On Friday 10 May, Princethorpe College played host to a special donor celebration, held in appreciation of those who generously support the work of the Princethorpe Foundation. Organised by the Development Team, the event welcomed supporters from across the Foundation community – including Old Princethorpians, former and current parents, and staff past and present.

Guests enjoyed a memorable evening, beginning with a warm welcome from Foundation Principal, Ed Hester. Ed shared excerpts from Peeps of Princethorpe, the magazine of our heritage school St Mary’s Priory, which inspired the event’s name. Foundation Archivist Jo Wong then offered a captivating glimpse into some of the Foundation’s hidden history, sparking great interest and conversation.

The evening continued with an exclusive tour of the College, giving guests the rare opportunity to explore areas not typically open to pupils or parents. These included the Organ Loft, Cellar and historic Cider Cellar, as well as heritage-rich spaces such as Little Switzerland, the Nun’s Library, the main Library, and the iconic Quad.

Following the tour, guests gathered for a relaxed buffet reception, where conversation and connections flourished. Development Director Steve Kowal said:

"We’d like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us for this year’s ‘Peeps of Princethorpe’ event. We hope you enjoyed discovering more about our Foundation’s remarkable history and the strong sense of community that continues to grow today. Your support makes a real difference – helping us to provide exceptional educational opportunities for our pupils. Thank you for being part of the Princethorpe Foundation family."

The event was a great success, with many guests leaving with a renewed appreciation for the Foundation’s story and impact. We look forward to welcoming supporters to similar events in the future.

To learn more about the work of the Development Team, please visit connect.princethorpe.co.uk/supportus or email makingadifference@princethorpe.co.uk.