The Power of a Parents’ Association

Eight years ago, when my son walked through the doors as an Alpha, I found myself asking: how do we truly become part of this community? For me, that question had only one answer...get involved.

Community matters deeply to me. It brings people together, creates belonging, and, as they say, it takes a village to raise a child. Joining the Parents’ Association wasn’t a decision I had to think twice about.

I still smile remembering my first PA meeting, wide-eyed among senior school parents who welcomed me so warmly that before I knew it, I was leading events. When my daughter joined a few years later during Covid, we kept that momentum alive through virtual gatherings, because connection doesn’t pause for a pandemic.

Serving as an officer and Chair over the past six years has been an honour.

Juggling full-time work, parenting and everything else life throws at us (you know how it is) it has still brought me enormous joy.

Highlights I’m proudest of: launching the Spring Fayre as an annual fixture the prep children now look forward to; creating dedicated PA events for Prep 1, Removes and Lower Fourth, meaning almost every year group now has their moment; the parents cricket team having a win against the staff; the growth of our full members and deepening our collaboration with the school so the PA feels genuinely woven into school life – the Summer Festival being a beautiful example of that.

The impact has been tangible too. In the last three years alone, we’ve donated just under £60,000 – funding year group events, the prep playground redevelopment, the exercise suite at West Grove and new football goals. Every penny goes back to the students.

The calendar has never been busier, from the reinvigorated Ball and the beloved Fireworks and Camping nights, to supporting many of the year-group events. The PA has grown in strength year on year, and that’s down to our dedicated officers and full members, but equally to every parent, student and staff member who has shown up and supported our events.

As my tenure as Chair draws to a close in October 2026, I leave feeling genuinely excited about what comes next. If you’ve ever considered getting involved, please do. You will always be warmly welcomed.

Written by Sumeeta Dhir (Chair of the Bancroft’s Parents’ Association)