CHARITIES will benefit from the Lenten Appeal, an annual fundraising event at Barrow Hills, Witley.

Year eight pupils drew up a shortlist of three charities and the whole school votede for their charity of choice.

The Blue Cross, which helps sick, injured and homeless pets, was selected as the main beneficiary, with smaller donations towards Crisis, the charity for single homeless people and The Source, which supports vulnerable people in Hampshire and Surrey.

All pupils were involved in helping to raise funds for the three charities through a number of initiatives.

Nursery, Kindy, reception and year one took part in an obstacle courses during PE lessons, with each pupil completing as many laps as possible.. Junior Prep and year two held a fancy dress/mufti sponsored three-mile walk from partner school King Edward’s Witley to Barrow Hills School.

Middle Prep ran a fundraising fair, where tickets were purchased for 50p in exchange for a variety of donated prizes.

Years seven and eight mounted an ‘Upper Prep for Hire’ venture, asking staff, family and friends for possible tasks in return for a minimum donation of £5.

Deputy head (pastoral) Paul Crisell said: “Supporting the local community and demonstrating compassion towards others is an essential strand to a child’s development.

‘At Barrow Hills, our ethos is to create a supportive environment which enables the ‘education’ of the whole child.

“Our focus is not purely on academic achievements – we place equal measure on encouraging children to grow into thoughtful, responsible members of society.”