Central+ is unique to Central Foundation Girls’ School. The students and sixth formers themselves have a role in developing, organising and promoting the range of activities on offer, alongside teachers and support staff. The autonomy that this gives students goes to the heart of the Central Foundation Schools of London ethos. Much of our focus at the Foundation centres around fostering opportunity and supporting the schools to empower the students with opportunities to exercise and develop personal responsibility, as well as excelling academically.

How we fund this is key. Through the grant we receive from the Dulwich Estate we’re able to support the Girls’ School with annual funding for the Central+ programme. We see providing opportunities in music, sports, debating and other activities as a vital part of a rounded education. This is particularly important in the communities the Girls’ School serves as we know our families often have fewer opportunities for their children to explore the world outside of their home than in other areas.

The Foundation ring fences funding annually for the Central+ programme. The figure is determined as part of our financial strategy. This enables the Girls’ School to plan the programme effectively, budgeting to ensure there is a provision within the Central+ programme for all students to access the opportunities. All the activities are either free for students or heavily subsidised, and free to those in receipt of free school meals. This means that every single student has an equal opportunity to experience the programme.

Educational research suggests students who regularly take part in extracurricular activities gain an improved achievement and attainment across a range of curricular subjects and are more likely to go to university and get a job, as well as less likely to be disruptive at home and in school. Anecdotally, the Girls’ School teachers and staff find this to be true.

The excellent roster of activities range from Bengali Club, Debate Mate, All Girls’ Karate, Pop Band, Rock Climbing to Baking and Cooking, Library Study, and Volleyball. The list gives you an immediate snapshot of the comprehensive nature of the activities itself – and an indication of the character and spirit of the students who enjoy them!

Every year it’s a point of pride that an average of 96% of students take part in the Central+ programme take part in the extracurricular activities themselves, student leadership and related community volunteering.

It’s the Foundation’s ambition to help the school expand their offer over the next few years. If you are able to help us do that, we would love you to get in touch.