The spirit of service, kindness and community has been truly alive this year as pupils from Years 9, 10 and 12 came together for Soul in the Community 2026, an inspiring initiative that strengthens Surbiton High School’s relationships with the wider community and puts helping hands and hearts to good use across the borough.
Over two remarkable days, 260 pupils and 60 staff members worked across 18 projects in Kingston, Surbiton, Chessington and New Malden, supporting local schools, charities, churches, care settings and community spaces. The scale of the work was extraordinary, but the greatest impact came from the compassion, enthusiasm and determination shown by every pupil involved.
From clearing overgrown gardens and restoring community spaces, to supporting younger pupils, spending time with older generations and transforming therapeutic environments, pupils embraced every challenge with energy and generosity.
The drive, motivation and leadership demonstrated by pupils and staff throughout the initiative was exceptional. They pushed beyond expectations, discovering new confidence and capabilities while making a genuine difference to the lives of others.
One community partner summed up the impact of their work simply: “I am completely blown away.”
Making a difference, one project at a time
Across the borough, pupils rolled up their sleeves and got involved in projects that created lasting change.
At Castle Hill School, pupils transformed outdoor areas by creating dens, painting sheds, huts, tyres and benches in the nursery playground, while also spending time reading with younger pupils.
At Barnfield Riding School, pupils undertook a major transformation of an overgrown plot, creating a productive allotment for horses and a peaceful outdoor space for disabled riders. Their work will support a charity that helps 88 disabled riders, with staff describing the transformation as “transformative”.
Green spaces across the borough also benefited from pupils’ hard work. At Fishponds, they cleared nettles and brambles, restored pathways, tended rose gardens and supported pollinator planting. At Beverley Park, pupils tackled five-foot weeds, restored pathways, painted rose arches and stained benches to bring a former award-winning rose garden back to life. The results were described by those involved as “epic”.
At the Riverside Garden along the Queen’s Promenade between Surbiton and Kingston, pupils returned to care for the community space they help maintain, weeding, planting and laying mulch to ensure this beautiful area remains a place for everyone to enjoy.
Creating spaces where people can flourish
The impact of Soul in the Community extended far beyond physical improvements. Pupils created spaces where people could connect, learn and feel supported.
At Maple Infants, Surbiton, pupils transformed outdoor play areas with vibrant colour, painted fences, planters and sheds, created outdoor stages and built an exciting F1 scooter track. The project had an “outstanding impact”, creating new opportunities for children to play, explore and learn.
At St John’s School, pupils created “The Orchard”, a calm outdoor relaxation area designed to support children who benefit from a quieter space during break times. They also spent time reading with pupils and supporting classroom activities. The project was described as “feel good” by those involved, reflecting the positive atmosphere created.
At Christ Church School, pupils transformed outdoor spaces by painting fences and blackboards, creating an outdoor classroom, building a funnel water feature and developing a new “Walk of Wonder” where children can explore and enjoy nature. The project created a “huge” impact for the school community.
Supporting well-being and connection
Pupils also played an important role in supporting organisations that provide vital services across the borough.
At CAMHS (Children’s Mental Health Services) at Tolworth Hospital, pupils transformed sterile rooms and corridors into colourful, welcoming therapy spaces. Their creativity helped create environments that feel warmer and more supportive for young people accessing mental health services.
At Edith Gardens, a tranquil space for young people with special needs, pupils restored planting areas, weeded, planted flowers and cared for seating areas, helping protect an important community oasis.
At Latchmere Recreation Ground, pupils painted cargo containers, sanded and stained picnic tables, refreshed park benches and improved fencing, helping to enhance a valued public space.
Building friendships across generations
One of the most powerful aspects of Soul in the Community was the opportunity for pupils to connect with people of all ages.
At Raleigh House, a day centre for older people, pupils built and gifted a lightwood ball maze game to support motor skills activities. They spent time chatting, sharing stories, making cups of tea and singing together.
At Surbitonian Gardens care home, pupils created another lightwood ball maze game, joined residents for gardening, puzzles and board games, and enjoyed meaningful conversations. The experience created “inter-generational happiness”, with pupils and residents forming genuine connections.
At St Peter’s Church, Norbiton, pupils served a Vintage Banquet for parishioners, played games, chatted and helped improve the church grounds through planting, weeding and building a compost den.
At St Mary’s Church, Long Ditton, pupils supported the toddler group, helped at a parish lunch, performed a music recital and cared for the churchyard.
The joy of these connections was perhaps best captured at Christ Church, where pupils hosted a teddy bears’ picnic for toddlers and prepared lunch for elderly visitors. When asked, they happily performed ABBA songs, creating a memorable afternoon that left guests delighted.
One visitor shared: “Our guests were so delighted to feel that they mattered even to such young pupils.”
Another commented: “Every one of you made such a wonderful impression and left us in an exceptional state of happiness.”
A legacy of compassion and leadership
Soul in the Community 2026 has shown that learning extends far beyond the classroom. Pupils have not only developed practical skills; they have demonstrated resilience, empathy, leadership and a commitment to serving others.
They have shown what it means to be human: to be compassionate, selfless and willing to make a difference.
As one community partner reflected: “Your pupils were absolute credits to your school.”
We are incredibly proud of every pupil and member of staff who contributed to making Soul in the Community 2026 such a success. Through their dedication and generosity, they have created a lasting legacy of kindness across the borough and shared more ‘soul’ in the community.
View the full photo album below.
