Immanuel College in Bushey is looking to raise £1 million in a crowdfunding appeal later this month to cover Covid-related expenditure.
The 36-hour campaign over October 18 and 19 will support families who have been financially hit by the pandemic, as well as meet the cost of protective measures and additional IT.
Following an urgent digital meeting of parents this week, Lynda Dullop, the fee-paying school’s director of business development, said that £500,000 had already been pledged.
Large donors and trusts had also agreed to match every new donation.
“We are aiming to raise £1 million but hope to achieve £1.2 million which would provide the college with the financial stability it requires during this difficult period,” she said.
“In the event that we are unable to raise all the funds, we will sadly have to re-evaluate the level of support we are able to provide to the Immanuel community.”
She said the school was “ supporting existing parents who are experiencing financial hardship due to the effects of Covid-19.
“These are good people who have always paid fees and have had to go through a rigorous means-tested financial process in order to be awarded this financial assistance, which we hope will be temporary.
“However, due to the inherent uncertainty of the Covid situation and the economic impact on our parents, our support may be required for some time to come.”
The school had also had to invest in additional cleaners and equipment to make the site safe, and in extra IT to teach during lockdown.
