Is such extravagant gala common among London preps?

[javaprogrammer]

I see on Glendower facebook page about its Gala, which scares me a lot as a potential parent. I have absolutely no interest in any such extravagant events by a prep school. As an academically-oriented parent, I am rather turned off by seeing it. Is that common among South Ken preps?

A truly unforgettable evening under the stars
Our Spring Gala brought together parents, staff and supporters of the school for a spectacular celebration of community, generosity and shared purpose - raising an extraordinary £318,000 in support of Glendower’s facilities Masterplan.
Inspired by Van Gogh’s Starry Night, the ballroom of The Londoner Hotel provided a luxurious backdrop for our guests celestial styling. With exciting auction moments, flowing champagne and dancing late into the night, the gala was a powerful reminder of what can be achieved together in support of future generations of Glendower girls.
Thank you to all who contributed to this magical and hugely successful evening! Visit the link in our bio to learn more about the Masterplan that our fundraising efforts will help fund

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You wouldn’t have to have anything to do with this sort of thing though. It’s just for people who buy tickets surely?

@Greenknightsuccess yes, but for a school to organise an extravagant event like this scares the piss out of me. It looks like a privileged social club for the parents to network and rub shoulders, involving no children at all. I find it disgusting

It's just the same as any business having a fundraising event.

Don’t do expensive private schools then if you find it disgusting. What is it you find disgusting? The inequality it displays? The gross display of wealth?

This would probably have been arranged as a fund raiser by the PTA or as they often prefer to call themselves, The FriendS of said school. Attendance or interest is not compulsory.

Disgusting is a bit strong. It is a shame the money wasn't raised for a charitable cause rather than going to further benefit their own privileged children. My children's prep do have these type of events, though they raise money for v worthy causes. I don't go to them as it's not my thing and there are plenty of other opportunities to contribute to the termly charities the PTA support. I'd say about half of parents regularly attend this type of event.

I’d treat it as a culture signal, but not the whole story. On a visit, ask how parent fundraising works in practice: whether families are expected to attend, whether donations are named or quiet, what normal PTA events look like, and whether the school culture feels inclusive day to day. One gala matters less than whether the pressure is constant.

I’d be more concerned that they wrote about it using bad AI. It signals that none of them must be very good at English if they have no confidence in their own writing. What are the fees going on if they can’t find a single person in a school who can competently write a paragraph or two?

I'd say it's common at all private schools worldwide.
One of the reasons parents choose private schools is to socialise and network. Many of them will be keen to don their gladdest rags and mingle the night away. Many of them will be pleased to see their name on a plaque recognising donors. If you're going to fork out eye-watering fees, you have to be completely convinced how amazing the school is and if you feel that way, you'll be pleased to contribute.

It's disappointing that they are not donating a portion of the proceeds to charity in some way but perhaps that happens at a different event.

TBF, many state school parents are keen to socialise with each other. I know mums at the school gate get a tough rap on MN but many parents make friends there or on the sidelines at practices and matches.

I wouldn’t say it’s common at all Private schools at all- particularly at Prep Level. Glendower is one of those schools that has a good number of uber wealthy parents but you don’t have to engage with all that. Am sure there will be the usual quizzes, drinks etc.
The flashy galas are more common in secondary schools but there is zero obligation to go and it is often geared towards alumni. Most raise money for charities and bursaries.
I would be more wary of joining a wealthy London prep than a secondary school. Much smaller and less chance to find your normal and down to earth tribe ( if that’s what you’re looking for).

I am pretty sure the OP used to post via the username @deanstreet so you can probably ignore her as she is notorious for starting controversial topics to stir up peoples reaction and is somehow obsessed with South Kensington schools (yes the person that claimed they had all these offers including Glendower before 4+ assessments and Bute House ).

Nevertheless it’s no secret Glendower has a black tie event and it’s well publicised. They have a strong PTA that they are super proud of. Not sure why it is disgusting, just don’t go to the school if it’s not your cup of tea (it wasn’t ours). We are not Glendower parents and go to another prep school in the area which does not have any of these events and does not accept donations at all. We see girls at Glendower all the time and most look normal and walk/scoot to school with their parents.

State schools also fund raise all the time too , our friend’s state school raised over £300k annually through forcing encouraging parents to make monthly direct debits and make expensive purchases through fundraising auctions (obviously not everyone can but it’s pushed heavily).