The Challenge
The independent school sector faces its most disruptive shift in a generation. VAT on fees, removal of reliefs, rising costs, and donor fatigue are combining to create real financial pressure. Enrolment is softening, mid tier families are being priced out, and traditional development models will not sustain bursaries, SEND provision, or capital works on their own.
Our Role
We work with heads, bursars, governors, and development teams to design evidence led, trust rebuilding fundraising. Our support strengthens resilience, maintains access, and reinforces public benefit.
Core Services
Capital Campaign Strategy
Designing major giving campaigns aligned to strategic priorities with clear outcomes and oversight.
Bursary Programme Structuring
Developing transparent bursary schemes with clear donor reporting and credible impact narratives.
Governance Training
Equipping governors to steward both policy and patronage in a politically sensitive climate.
Donor Stewardship Frameworks
Building systems to retain existing donors and engage alumni, trusts, and corporate partners.
Crisis Responsive Fundraising
Crafting campaigns that address urgent pressures without undermining long term trust.
Impact Measurement and Reporting
Delivering transparent, credible reporting that shows how contributions benefit pupils and programmes.
Why Voltaire
Experience across education, philanthropy, and high value donor engagement
Compliance aware structuring for UK charity law and, where relevant, international fundraising
Proven ability to move giving from transactional to strategic in complex contexts