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Community & Partnerships

Community Partnerships Programme

Our Community Partnerships Programme is designed to strengthen connections and create meaningful opportunities for everyone involved. It is built around three core areas:

  • Personal Enrichment – Supporting individual growth and well-being through initiatives that inspire learning, creativity, and confidence.
  • Collaborative Partnerships – Working closely with schools, parents, residents, and local businesses to share resources, expertise, and ideas that benefit the wider community.
  • Community Classroom – Bringing education beyond traditional boundaries by creating spaces where knowledge, skills, and experiences are shared openly.

We are proud to be part of a strong and supportive community. Our commitment is to foster positive, productive, and caring relationships that make a lasting impact. Through collaboration and shared purpose, we aim to create an environment where everyone can thrive.

 

 

Community Classrooms

Surbiton High School’s highly inclusive and accessible community classrooms create opportunities for everyone – young people, parents, and local residents – to engage in meaningful learning. These courses range from adult evening classes and extended courses with recognised qualifications to hands-on weekend workshops. See below for our current and upcoming classes.

Topic Boxes

Our topic boxes are packed with engaging, hands-on equipment designed to bring KS2 lessons to life. Free to borrow for Primary schools in the local community – these boxes are perfect for inspiring young minds and making learning fun.

Why Choose Topic Boxes? 

  • Curriculum-Aligned: Each box is carefully curated to align with specific National Curriculum topics. 
  • Easy to Use: Simple instructions and clear guidance make it easy for teachers to integrate into their lessons. 
  • High-Quality Equipment: Durable, reliable equipment that’s safe and easy to use. 
  • Flexible Learning: Ideal for group work, paired activities, or individual exploration. 
  • Hassle-Free: We deliver the box to your school and collect it when you’re done. 

Our Topic Boxes 

  • Microbits for Coding 
  • The Heart: Stethoscopes and Oximeters 
  • Electrical Circuits 
  • Chemistry 
  • Forces 
  • Ancient Worlds: Egypt 
  • Percussion 
  • Anatomy- The Digestive System

How it Works 

  • Book Your Box: Simply select your desired Topic Box and preferred delivery and collection dates. 
  • We Deliver: We’ll bring the box straight to your school’s doorstep. 
  • Learn and Explore: Use the equipment to enhance your lessons and inspire your students. 
  • We Collect: We’ll pick up the box at your convenience. 

Book your Topic Box today and let your students discover the joy of hands-on learning. 

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‘Science in Schools’ Programme

The SHS Parents’ Association is proud to continue its support for the Royal Institution Science in Schools programme. This partnership brings exciting and engaging science experiences to local schools. 

The Royal Institution delivers captivating science demonstrations to thousands of pupils from schools across the borough. These interactive and explosive shows ignite a passion for science in young minds. 

We are committed to expanding the programme’s reach and aim to engage even more pupils each year. By supporting this initiative, the Parents’ Association is helping to inspire future scientists and foster a love of learning. 

In 2026, we will be launching a workshop/partnership between schools directly after the science shows, offering schools an opportunity to work together.

Classics Morning led by Sixth Form students

Surbiton High School recently hosted 90 Year 4 pupils from St Andrew’s and St Mark’s Church of England Junior School for an engaging session exploring Ancient Greek history through our Parthenon casts.

Led by Year 12 students, the activities included learning about Greek gods and traditional sacrifices, culminating in a fun reenactment with props and costumes. The visit proved highly beneficial, supporting the visiting pupils’ educational growth while developing communication and leadership skills for our sixth form pupils. Positive feedback highlights the event as a memorable experience for all.

Independent-State School Partnerships

Independent-State School Partnerships both broaden and enhance the experiences available for pupils and staff across all participants. Mutually beneficial relationships are invaluable in sharing support, knowledge and resources so that everyone gains; together we are stronger. Older pupils lead a range of ‘lessons’ and book clubs at neighbouring schools; leaders gain self-confidence, presentation skills and a genuine sense of selflessness. Clubbers can gain inspiration, knowledge and older, ‘cool’ friends. 

Year 12 Super Curricular Symposium – Launching in 2026, and working in partnership with Wilson’s School, Sutton.

Surbiton Community Bank

Supporting Local Families Since 2023

Two years ago, Surbiton High School launched a Community Bank to address the pressing needs faced by local residents. This initiative began as a response to challenges within our community, inspiring staff and pupils to work together to organise donations and provide essential support.

What We Do

Our Community Bank collects and distributes donations in four key categories:

  • Hygiene Products
  • Baby & Maternity Supplies
  • School Supplies
  • Toys & Books

Dedicated teams of volunteers – made up of staff and pupils – meet weekly to manage inventory, sort and store donated items and ensure everything is ready for our monthly Community Bank Pop-Up events.

Monthly Pop-Ups

Each month, families and individuals are warmly welcomed to visit our pop-up shop, where they can access essential items free of charge. These events have become a vital lifeline for many, offering not only practical support but also an open and friendly space. Our new personal shopper experience ensures every visitor feels heard, supported, and valued.

How We Make It Happen

The Community Bank relies on:

  • Generous donations from our community
  • Volunteer time from staff and pupils
  • Cash contributions, which are essential for purchasing items that are not readily donated

This funding helps us maintain a steady supply of goods, ensuring families in need receive the essentials they deserve.

Beyond providing items, our Community Bank fosters meaningful connections between volunteers and local residents. Together, we are building a stronger, more supportive community.

