Development

Development Director's introduction

Channing School has created a strong sense of community over its 125 year history. With pupils drawn mainly from the local area and generations of the same families sending their daughters to the School, Channing is warmly regarded as a very special girls’ school.

The School has always been a charitable foundation. Over the course of our history, Channing has benefited from the legacy of the founders and the careful financial management of Headmistresses, Bursars and Governors. Our focus now is on the future. We must maintain the fabric of our estate, move with the times and above all retain and enhance the broad education and ethos that motivated Emily and Matilda Sharpe, along with Rev. Robert Spears, to establish the School.

Development Officer Nicole Sharman joined the Channing administrative team in 2006. Nicole’s networking and organisational skills were soon harnessed and channelled towards alumnae relations, creating reunions and events to bring former pupils and old friends back to the School. Her success in reaching alumnae and the ‘feel good’ factor they have enjoyed in reconnecting with the School has spurred us to develop these contacts further.

Development Director Jill Segal was appointed in late-2009 to build on the work that had been initiated by Nicole. Jill brings experience from many fields. She trained as a barrister and has worked in the performing and visual art sectors, managing artists and promoting large events. She has raised funds for educational charities and was a Channing pupil herself in the 1960s.

The Development team is committed to re-establishing contact with an increasing number of alumnae: to give them the opportunity to reconnect with the School that helped shape their lives; to attend reunions and events and to locate lost friends. We aim to enhance networking possibilities between Old Girls and the current pupils who are looking to follow in their footsteps. Importantly, we hope to provide a platform for sourcing future investment in the School.

We are exploring ways to ensure that the Channing spirit continues to flourish and grow in the coming years. We have to take stock of what we have, recognise our strengths and weaknesses, and we must assess the coming changes in the way we work, learn, develop life skills and enhance our natural talents.

The Development Office is located at the centre of the School on the first-floor landing of Haigh House. This gives us an insight into the daily ebb and flow of Channing life. It positions us to see all that is special about the girls and allows us to assess ways to enable the preservation and development of all things ‘Channing’ in this changing world. Our door is always open - we hope you will take the opportunity to drop in and see us.

Direct line: 020 8347 2725
jsegal@channing.co.uk   nsharman@channing.co.uk