In rural Framlingham, Thomas Mills High School has produced a remarkable amount of money for charity.

Once a year, students are allowed to come to school in non-uniform (with a focus on costumes) for £2 in order to raise money for charity.

“I think the costumes are the best part as they signify we can raise money by having some fun.” said head teacher, Philip Hurst. The teachers also dress up in costumes.

“Mrs Sholl, Head of Art, was a very convincing Cruella De Vil.  Mr Heath, Head of Languages, was a very unique Barbie,” said Hurst, giving some examples of his favourite costumes this year.

The school managed to raise an outstanding amount of over £2000 for Comic Relief. This incredible figure has been maintained with constancy over the years (aside from COVID-19 years) showing the school’s exceptional ability to raise a significant amount for charity which “will make a great difference to good causes,” according to Hurst.

This raises the question of what, exactly, makes this rural school so successful in achieving this amazing amount?

“I think the stand-out feature for Charity Day is that it is led by the entrepreneurial leadership of the Sixth Form,” said Hurst, believing that the Sixth Form’s leadership contributes to the success of the day, as it is a very unique decision in comparison to other schools that allows the students to learn characteristics of leadership.

“[The students] also enjoy the non-uniform aspect,” said Hurst, “By focusing on one day [rather than numerous fundraisers throughout the year] we make it that more special.”

Other things that have previously made the day special and contributed to its success include: all-day Zumba; bake sales; and charity concerts which have previously been endorsed by Ed Sheeran, a previous student of the school.