The Blue Coat School Liverpool
Not for oneself, but for all.Blue Coat School Smashes Historic Fundraising Target
Blue Coat School, the oldest school in Liverpool, has marked a remarkable milestone year with a hugely successful fundraising campaign—raising over £3,200 for local charities supporting those most in need.
Founded in 1708 as a charity school in Liverpool city centre, Blue Coat originally provided free education, clothing, food, and housing for orphaned and disadvantaged children. By 1725, the school moved into a purpose-built site—now the Bluecoat Arts Centre—complete with almshouses to support adults facing housing hardship. Three centuries later, the school continues to honour these founding principles.
A Year of Purpose: 300 Years of Community Support
To celebrate the 300th anniversary of the 1725 school building, the Blue Coat community committed to a year-long fundraising effort beginning in March 2025. The initiative supported two charities closely aligned with the school’s origins:
- KIND (Kids In NeeD) – supporting disadvantaged children and families
- The Whitechapel Centre – supporting those experiencing homelessness and housing poverty
Both charities were also celebrating their own 50-year anniversaries, making the collaboration particularly special.
Community Spirit in Action
The project was embraced across the entire school community, from the Headteacher and Trustees to staff, parents, and pupils. Particular recognition goes to the Sixth Form team, whose leadership and energy were central to the campaign’s success. Under the guidance of Ms Salter and Ms Marshall, Sixth Form students organised a wide range of events across all six school houses, demonstrating exceptional commitment, organisation, and community spirit.
Events included:
- Assemblies exploring the school’s history and charitable roots
- Guest speakers from both charities
- Prizegiving keynote from KIND’s Stephen Yip
- Year 9 bake sale, staff-sponsored half-marathon, non-uniform day, and tuck shop at Sports Day
- Sixth Form-led house competitions including talent shows, football and badminton tournaments, table tennis, quizzes, and sponsored runs
- 12 Days of Christmas” foodbank appeal, collecting over 5,600 items for the Whitechapel Centre
However, the initiative extended beyond fundraising:
- Year 12 students volunteered with KIND’s Out of School programme, supporting children during the summer holidays
- Students gained first-hand experience of community service and social impact
A Legacy Continued
This fundraising campaign has not only exceeded expectations financially but has reinforced Blue Coat School’s enduring commitment to its founding mission—supporting those in need within the local community.
Three hundred years on, the school’s values remain as relevant and impactful as ever.
Get In Touch
The Liverpool Blue Coat School,
Church Road, Wavertree,
Liverpool, L15 9EE