Harvest Food Bank Collection

We are all aware of the steeply rising costs of food, and many of us are feeling the purse strings tightening. While this is tough for many of us, it is difficult to see that so many in our community are now thrown towards the bread line. SHS’s Harvest mission was to find out how we can help? There are now 4 food banks in Kingston that are trying, but far from succeeding, in allaying the food fears faced by many families, so this year our Harvest Food Bank Collection was for the Kingston Food Bank, run by The Trussell Trust. ‘Just One Tin’ – just one small donation from each of us can make a big difference to the vulnerable families living close by.  

With this in mind, each form group across the School filled a box, with donations – collected across 2 weeks – before delivering the offerings to The Community Fridge for the greater good; understanding and empathising with the needs of those around us.  

We are extremely proud of the love, compassion and generosity of our Surbiton High School community. As well as the crates and crates of food donations, our community raised almost £2000 for the Kingston Food Bank, which will go a long long way to helping those most in need this autumn. 

 Amor Nos Semper Ducat: May Love Always Lead Us. 

Personal Enrichment

Personal Enrichment gives wonderful opportunities for members of our local community and the School to develop through authentic and challenging experiences; these might arise as supporting work with charities or individual project work, global and local. Surbiton High School pupils flourish and thrive in the practical needs of project work and develop confidence and resilience outside of the classroom delivering project outcomes that really are appreciated by the community.

Soul in the Community

The spirit of service, kindness and community is truly alive 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.

  • Castle Hill School, Chessington – Created outdoor play features by painting sheds, huts, tyres and benches, building dens and supporting younger pupils through reading activities.
  • St Peter’s Church, Norbiton – Served a Vintage Banquet for parishioners, spent time chatting and playing games, while improving the grounds through planting, weeding and building a compost den.
  • Barnfield Riding School – Transformed an overgrown plot into a productive allotment for horses and created a peaceful outdoor space for disabled riders.
  • Fishponds – Cleared nettles and brambles, restored pathways, and cared for rose gardens and pollinator beds to improve local green spaces.
  • Raleigh House Day Centre for the Elderly – Built and gifted a lightwood ball maze game, shared conversations, made refreshments and enjoyed singing with residents.
  • CAMHS (Children’s Mental Health Services), Tolworth Hospital – Transformed sterile therapy rooms and corridors into colourful, welcoming and supportive spaces for young people.
  • Latchmere Recreation Ground – Painted cargo containers, restored picnic tables, refreshed park benches and improved outdoor facilities.
  • Maple Infants, Surbiton – Revitalised outdoor play areas with colourful painting, new stages, improved play spaces and an F1 scooter track.
  • St John’s School – Created “The Orchard”, a calm outdoor relaxation area, while supporting pupils through reading and classroom activities.
  • Edith Gardens, Surbiton – Restored a tranquil outdoor space through planting, weeding and caring for seating areas for young people with special needs.
  • Coombe Hill Juniors – Painted fences, supported the school garden, cared for chickens and spent time reading and playing with pupils.
  • St Mark’s Church – Prepared and served a tea and cake morning for older members of the community, while improving the church grounds and restoring benches.
  • Surbitonian Gardens Care Home – Built and gifted a lightwood ball maze game, gardened with residents, and enjoyed puzzles, board games and conversations.
  • Christ Church School – Created an outdoor classroom, painted fences and sheds, built a water feature and developed a new “Walk of Wonder” nature area.
  • St Mary’s Church, Long Ditton – Supported the toddler group, helped at a parish lunch, performed a music recital and improved the churchyard.
  • Beverley Park – Restored a neglected former award-winning rose garden by clearing overgrown areas, improving pathways and restoring seating.
  • Riverside Garden, Queen’s Promenade, Surbiton to Kingston – Maintained the community garden through weeding, planting and laying mulch to support local biodiversity.
  • Christ Church – Hosted a teddy bears’ picnic, served lunch for older visitors, performed ABBA songs and restored the prayer garden through planting and repairs.

 

Year 12 Educational Support and Enrichment

Our Year 12 students support local primary schools. They provide reading coaching and deliver engaging presentations in Biology, Chemistry, and Computing, sharing their knowledge and passion to inspire younger pupils. Additionally, they host interactive workshops, fostering a love for learning and encouraging academic curiosity. 

 

Surbiton Festival

Each year, Surbiton High School is proud to participate in the vibrant Surbiton Festival. Our staff and pupils volunteer their time to join the local community in Claremont Gardens for a day of fun, creativity and community spirit.

From decorating cupcakes to crafting bracelets, our activities are designed to engage young minds and inspire creativity. The Boys’ Prep School choir also adds to the festive atmosphere with their delightful performances. 

We look forward to continuing our involvement in this wonderful community event for many years to come. 

PARTNERSHIPS

Surbiton High School is continuously developing its ties with other schools as we seek to create formal and informal partnerships which can benefit us all. We are committed to strengthening ties with our neighbouring schools to help support all school children of Surbiton and its surrounding communities. We are aligned in our vision to build a better stronger community that supports its young people to be the best that they can be.

This year, we are thrilled to have launched Surbiton Science Partnerships, where we are working with numerous local schools to provide exciting opportunities for science enrichment for pupils and valuable inspiring CPD for staff.

GET INVOLVED

If you are a school, charity, company, or an individual and would like to know more about our community outreach programme please contact Stuart.Bird@surbitonhigh.com.

September Open Events

Senior School & Sixth Form: Saturday 19 September 2026

Prep Schools: Saturday 10 October 2026

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