On Saturday 3 May, 35 boys from the Second Form, along with four students from the Lower Sixth and staff, took part in our fourth annual Sleep Out in support of Transform Housing & Support. This event was created to raise both awareness and funds for those experiencing homelessness, and to allow students to briefly step into the shoes of those who endure life without secure shelter.
Representatives from Transform Housing, Natalie and Georgie, joined us to explain how the money raised will directly support people transitioning into housing. Donations will go towards “home packs” — sets of essential items such as bedding, basic kitchenware, and cleaning products — that help individuals begin again with dignity and some sense of stability.
The sleep out itself was a stark reminder of how difficult life can be without the security of a warm bed and roof overhead. Even with dry weather and the safety of a school setting, the experience was challenging. This was just one night — for many, it’s every night. That contrast sat heavily with all of us. It reinforced just how fortunate we are and why this issue demands greater understanding and action.
The boys constructed makeshift shelters from cardboard and attempted to settle down for the night. The discomfort and vulnerability they felt sparked conversations about the harsh realities faced by people who are rough sleeping, many of whom are overlooked in daily life.
By the following morning, a strong sense of reflection had taken root. The Sleep Out was a small but meaningful gesture — one that highlighted a deeply entrenched social issue. Nearly £5,500 has been raised so far, and while this will go some way in supporting individuals through Transform Housing, it is also a call to continue working toward a society where no one is left without a place to call home.