Our School
Friends of More House (PTA)
About the Friends of More House
The Friends of More House (FoMH) is a registered charity (No. 1189576) made up of a volunteer committee of More House School parents and carers. Our mission is to support the school and enrich the lives of More House pupils by raising funds and strengthening the school community.
The FoMH aims to:
- Build a welcoming, inclusive network among families of both day and boarding pupils.
- Fundraise for additional equipment, experiences, and services that enhance pupils’ education and wellbeing.
- Organise whole-school and year group events that foster connection and celebration.
We operate entirely through volunteers and are governed by a board of five trustees, supported by over a dozen regular parent volunteers. Trustees volunteer their time and receive no remuneration. Many of us live far apart, but we stay closely connected to collaborate, plan, and share ideas.
Charitable objectives
Our registered charitable objectives are:
“To advance the education of pupils at More House School for the public benefit by developing effective relationships between the staff, parents, and others associated with the school; and by engaging in activities or providing facilities/equipment which support the school and advance such education.”
View our official charity profile on the Charity Commission website.
Recent achievements and recognition
- National PTA Award winner: In 2023, the FoMH was shortlisted for ParentKind’s England PTA of the Year and proudly won the Champion PTA (Secondary) Award.
- Magazine feature: Following the award, the FoMH was featured on the front cover of ParentKind’s national PTA magazine.
- Colour Run and Summer Fayre 2025:
- Sponsored Walk 2024: A whole-school event led by the FoMH, providing refreshments and raising funds.
- Christmas Fayre 2024: A festive and fun-packed event that brought families together and raised over £5,200.
- Spring & Easter events: Lent term bake sales, gift shop, and egg tombola raised over £2,100.
- Proms in the Park 2024: A joyful showcase of community spirit and musical talent.
- Library funding: FoMH contributions helped enhance the school library with author visits, SORA subscriptions and more.
- Funded projects: Supported departments with equipment including reading pens, phonics schemes, Cutebots, DT tools, maths resources, and venue hire for the Edinburgh Fringe.
Projects funded by the FoMH
In 2024/2025…
- Equipment and resources for the newly established apiary and beekeepers.
- Library resources.
- Gaming consoles for the boarding houses.
- Year 11 end-of-year party.
- Wobble stools and blankets for the Junior Years.
- Equipment and resources for the Visual Arts department.
- Unifrog subscription to support the Careers programme.
- Catering at the Christmas Fayre.
- Science equipment.
- Exam and revision resources for the Maths department, including books and access to online platforms.
- New intercom system.
In 2023/2024…
- Reading pens and phonics resources for Junior years.
- Maths No Problem scheme and Maths Fest support.
- Cutebots and smart devices for Computing.
- Humanities and Design Technology equipment, including a mitre saw.
- Library improvements: SORA, subscriptions, author visits.
- Venue hire for the Edinburgh Festival Fringe trip.
- Positive reinforcement programme resources.
- Disney+ access for boarders.
- Year 11 end-of-year party.
- Engraving of Founders’ Trophies.
Annual & seasonal events
Here are some of the events the FoMH organise each year:
- Sponsored Walk: Held in the Michaelmas Term, with drinks and treats for students. Parents can help by providing refreshments or volunteering on the day.
- Christmas Fayre: A major fundraiser filled with stalls, raffles, and festive cheer. Donations of sweet jars, toys, bottles, chocolate, and cakes are welcomed!
- ELF-ridges: A Christmas gift shop for boys to buy presents for loved ones. Donated items, wrapping volunteers, and parent helpers are welcome to run this magical event.
- Spring Gift Shop: Pupils pick thoughtful gifts—parents can help by donating small gift items or wrapping paper.
- Easter Egg Tombola: The FoMH collects Easter egg donations and seek help from parents to support setting up and running the stall.
- Sports Day: Held in the Trinity Term, the FoMH provides refreshments. Volunteers and bakers make this event special.
- Proms / Summer Fayre: Alternating each year, these are big community events. The FoMH seeks stall volunteers, set-up teams, and prize donations.
Student involvement
Our boys play a big part—from handing out treats and manning stalls with parents, to performing in Proms events and taking part in the Colour Run. Events are more joyful with their presence!
Upcoming events & focus
The FOMH are currently exploring the possibility of further building work to supplement the school’s development strategy, including covered areas in outside spaces, and alignment with the school’s digital strategy in support of all pupils.
Second-hand Uniform Shop
Our shop continues to raise essential funds and support sustainability. More House parents can:
- Donate clean uniform items in good condition.
- Volunteer to help sort or sell at pop-up shop days.
- Promote the Second-hand Uniform Shop to new families.
Get involved
Whether you’re volunteering your time, lending a skill, donating something, or simply showing up—every bit helps.
- Join Classlist and search “More House School”.
- Ask your year group rep to join your class WhatsApp group.
- Email the School Office who are happy to put you in touch with the FoMH.
How to help
There are so many ways More House parents can get involved and boost our fundraising:
- Donate raffle prizes: Items, vouchers, or experiences.
- Contribute baked goods: Cakes and biscuits for bake sales or event refreshments.
- Offer professional services: Graphic design, event planning, photography, tech support, etc.
- Provide resources: Printing flyers, lending gazebos, tables, or PA systems.
- Run a stall: We always need people to help at events—no experience needed!
- Crafts or decorations: Handmade items are a huge hit at fairs.
- Venue access: Do you know of a venue or supplier who could support the FoMH?
If you might be able to help, please message your FoMH rep on Classlist, or email the School Office and they will connect you.
Extra Fundraising Tools:
Did you know you can raise money for the FoMH every single week?- 💸 Easyfundraising: Every time you shop online with thousands of retailers, a small donation is automatically made to the FoMH—at no extra cost to you. It’s simple, effective, and completely FREE. Just sign up and start shopping.
- 🎟️ Your School Lottery: Win prizes while supporting More House School. Tickets cost just £1 a week, and every draw gives you a chance to win a guaranteed local prize—and the national £25,000 jackpot! It’s a win-win way to give back.
These tools take less than five minutes to join—but their impact lasts all year.
Meet the Committee (as of 2025)
- Chair: Kate Macpherson
- Secretary: Aniki Franklin
- Treasurer: Kim Doxey
- General Directors: Heather Shepherd, Jonathan Hetherington
Other roles available include communications, events planning, raffle coordinator, community liaison, and Uniform Shop support—if you have a skill or passion, there’s likely a role for you!
Meet your Year Group Reps
Our reps offer a warm welcome and help families to connect. They are not official liaisons with the school but help build community and promote FoMH events in each year group, including boarding.
How we communicate
We use multiple channels to reach as many families as possible:
- Classlist: Our primary communication platform, endorsed by the school. Classlist is a secure, GDPR-compliant space that allows parents to receive FoMH announcements, sign up for events, view fundraising opportunities, and connect with other families in your child’s year group. Once you join, you can also message your year group rep, access your class WhatsApp details, and never miss an update.
- WhatsApp: Join your son’s year group parent chat via Classlist or your year group rep.
- Facebook: Our informal group is used by some families—ask your year group rep about joining.
- In-person: Look out for posters, flyers, and communicate in-person.
Feedback & support
The FoMH love ideas and suggestions. If you have feedback or want to help in any way, let us know. We are open to fresh ideas and hands-on support.
Acknowledgements
The Friends of More House are deeply grateful to all who have volunteered, donated, or supported their events throughout the year. Your time, enthusiasm and generosity are what make our community so special. A particular thank you goes to the committee, trustees, year group rep, and school staff who make this all possible.