Last Wednesday, Hunter Hall School, Cumbria’s only standalone preparatory school, launched an emergency appeal to secure £180,000 by today, Wednesday 3 December.  After the schools governing board had announced last Tuesday that the school would close down at Christmas unless the £180,000 could be raised.

With over 373 pledges made in the seven days from, families, alumni, neighbours and well-wishers across the UK, the school’s long-term viability has now been secured with the full amount reached and exceeded with a total of £192,495 pledged.

Pledges to the crowdfunding appeal to save Hunter Hall School from closure have ranged from donations of £10 upto £25,000 from one family. Bells of Lazonby donated £5,000 on behalf of the staff at the company.

Among some of the more recent donations on Wednesday include one for £2,000 from David Coulthard who said “The quality of your Appeal and the obvious determination to succeed in keeping the school open shows through. Really pleased to note that donations over your target will go towards Bursaries, hopefully recovering school numbers. Well done to you all. You are deserving winners.”

Nearly 80 pupils aged 3–11, 20 staff and more than 50 families were facing the devastating loss of not just their school, but a community that has become asecond home for so many. The school has taken significant steps to reduce costs over the past year, including a negotiated rent reduction and staff voluntarily accepting a 7.5% salary cut. Even so, several expected savings have not come through, leaving a financial gap that needed to be urgently bridged.  

Head, Paul Borrows commented: 

“We are hugely grateful for, and have been truly humbled by, the warmth and generosity shown by our school community, as well as the kindness of strangers from across the UK. 

Throughout this challenging time, the team have ensured that it’s been business as usual for the children. They, along with staff, can now look forward to the run up to Christmas and being able to enjoy everything the final two weeks of term has in store. Theatre trips,

choir performances, the Lower School Nativity and Winter Production, a chance for the Upper School children to have a go at curling, Christmas lunch and the annual Carol Concert are all on the packed agenda.” 

The target figure was substantial, especially given the short timeframe. But community spirit coupled with grit and determination from donors has got the school to its target with hours to spare. This emergency funding now gives the school breathing space to continue implementing its long-term plan for financial stability. 

Current parent, Sophie Hodgson said: 

“As a parent, I feel a strong sense of relief: relief at not having to tell my child she won’t be returning to Hunter Hall after Christmas; relief at not having to try and secure a place at another primary school weeks before the Christmas break and relief at being able to meet the new year knowing that the school is on a safe footing for now and the future.

Our heartfelt thanks go to everyone who supported this campaign and helped make this possible.”  

Natalie Harling, Co-chair of Governors said: 

“With this critical fundraising target achieved, we can now look to the future with renewed confidence. Funds secured above the required £180,000 target will go straight into the Hunter Hall Foundation – a bursary fund to enable as many children as possible to benefit from a Hunter Hall education. Thanks to the phenomenal support of our community, past and present, Hunter Hall moves into its 40th year happy, healthy and, most importantly, here.”   

Hunter Hall is Cumbria’s only standalone independent preparatory and pre-school for children aged 3–11. Founded in 1986, it has long been known for its small class sizes, personalised teaching, strong pastoral care and outdoor learning ethos - all of which help children grow in confidence, curiosity and resilience