Channing School and Highgate Newtown Community Partners (HNCP) celebrate Community Centre Opening

Last month, a landmark moment took place in the heart of Highgate as the newly redeveloped Highgate Newtown Community Centre officially opened its doors. Among the invited guests and local dignitaries were students and staff from Channing. The occasion was a celebration of shared purpose, community service, and a partnership that continues to grow in both scope and impact.

Our contribution to the opening event was emblematic of our ethos: students performed music, supported with event administration, and Headmistress Lindsey Hughes spoke about the deep collaboration between the school and HNCP. Her remarks celebrated the journey we have taken together and looked ahead to the promise of even greater community involvement, now supported by the new centre’s expanded facilities.

What began as a modest collaboration has flourished into a comprehensive initiative, with Channing School and HNCP co-developing programmes that directly address the needs of local residents—from children in lower-income households to older community members seeking connection and support. At the heart of this work is Education+, an ambitious, multi-school enrichment programme supported and coordinated by Channing. The initiative is designed to provide opportunities for students who may face academic, financial, or social challenges—offering everything from Latin and Science Clubs to summer camps, STEM lectures, debating workshops, and career guidance.

Since its inception, Education+ has grown to include pupils from a wide range of partner schools, such as Brookfield Primary, St. Aloysius’ College, Whitehall Park, St. Joseph’s, and LaSWAP schools like La Sainte Union and Acland Burghley. Sessions often take place at Channing or its partner schools and are led by both staff and Channing pupils, encouraging peer-to-peer learning, confidence building, and inter-school camaraderie. Guest lectures from academics and creatives—such as Professor Danny Dorling and poet Harry Baker—add inspiration and depth to the programme.

One of the highlights of Education+ is the annual HNCP Summer Camp, held at Channing Junior School. Since 2021, this week-long experience has welcomed children from six local primary schools, with a clear focus on inclusivity: 80% of attendees are eligible for free school meals and nearly 25% have Special Educational Needs. From creative literacy sessions and money management workshops to team-building games and laser tag, the camp offers an exciting, well-rounded experience that builds both academic skills and self-confidence. The feedback has been unanimous—every child said they wanted to return.

“I really like the camp because of all the teachers. I liked drama the best.”

“I like computing best because you got to make a game, and it was really fun.”

“It helped me step out of my comfort zone.”

“I liked being active rather than staying at home!”

Running alongside Education+ is Communitea, a monthly event hosted in Channing’s dining hall where older residents are invited for tea, cake, music, and digital help. Students volunteer their time to chat, teach guests how to use mobile phones or tablets, and share stories across generations. The warmth and joy in the room each month are unmistakable, and the programme—entirely funded by Channing—has become a cherished staple of community life.

Headmistress Lindsey Hughes captured this sentiment perfectly during her speech at the opening: this partnership is not a short-term project but a lasting, evolving commitment to mutual growth and shared well-being. It reflects Channing School’s long-standing mission to extend education beyond the classroom and into the lives of those who need it most.