the end of 2023, we wanted to thank you for all your support this year and bring you the latest news and updates at Classics for All.
So far in 2023, Classics for All has supported over 170 schools to introduce or develop the teaching of classics, engaging over 20,000 pupils. More than 42% of these schools were in areas of socioeconomic disadvantage. This work has only been possible because of our supporters whom we sincerely thank.
This year we also hosted a range of events, from the Overboard Debate at Linklaters LLP to the Lawyers Group highlight, the Moot Trial of Cicero at the UK Supreme Court. We're currently putting together the events programme for 2024 so we hope to welcome many of you at our events next year.
Below, we've enclosed a spotlight feature on this year's Big Give Christmas Challenge campaign as well as some organisational updates here at Classics for All. Please also note that our office will be closed between Christmas and New Year.
All of us at Classics for All wish you a festive season ahead, and we look forward to sharing news of our 2024 activities in the new year.
Best wishes,
Cristina
Fundraising Assistant
Big Give Christmas Challenge 2023
Nikita Salt (Grants Administrator) and Cristina Chui
This year’s Big Give campaign went down to the wire – with less than 24 hours on the clock some generous donations helped us across the finish line to raise an amazing £51,470 through online donations. With Big Give matched funding and Gift Aid, this brought our total to a whopping £108,998!
Thank you to everyone who donated and helped spread the word - we couldn’t have done it without you. Many thanks also to our Champion, The Reed Foundation, and Pledgers (Matthew Lindsey-Clark, Roger Barnes, Philip Miles, Julian Hardwick and Christopher Clarke) for matching the donations.
The money raised from our Big Give campaign will help us continue providing fairer access to Classics across the UK. We will be directing these funds predominantly towards the recruitment and support of our schools in the North and Midlands, ensuring that more pupils access a diverse and enriching classics education no matter where they live.
The work envisioned in our Big Give Christmas Challenge is the brainchild of Hilary Hodgson, our former Programme Director who came in as Chief Executive last year. Hilary has driven an enormous amount of successful work in schools; the Big Give initiative is just a portion of the whole picture. Please see below for an announcement about big changes for us at Classics for All.4
A Message from Jimmy Mulville, CfA Chair
I am writing to let you know that Hilary Hodgson recently informed the Trustees that, for health and family reasons, she will be standing down as Chief Executive of Classics for All in December, bringing a close to her long professional association with the charity.
Hilary has been involved with Classics for All almost from its earliest days, initially as a consultant, then as our Programme Director and, since 2022, as our Chief Executive. She has been the driving force behind the development of our schools and training programmes and our regional network strategy. Without her energy, passion and commitment, Classics for All would not have been able to make the difference it has in helping to revive the teaching of classical subjects in the state school sector across the UK.
Hilary is leaving Classics for All in great state, with vibrant programmes at both primary and secondary school levels, robust finances and a brilliant team of people. Our former Executive Director, Jules Mann, has kindly agreed to cover as Interim Director while the Board recruits a permanent successor.
Please join me in thanking Hilary for her enormous contribution to Classics for All. We will miss her, wish her all the very best for the future and look forward to seeing her at future events.
Classics for All: Organisational Changes
The board of trustees is now recruiting for the position of Chief Executive – more information may be found on our website’s ‘Work for Us’ page. Do help us spread the word.
We are pleased to announce several appointments and role changes which will strengthen our internal structure at Classics for All as we build for the future.
We have appointed Anna Bell to be a permanent part of the team as our Grants, Networks and Training Co-ordinator. Anna has worn many hats in her association with Classics for All, from Head of Classics at a school that worked with CfA in the early days, then as our London and SE Network Co-ordinator for the last 6 years, and more recently as one of our teacher trainers.
Nikita Salt, who has been brilliantly administering our grants to schools programme, is moving into the role of Fundraising and Communications Officer. Having been immersed in so many compelling stories coming to us from state schools we support to teach classics, she is ready to take this further to share our case for support more widely in her inimitable style with our donors and potential supporters.
And Cristina Chui, who as our Fundraising Assistant has been in touch with many of you through our newsletters, donations and events, will now be taking on the role of Operations Officer. We have benefited from her extraordinary ability to make everything run more smoothly ‘behind the scenes’ and look forward to seeing how her practical and creative ideas will percolate through all of the work we do.
We are recruiting for an Administrator to work across the organisation, supporting our schools work and our fundraising events. More information may be found on our website ‘Work for Us’ page – do forward on to anyone you think may be interested.
Thank you for reading our news. If you have any questions about Classics for All's work, please get in touch at [email protected]