The closure of Old Palace of John Whitgift Prep School marked a significant moment for the Croydon educational landscape, but it also provided a unique opportunity to give back to the local community. As a charitable foundation, the decision by the John Whitgift Foundation to donate resources from the Prep School to a diverse range of organisations and groups has brought tangible benefits across the borough of Croydon and beyond. This support has been vital to numerous local organisations, providing a sense of positivity and hope amidst the sadness of the school’s closure.
Beneficiaries Across Croydon
The range of beneficiaries reflects the broad impact of the John Whitgift Foundation’s decision to donate to local causes. Resources were distributed to state schools, special schools, nurseries, preschools, and organisations like the Croydon Refugee Day Centre, Croydon Start for Life, and the Fire Service. Additionally, community groups such as Brownie groups and Sunday Schools have also received much-needed items, ensuring that children and families across the area benefit from Old Palace Prep School’s legacy.
One of the early beneficiaries was a local state primary school, where the donated equipment enabled the school to fast-track its OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning) project. The large chess pieces and other outdoor equipment from Old Palace have provided children with more play options, improving their enjoyment and supporting their wellbeing. The school also utilised books, toys, and art supplies to bolster their reading programmes, mental health initiatives, and Early Years education. As the school’s principal expressed, “We are very grateful to the team at Old Palace and for the opportunity.”
Another local primary school benefitted from Old Palace Prep School’s donations, which solved several pressing needs. The school received storage equipment for their Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) classroom and outdoor bins that have already helped reduce litter. Most notably, they obtained xylophones for their music programme, saving the school from an expensive purchase. According to the headteacher, “We were about to order these ourselves online at great expense.”
Similarly, another local primary school benefitted from a wide range of resources. The new tables and chairs transformed a Year 6 classroom into a calm and inviting space, while art supplies have been used in creative projects, and books have been added to classroom reading corners. The school’s EYFS and nurture teams have used sensory resources and play materials to enrich the children’s educational experiences, especially for the most vulnerable learners within the school community. The school commented, “The legacy of your school will live on in the expanded educational experiences our children can now enjoy.”
Community organisations have also expressed their gratitude for the resources received as part of the rehoming process. Home-Start Croydon has utilised a variety of toys and materials to enhance their Stay & Play groups, encouraging imaginative play among toddlers. The donations helped complete a new group room within the charity’s office, enabling them to run new sessions while also providing scope to rent the space to generate much needed income for the charity. Arts and crafts materials have supported creative activities that develop young children’s fine motor skills in an engaging, supportive environment. “Although these are seemingly basic materials, they have been a huge help to us.”
Another local primary school reported how their music department benefited from percussion instruments, while resources for phonics in Reception have enhanced their early years literacy programme. The school commented, “Our music department has greatly benefited from a number of percussion instruments.”
A further local primary school also expressed their deep gratitude for the furniture, books, and chairs they received. These donations have made an immediate positive impact on their students, and the school is willing to share items with other schools within their Multi Academy Trust as needed, ensuring that Old Palace’s resources continue to benefit a wider circle. The Co-Headteacher noted, “All of these will be used to positively impact our students, and we are so very grateful to you all.”
A Legacy of Community Support
The closure process for Old Palace of John Whitgift Prep School, although difficult, has had a silver lining through its support of numerous local causes. From improving educational environments in schools to enhancing community and charitable groups, the donated equipment and resources have touched many lives across Croydon. This outpouring of generosity underscores the positive legacy that Old Palace Prep leaves behind, not just as a school but as a charitable entity that has brought hope and support to its community.
