Old Princethorpians

We're excited to announce a significant development in our school's new Science Centre – the naming of a Chemistry laboratory as The Bruce Townsend Laboratory. This designation serves as a tribute to Bruce Townsend, a prominent figure in the field of Chemical Engineering, and a former parent who now has a grandson at Princethorpe College.

Born on 25 July 1929, Bruce Townsend was among the pioneering students who pursued Chemical Engineering at University College London during the 1950s.

Bruce's professional journey aligned with the transformation of Courtaulds, a company originally rooted in silk spinning in the 18th Century. Under his guidance, Courtaulds evolved into a global leader in man-made fibers by blending chemicals with wood pulp fibre. Notably, Bruce played a pivotal role in establishing wood pulp mills in Swaziland, involving intricate negotiations with tribal leaders to secure necessary resources.

Advancing in his career, Bruce assumed the role of Chief Executive of Research at Courtaulds, positioning him at the forefront of scientific innovation. His commitment to exploration led to groundbreaking discoveries, including Alginate – a revolutionary substance combining chemicals with sea kelp, transforming wound dressings and patient care.

Bruce's contributions were acknowledged with the Queen's Awards for Export and Technology in 1989, highlighting the vital role of Chemical Engineers in addressing global challenges related to water, energy, food, and well-being.

Believing in the importance of nurturing the next generation of scientists, Bruce's infectious enthusiasm and charisma left a lasting impact on all who crossed his path. The Bruce Townsend Lab is a testament to his legacy, providing an advanced platform for hands-on experiments, research, and collaborative learning, nurturing a passion for science among our students.

By attaching Bruce Townsend's name to this laboratory, we honour his lasting impact on Chemical Engineering and his unwavering belief in the power of scientific exploration. This lab embodies our commitment to nurturing young minds and fostering a deep appreciation for science.

The naming of The Bruce Townsend Lab signifies more than just recognition – it represents our school's dedication to providing pupils with the tools they need to excel in the scientific realm. We move forward with Bruce's legacy as an inspiration, fuelling our aspirations for a brighter scientific future.

We are really grateful for all the support from OPs which has played a key part in bringing our state-of-the-art Science Centre to life. Your generosity has already made a huge difference to the future of science education at Princethorpe and we are excited to embark on the next chapter of our journey together. With your invaluable contributions, pupils have already begun to thrive and witness the boundaries of scientific exploration expand within our walls. It is your commitment to nurturing the curious minds of our pupils that drives our pursuit of excellence in science education.

We are thrilled to present a selection of initiatives that will shape the future of science education at Princethorpe College, and we invite you to be a part of this transformative journey once again. These opportunities promise to enrich the educational experience of our pupils and amplify the impact of the Science Centre you helped make a reality.

• Scholars of Tomorrow: By contributing to our Science Bursary Fund, you can directly impact the lives of young science scholars. Your generosity will enable deserving pupils to pursue their passion for science, ensuring that financial constraints never hinder their pursuit of knowledge.
  
  
• Inspiring Minds through Lectures: Join us in bringing world-class scientists and thought leaders to our school. By sponsoring our Science Lecture Series, you can ensure that our pupils continue to be inspired by those at the forefront of scientific exploration.
  
  
• Lab of Discovery: Imagine your name etched on the door of a cutting-edge science laboratory. Your support can continue to inspire future scientists by providing vital resources and technology for our pupils. This is an opportunity to leave an enduring legacy of scientific advancement.

We understand that your support has already made a significant impact, and we are immensely grateful for your generosity. These initiatives build upon the strong foundation we've established together, and we hope you will consider joining us once more in shaping the future of science education at Princethorpe College.

Your commitment has been instrumental in making our school a hub of scientific exploration and achievement. If you would like to learn more about any of these initiatives or discuss how you can continue to be part of this exciting journey, please feel free to reach out to our Development Team directly.

Thank you for believing in the power of education and science to change lives. Together, we can inspire the next generation of scientists and continue to make extraordinary strides in the world of discovery.

We are excited to announce a unique opportunity to become an integral part of The Princethorpe Foundation. Are you passionate about strengthening connections with alumni, supporting meaningful relationships with donors, and contributing to the growth and development of our beloved institution? If so, we invite you to consider joining our team as an Alumni Relations and Development Officer.

Why This Role Matters: At The Princethorpe Foundation, our Development Office plays a pivotal role in advancing our mission. We are dedicated to forging robust relationships and securing strategic support to ensure the future success of our Foundation. The funds we raise go a long way in expanding access to a Princethorpe education through bursaries, enhancing the overall pupil experience, and improving our facilities. These efforts cultivate a community of engaged stakeholders who advocate for and contribute to our pupils and the wider community.

While this role is open to candidates beyond our alumni community, we believe that your connection to Princethorpe is a valuable asset. We invite our alumni to consider this exciting opportunity and play an active role in shaping the future of our institution.

You can find out more here.

The Annual Fund is the cornerstone of philanthropy at The Princethorpe Foundation and allows parents, supporters, and friends in the wider community to make a voluntary contribution to support the school. Those who give to this fund, including many members of staff, have the satisfaction of knowing that their donations have a significant impact. Such gifts touch the lives of every pupil in all our schools, every day of the year.

Each year, this fund supports the purchase of necessary academic and co-curricular equipment, ensures educational, enrichment and entertainment opportunities for pupils, and helps maintain the Schools’ academic and sporting facilities. The Annual Fund helps us to move forward with our plans to improve and develop the schools and the teaching and learning experiences that take place within them.

Gifts to this fund are unrestricted, allowing the Foundation’s leadership to determine where support is most needed, and can do the most good. The Annual Fund contributions are at the heart of all that we do, and all that we give to our pupils.

Every contribution is meaningful, regardless of amount and many of our supporters choose to make regular contributions, monthly or annually, big or small. These regular donations are helpful and popular as they provide critical and predictable support for the School, year on year, whilst also allowing donors to plan their giving. Those that give regularly, make a significant difference to our pupils' experiences.

Every year, parents, grandparents, Old Princethorpians, staff and friends of the Foundation donate to the Annual Fund. We invite you to help us by donating to the Annual Fund.

To find out more or make a donation visit the school website here.