All the fun of the fete – and some serious fundraising, too

Founder’s Day 2025 drew large numbers of visitors for the afternoon fete, who helped smash a £25,000 fundraising target.

The day, a traditional highlight of QE’s calendar, began with a service at St John the Baptist Church. That was followed by the formal Roll Call and Reading of the School Chronicle in front of QE’s Main Building.

Then it was time for the Friends of Queen Elizabeth’s Fete to begin on Stapylton Field, where visitors could enjoy dozens of attractions, ranging from a plants stall and coconut shy through to barbecues and tents offering cuisine from around the world.

Headmaster Neil Enright: “Founder’s Day 2025 was a tremendous day from start to finish. The fete was very enjoyable, with great food and diverse cultural entertainment on the stage. Even the weather seemed to be on our side: although it was a hot day, we were blessed with a little cloud and even some (unforecast) light rain – it all helped keep everyone cool.”

“I am extremely pleased to be able to report that we have raised £40,904.50 – and still rising! That is a magnificent sum significantly exceeding both this year’s £25,000 target and the amount raised last year. My thanks to everyone who gave generously.”

“I congratulate and thank all those involved in making Founder’s Day 2025 such a terrific success – especially the FQE Fete Committee, who have spent countless hours organising the fete over many months, and their small army of parent volunteers who turned out on the day. I should also mention our prefect team, who also worked tirelessly throughout the day.”

The service at the parish church featured a selection of hymns and readings, as well as music from the School Choir, Junior Barbershop Group and three young organists – Arthur Wang, Year 7; Gabriel Ward, Year 8; and Zach Fernandes, of Year 9.

The guest speaker was 2015 School Captain Norbert Sobolak. He spoke powerfully to the Year 7 boys in the congregation, reminding them of the achievements of Old Elizabethans Demis Hassabis (1988–1990) and Mustafa Suleyman (1995–2002). The pair were among the three co-founders of leading AI company, DeepMind, while last year, Sir Demis won a Nobel prize for Chemistry.

“Dream so big it scares you,” Norbert said. “Build your own path, even when the world says no. Never, ever give up. And I promise you: you will not just change your life; you will change the world.”

After the service, the staff, dressed in academicals, made their way to the School with the rest of the congregation for the lunchtime Roll Call and Reading of the School Chronicle (a history of notable events in the School’s history) in front of Main Building.

The fete was well attended. The programme includes more details about the event, as well as articles and advertisements from the fete’s supporters.

Among the most popular attractions was the bowl-at-a-teacher stall, making use of the cricket cage. As well as music from QE ensembles, there were colourful displays of dancing on the stage, while the Main School Hall housed an archival display that included QE’s founding charter of 1573.

Among those who enjoyed the chance to examine the charter were representatives of the QE Global Schools programme, from Global Education (GEDU), who attended the celebrations and supported the day.

As well as takings on the day, the fundraising total was boosted by the sale of advertising, by giving online, and by sponsored House competitions held by both the Music and PE departments.

Funds raised will be put towards the complete refurbishment of two Biology laboratories, helping QE to respond effectively to the growing demand for subject-specific science laboratories as the numbers taking A-level sciences has risen in recent years. There is still time to donate: the dedicated Founder’s Day JustGiving page remains open.

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