The recent fine weather continued just long enough for the vast and eclectic array of stalls and activities that have become the cornerstone of September Saturday, Westminster’s big annual fundraising day.

2023 was, as ever, a great success with money raised still being counted, but likely to equal the £30,000 of 2022. Already confirmed is that £18,000 was generated by a silent auction, with the star lot being a soiree with the Head Master, going for more than £2,000.

The usual mix of stalls saw traditional fair games (splat the rat, and a coconut shy in the fives courts) as well as some more modern (Pie the Scholar!), sales of books, uniform and branded school items, and plenty of food and drink, notably the Grant’s Pizzeria, which managed to shift 200 pizzas in just two hours.

There was also a return for the popular Westminster Woofminster, our enjoyably chaotic competition that pits the finest Westminster pooches against one another across various categories such as Waggiest Tail, Best Paw Shaker and Most Like Its Owner.

Taking home Woofminster Best in Show was Essie, and SMC choice was Bentley.

Whilst the day was all fun and games it had a serious objective, to raise as much as possible for one of the School’s most loved charity partners, as well as for the great wealth of volunteer work that pupils take part in.

Westminster Phab is an annual residential week that has been running for more than 40 years, in partnership with national charity Phab. The week creates opportunities for dozens of young men and women to come together to have fun learn new skills, try different activities, explore London and make new friends. A wide range of classes and workshops are offered throughout the week, and participants work towards a public performance for family and friends on the final day. The funds from September Saturday will help see this phabulous event continue to flourish.

Westminster School also works with several organisations to offer our pupils much valued volunteering opportunities. These include local care homes, hospital trusts, care homes, homeless centres, primary schools and youth clubs, including Westminster House in Nunhead. Many of these institutions are registered charities in their own right and so money raised will add to the funds needed to help support them in their important work.

Reflecting on another successful year, Jeremy Kemball, Deputy Head, who oversees the School’s partnership work, said: “September Saturday is more than just a school event; it’s a tradition that has become deeply ingrained in the Westminster school culture. Over the years, this has become a cornerstone of the school’s commitment to community building. This year proved to be another successful fun-filled event which gave pupils the chance to use their skills and imagination for such a great cause.

“Our sincere appreciation goes to the Westminster School Parents’ Committee, as well as all those who contributed a tremendous amount of work to make this event such a success once again.”