Frequently asked questions

Reading School Giving Day

What is Reading School’s Giving Day?

Reading School’s Giving Day is our first-ever dedicated Giving Day, a 36-hour challenge aimed at uniting the entire Reading School community, including students, staff, parents, Old Redingensians, governors, former parents, former staff, and friends worldwide, both virtually and in person. The goal is to support our school’s future by raising funds for the Beyond 900 campaign, which will support critical projects, including new sports facilities, upgraded Sixth Form spaces, enhanced Expressive Arts facilities and the advancement of our Future Stories social mobility programme.

Throughout the 36 hours, our students and staff will take on exciting challenges to fund initiatives that will transform their own educational experiences and shape opportunities for future students.

Every gift makes a real difference. With matched and challenge funds, your contribution goes even further. Together, donations create a significant impact, and a strong number of donors inspires others to get involved. We’re excited for you to join us!

Updates on these challenges will be shared via our Giving Day website and social media. Follow us on the day, sharing and liking our posts on social media using #ReadingSchoolGivingDay and #ReadingSchool900.

Disclaimer: Donations to this campaign will be processed by the Reading Foundation, a registered charity in England and Wales (Charity Number: 294640). All funds will be held and managed by the Reading Foundation as restricted funds and used solely for the benefit of Reading School’s Beyond 900 campaign, supporting projects such as sports facilities, Sixth Form spaces, Expressive Arts, and the Future Stories programme. The Reading Foundation operates in accordance with charity law and ensures all donations are used as intended. If you are a UK taxpayer, your donation may be eligible for Gift Aid, allowing us to increase the value of your gift at no extra cost to you. Please ensure you have completed a Gift Aid declaration form if eligible by clicking here.


Where will the funds go?

The funds will support critical projects, including new sports facilities, upgraded Sixth Form spaces, enhanced Expressive Arts facilities and the advancement of our Future Stories social mobility programme.


How can I make my gift?

Between 8am (BST) on 26 March and 8pm (BST) on 27 March you can donate online through our Giving Day website (the site you're currently on). If you cannot give online, you can still donate by post with cheques made payable to “Reading School” sent to Society Office, Reading School, Erleigh Road, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 5LW. Please ensure you indicate that your gift supports our Giving Day.


Can I make a gift before the day?

Of course! Early contributions play a crucial role in building momentum and inspiring others to take part. If you would like to make an early gift to Giving Day, the best way to do so is online through this website—just head back to the home page and click the Donate Early button.

If online giving isn’t an option, you can still make an early contribution by post using the details provided above.


I'm having trouble making my gift on the site. What should I do?

We’re sorry that you’re having difficulty making your gift. Common errors include: - Incorrect card details. - Postcode/zipcode is incorrect or doesn’t match the address linked to your card.

Please double-check the above before you contact us. If you continue to have problems making your gift, please email us at development@reading-school.co.uk or call +44 1189 015600.


How can I help spread the word?

Your support will make a huge difference to Reading School’s Giving Day 2025. - Post about our Giving Day using the hashtags #ReadingSchoolGivingDay and #ReadingSchool900 on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and don’t forget to tag us! - Make sure to tell your network about our Giving Day to get involved and make a difference.

Can I make a recurring gift?

Yes, please! One year of your regular gift will be counted towards our Giving Day total, and the yearly total will appear on the website.


Can I donate tax-efficiently?

  • Gifts from the USA: Tax-deductible contributions can be made via the British Schools and Universities Foundation, a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organisation. If you make your gift via the Reading School Giving Day platform and select ‘Donate in USD’, you will be directed to our US donation form.
  • Gifts from European taxpayers: If you are a European resident, you may be able to maximise your gift through Transnational Giving Europe (TGE). If you’d like to make a tax-effective gift in support of our Giving Day, the best option is to give early and let us know.

Can I claim Gift Aid on this donation?

Yes! If you are a UK taxpayer and have paid as much Income Tax and/or Capital Gains Tax as the amount of Gift Aid claimed on all your donations in that tax year, Reading Foundation can reclaim the basic tax rate (25%) on your gift, with no extra cost to you. For example, your donation of £100 will be worth £125. For more information on Gift Aid, please visit the HM Revenue & Customs website.


Is there a minimum donation I can make?

The minimum online gift amount is £5. On the donation page, we have a number of suggested donations, but you are free to make your gift at any level that you feel comfortable with—it's your participation that counts!


Is my payment secure?

Yes. All payments through our Giving Day website will be securely processed by a secure, off-site payment processor called Stripe.


My question hasn’t been answered. How can I get in touch?

Feel free to get in touch with us at development@reading-school.co.uk or call +44 1189 015600.