PUPILS at Bryanston School have raised a record-breaking amount for a charity that tackles the hardships of homelessness.

A series of student-led initiatives raised more than £11,500 for YMCA Bournemouth.

The fundraising began with a longstanding tradition on April 27 with a whole school walk which saw pupils meander through a scenic 10km route through the school’s bluebell-lined woodland and the surrounding Dorset countryside.

A Year 12 pupil rallied classmates to run the course for sponsorship.

Joined by 20 fellow runners and supported by staff, her efforts raised more than £5,600. Cakes were also baked and sold at checkpoints to boost the fundraising total.

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On May 2, more than 100 year 12 pupils spent the night on Bryanston’s floodlit AstroTurf for the A3 Sleep Out.

The pupils braved the chill in specially crafted cardboard shelters, a symbolic gesture inspired by the YMCA’s call to “sleep out for one night so that others don’t have to.”

This marks the fourth year Bryanston has taken part in the YMCA initiative, with the event sponsored by Dorset-based law firm Steele Raymond.

A cardboard shelter design competition at the sleep out, judged by Steele Raymond chairman, Tim Stone and Bryanston head, Richard Jones Picture: Branston School

Pupils warmed themselves with hot chocolate and biscuits, and Steele Raymond treated the pupils to Domino’s Pizza, ensuring morale remained high during the night.

Head of charities and outreach, Hannah Fearnley, said: “A sense of community is at the heart of a Bryanston education, and this project has had a huge impact on our pupils.

“They have raised awareness about homelessness in young people of their own age and have made great efforts to raise money to provide homes for those in need.

“We have surpassed last year’s total and indeed every other school in our area – this is a great achievement, and we hope it will make a meaningful difference.

“We’d like to take this opportunity to say a huge thanks to our Bryanston family and friends for their support of the pupils.”

YMCA Bournemouth chief executive Gareth Sherwood personally contacted Bryanston to congratulate them on the record-breaking effort, highlighting that it was the highest amount raised by any school through a standalone event.