Hello, my name is Oscar and I am fundraising for my school.

The Staff at Ermysted's have identified a Wish List of items that they would love to purchase to enrich our educational journey - but the school's budget just won't stretch that far. The school needs our help in raising money to bridge the funding gap. I particularly would like to raise funds for the DT Department - they are wanting to buy the following equipment :

Mobile Dust Extraction Unit : £6000

Desktop Laser Cutter : £2000

CNC Router : £6000

Vacuum Former : £5300

Strip Heater : £450

VexV5 Robot : £650

(The computers are also pretty ancient, but all this equipment adds up to over £20K already - I think additional computers would double this and feels like an unachievable target!)

"Grammar schools in England hold a unique position within the educational landscape. Despite their reputation for excellence, grammar schools are currently facing significant funding challenges. Due to its geographical location and designation, Ermysted’s is funded at the minimum level and attracts only very limited amounts of additional revenue streams. Core funding per pupil in North Yorkshire was increased in 2024/25 by 1.9% at the end of a year in when inflation was running at up to 11%. This funding shortfall is a pressing issue for Ermysted’s to ensure the school can continue to provide the highest quality education and environment to support me and my friends."

To address some of the funding shortfall, the Ermysted’s Friends Association are continually raising funds. My Mum, Nicole Ballantyne, is the Chair of the EFA. She is always involved and organising social activities, raffles, supporting the Music Performances, xmas bag packing, group photographs, the School Lottery, 'EasyFundraising', and supporting a team for the Santa Fun Run. The EFA is always open to other ideas.

I am looking forward to taking part in The Great Skipton Santa Fun Run 2025 and helping to raise as much as possible for the huge Wish List the teachers have.

Any donation you make will be brilliant - thank you. (and if you know anyone who would like to buy any of the above pieces of equipment as a charitable act in it's entirety, that would be phenomenal - the school would love to hear from you! Please email : efa@ermysteds.uk)

Thank you very much,

Oscar Overend, Y10 Petyt.