AKS Lytham Foundation Patrons Lunch celebrates community, impact and future ambitions

On Friday 7th November, AKS welcomed guests to the third annual Foundation Patrons Lunch in the OAKS Hall. The event provided a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the progress made over the past 12 months while expressing heartfelt gratitude to those who have supported the Foundations ongoing work. Alongside supporting our first cohort of fully funded transformational bursary recipients who are now in Year 13, we were delighted to welcome two new students this September - one joining Senior School and one starting Sixth Form.

During the lunch, Sarah Walton, Director of Marketing, Development and Engagement shared the progress made so far. A total of £316,936 has been raised since the Foundation launched on 5th May 2023 up to 31st August 2025. This has exceeded expectations and is driving strong momentum toward the Change Their World bursary appeal target of £1.6 million. The campaign will enable 10 new students to join AKS on transformational bursaries from Year 7 to Year 13, opening doors for talented local young people who would otherwise not have the opportunity to access an AKS education.

Sarah Walton also reaffirmed the Foundations broader purpose. The ultimate goal is to be an enabler of social mobility for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds in our local area through the philanthropic efforts of the school and alumni community.

“What began as an ambitious vision in 2019 to widen access to an AKS education has now taken firm root with measurable impact and growing momentum”, said Chris Dickson, Chair of the AKS Lytham Foundation.

David Harrow, Headmaster at AKS said:
“As we have welcomed our second cohort of transformational bursary students this September, I dare say that some will contribute to the schools story in an immediate and visible way, emulating last year’s Sixth Form who raised aloft the Lancashire Cup in rugby and notched us a super 45 percent A*/A grades at A level. Others though will make a difference in more diverse ways and over time, for example by embarking on a medical career to help others or by realising their potential as sportspeople or performers and bring joy and inspiration to another generation.”

Guests enjoyed performances from the AKS Prep School Chamber Choir and a performance from the senior school student leads from the forthcoming AKS musical Les Misérables.

Attendees also heard how alumni continue to enhance the schools careers programme. The expertise, mentorship and professional insight of former students are broadening horizons for pupils in Senior School and Sixth Form helping them gain a clearer view of potential pathways beyond AKS.

Looking ahead, Sarah Walton shared with guests the Foundations new regular giving campaign GameChanger which will raise funds to provide fully funded sports scholarships for talented young athletes. The scholarships will cover tuition fees and essential extras so that every student can thrive both in the classroom and on the field.

For more information about the AKS Lytham Foundation or to learn how you can support its work, please contact Sarah Walton Director of Marketing, Development and Engagement at sarah.walton@akslytham.com or 01253 784100