Portsmouth High School Charity Week launches with a fancy dress parade – in support of Simon Says

Charity Week at Portsmouth High School launched this week with a Fancy Dress Parade. Entirely masterminded by the sixth form, the annual fundraising week has been a highlight of the school year for over 30 years. Events this week, involving both pupils and staff, include a fancy dress parade, a lip sync battle, a talent show, quizzes and games and the greatly anticipated annual netball match between the High School and boys from Portsmouth Grammar School, which culminates in the finale of the Fashion Show running across this Thursday and Friday evenings.  The whole week will raise vital funds for Simon Says. 

Last term, the Head Girl team led a whole school assembly, about Simon Says.  The charity was founded by Sally Stanley after the death of her husband.  Simon Stanley was a 37-year-old teacher from Southampton when he died from cancer 25 years ago.  His wife Sally found there was no bereavement support locally for their two small children. 

Their experience as a family led to the establishment of the charity, Simon Says which aims to support Hampshire children and young people up to the age of 18 years who have a significant person in their life who has died or is dying. 

Head Girl, India, said: ‘Our lunchtime events this week involve engagement from both staff and pupils from all years and are always great fun. The sixth form work together, organising everything from initial planning through to the content of each event as well as the finances, logistics and marketing.  Everything we’re doing encourages imagination, organisation and a true sense of camaraderie.’ 

Mrs Ann Clark, an alumna from the Class of 1965 and a former teacher of the school, said: 

‘The fashion show started in 1990 so is now in its 37th year.  ‘I remember the sixth form coming up with the idea of a fashion show,’ she said.  ‘Jean Hapgood, a local dance teacher, was brought in to do the choreography with the girls. I let them lead the arrangements but I remember it being so much fun.’ 

Alumna from the Class of 1999 and now assistant headteacher (pupils) and Head of Sixth Form at Portsmouth High School, Mrs Katie Wood (nee Farnhill), added: "We are delighted that the Head Girl Team has chosen to support Simon Says as their charity for the year. This decision reflects their empathy, maturity and strong sense of social responsibility. Charity Week 2026 has brought incredible energy to our Sixth Form House, with students embracing creative fundraising opportunities and championing a cause that means so much to our community. Led by our inspiring Head Girl Team, this week will culminate in the spectacular Fashion Show, and we couldn't be prouder of all they are achieving together."