Acland Burghley school is a renowned and celebrated example of Brutalist architecture in the heart of our north London community.
The Assembly Hall with its unique hexagonal design was, for many years, the jewel in the school’s crown. Uniquely designed to be a community and arts space for both students and the local community, it became known for showcasing excellence in drama, music and dance.
Now, we’re embarking on a capital appeal to fund the renovation of the Assembly Hall and bring back this very special place to the heart of our community – a Hall for All.
- The Brutal Climb
UPDATE: We did it! We reached well above target and raised over £35,000 for the Hall for All. Thank you to everyone who donated and a big well done to the students who took part in the event. A great time was had by all!
Over 500 of Acland Burghley year 7s, 8s and 9s scaled the heights of Highgate and Hampstead, visiting Modernist and Brutalist buildings such as High Point, Number 2 Willow Road and the Whittington Estate. At Highpoint, they were even lucky enough to be invited inside by three of the residents who talked to them about the architecture and history of the iconic apartment block. The young people also reached the summit of Kite Hill, their cause emblazoned on the big red flags they carried throughout the Brutal Climb: A Hall for All – the final countdown.
With building work now set to start in the second half of 2026, the school continues to fundraise for the £140,000 community fundraising target to make up the shortfall.
To raise money towards the final amount, students in Years 7 to 9 will be doing a Brutal Climb on Friday 5 December. They will scale the heights of Highgate and Hampstead, visiting other local Modernist and Brutalist icons such as High Point, Number 2 Willow Road, and the Whittington Estate.We have one week to make a major push. During the Big Give Christmas Challenge Week from Tuesday 2 December to Tuesday 9 December, every pound you donate will be doubled, at no extra cost to you, up to £18,500. Please sponsor our students on their Brutal Climb. It takes less than a minute.
Previous updates
To fully restore and renovate the Assembly Hall we need to find funding from our local community and other potential donors. That’s anyone who shares our determination to bring back this visionary space and recreate a vitally needed Hall for All.
Some people will be motivated by the incredible heritage of the Brutalist architecture, both its values and design. Some will be motivated by the world-class acoustics and the pioneering residency of the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment at the school. But what motivates all of us is our community’s genuine need for a safe, affordable space that is open and accessible to everyone.
The clock is ticking. We are making progress towards our target of £300,000
We have some inspiring, dynamic and innovative partners behind this project and the school and students are doing all that they can. The big push now is to raise the final £300,000 from our local community. We have already raised over £187,000.
It’s a huge task, but we hope that you’ll be able to give generously. We have a number of opportunities at different levels and would love the opportunity to talk to you about how you could help fund a Hall for All.
Donor options
Hall for All Supporter – £30
- Hall for All tote bag
- news and events updates
- invitation to the school’s Creating Excellence Together event
Seat Sponsor – £20 PER MONTH
- your name will be showcased on a digital display before every performance
- go behind-the-scenes with a renovation tour
- tickets to an event hosted by the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment
- Hall for All tote bag
Brutalist Patron – £1,000
- your name will be forever displayed on a plaque at the venue
- go behind-the-scenes with a renovation tour
- tickets to an event hosted by the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment
- Hall for All tote bag
Stage Patron – £10,000
- exclusive opportunity of a complimentary hall rental for your own private event
- your name will be forever displayed on a plaque at the venue
- go behind-the-scenes with a renovation tour
- tickets to an event hosted by the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment
- Hall for All tote bag
It is also possible to donate via cheque. Please make cheques payable to: Acland Burghley Trust and send to:
Acland Burghley Trust
c/o Finance Manager
Acland Burghley School
Burghley Road
London NW5 1UJ
If you pay tax in the UK, don’t forget to download the Gift Aid form. Acland Burghley School Trust can reclaim the basic rate tax (25%) on your gift at no extra cost to you. So, if you donate £10, it’s worth £12.50 to the Trust.
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Our door-drop campaign of letters written and produced by students was delivered to around 10,000 homes in the first week of Decemeber – thanks to all who helped despite the weather!
Credits:
- Architectural images: Reed Watts Architects
- Photography: Jasper Abbey
- Video: Schools On Screen