On 22 September 2026, the St. Paul’s Foundation brought together donors, ambassadors, Board members and representatives of the St. Paul’s community for a very special occasion: the unveiling of the Centenary Donor Wall, located in the Foyer of St. Paul’s School.
More than unveiling a new installation in our Centenary year, the evening celebrated the people and families who chose to be part of a collective project: helping to build the future of the St. Paul’s Foundation Scholarship Programme.
A legacy for the next 100 years
Created to celebrate St. Paul’s School’s 100th anniversary, the Centenary Donor Fund supports the St. Paul’s Foundation Scholarship Programme, which today offers young people with the potential to thrive at the school the opportunity to access St. Paul’s world-class international education.
Over the past few months, families, Old Pauleans, partners and friends of the school have come together around this purpose. The Centenary Donor Wall was created to make that mobilisation visible and to recognise those helping to plant the seeds for the next 100 years.
The first names already sit on the Wall today, representing the beginning of a story that will continue to grow alongside our community.
Every name is part of something greater
The design of the Centenary Donor Wall itself captures the idea of growing together.
Its plaques form a structure inspired by a honeycomb: individually, each cell has its own identity; together, they form something far greater and stronger. In the same way, every contribution to the Centenary Donor Fund becomes part of a collective effort to create opportunities and strengthen the future of the Scholarship Programme.
The tree that represents the Centenary Donor Fund completes this symbolism. Its roots represent everything built over St. Paul’s first 100 years; its branches point towards everything we can still build together.
Every name represents a story of generosity, and every new contribution helps this tree continue to grow.
A community that creates opportunities
The unveiling was also an opportunity to celebrate the impact the Scholarship Programme makes both inside and outside the classroom.
Today, around 50 scholars are part of St. Paul’s School, representing approximately 10% of Senior School pupils. Since the Programme began, more than 60 full scholarships have been awarded.
For the Foundation, this impact reaches far beyond the scholars themselves and their families. A school community shaped by different experiences and perspectives broadens learning for everyone, strengthens values such as inclusion, aspiration and responsibility, and helps build a school even more connected to the world around it.
As Martina Oparaocha, St. Paul’s Headteacher, highlighted during the unveiling:
“We have a scholarship programme that invites wonderful people to come and learn at St. Paul’s, and the Wall represents all the donors who have contributed towards that programme, doing life-changing things for many young people. We grew to 50 scholars quite quickly, and the difference has been amazing. It has energised certain parts of the school; it makes sure that, as a community, we have embraced different perspectives right across the board, and in addition, it has introduced many of our pupils to things they would never otherwise see, understand or talk about. It energises fresh conversation in the classroom and brings excellence right across the board, joining our already excellent pupils.”
When opportunity becomes a story
One of the most special moments of the evening came when Manoela, a St. Paul’s Foundation scholar, shared part of her journey with guests.
Having come from a state school, she spoke in her speech about the changes that the opportunity to study at St. Paul’s had brought to different aspects of her life — from food and extracurricular activities to access to a safe, stimulating environment full of new possibilities.
“Before, there were no classrooms and no safe environment to learn in. Now, I have teachers who challenge me, teach me and support me every step of the way. I’ve discovered that I want to study International Relations, and that would never have been possible without this opportunity.”
She closed by thanking those who help make the Programme possible:
“This is an investment that has changed our lives and our families’ lives, and it will also shape the lives of generations to come. Thank you for giving us the chance to build a better future, both personally and professionally.”
The names engraved on the Donor Wall take on even greater meaning: behind every plaque lies a choice to be part of this transformation, and behind that choice, opportunities become real.
The first names in a story that keeps growing
The unveiling of the Centenary Donor Wall did not mark the conclusion of St. Paul’s Centenary campaign — it is, in fact, the beginning of a new chapter.
The names currently on the Wall represent the families, Old Pauleans, partners and friends of St. Paul’s who were among the first to be part of this initiative in our Centenary year.
And there is still room for many more.
With every new contribution to the Centenary Donor Fund, our community helps strengthen the Scholarship Programme and build a legacy that outlasts the Centenary itself.
The tree has already begun to grow, the first seeds have been planted. And this story continues to be written by everyone who chooses to be part of it.
Discover the Centenary Donor Fund and find out how to become part of the Centenary Donor Wall.
