More Than
Just a School
Our Approach
Our mission is simple! To raise funds for Gillespie Primary School so it can continue creating amazing opportunities inside and outside of the classroom for all pupils.
That can mean finding the funds we need for new classroom equipment or talented people to help in the classroom.
So, if you’re hearing about fundraising efforts, seeing invitations to join in or help out, from bake sales to partnerships with businesses and sponsors, most likely that’s FoG in action!
Here’s how we do it – and how you can help out.
How can you help?
Donate
The quickest and most direct way to support is (if you feel able to).
We welcome one-off donations and regular, direct debit contributions.
Match Funding
Many employers offer a match funding scheme.
So, for any donation you make, they will double it. It’s a great way to grow contributions for the school – and the best bit is it won’t cost you anything extra.
Please ask your HR department!
And then get in touch with us and we can help arrange things.
Give Some Time
FoG runs fun, community-led events throughout the year. From bake sales and raffles to the Halloween disco and the big Winter and Summer Fairs, there’s always something to get involved in while your children play with their friends. Help sell, spread the word, set up stalls, decorate spaces and more. Even 20 minutes of your time makes a big difference, collectively!
Connect
We are always looking to partner with local businesses who might be interested in sponsorships.
If that’s you, drop us a line for a chat:
Our Projects
What sorts of projects will the FoG Foundation support?
Here’s a quick overview of our 2025/26 fundraising goals:
Two new, additional teaching assistants to give extra support in the classrooms
An Artist in Residence programme. 1 day per week, for a dedicated art teacher to work across all age ranges on a rolling basis
Modern languages programme. For a dedicated foreign language teacher to support current language learning one day a week at the school.
IT upgrade. A programme to update our interactive whiteboards and learning iPads so the children get more out of their learning experiences – and teaching staff feel more supported
It’s an ambitious list but thanks to your generosity, before summer 2025, we already secured funding for a new Teaching Assistant.
A brilliant start. Now we want to keep going.
Help cover the cost of your child’s school lunches
At Gillespie, every child enjoys a free school lunch every day, saving families around £55 per month per child. This is a fantastic provision and a huge support to families.
However, did you know that the funds provided to Islington schools for this only covers part of that cost and the rest comes out of our school’s budget?
By donating, parents can help bridge the funding gap, allowing the school to spend more on improving the education and opportunities for the children.
FoG needs YOU!
We are always on the lookout for volunteers who can offer skills, experience or can-do energy when it comes to fundraising, grant applications, sponsorships or charity administration.
Please get in touch if you think you can help.
How does it work?
The aim is to keep fundraising simple and fun.
Here’s a snapshot of our process:
A Gillespie Primary School Leadership group provides an overview of funding needs for a school year
A Friends of Gillespie leadership team develops a plan for fundraising to help meet those needs
The Events and Foundation committees collaborate to produce action plans and communications to help inform our community about school fundraising efforts
The FoG Foundation works to develop longer-term engagement with our community inside and outside of school to help fundraising efforts go even further