FOSTFS Annual General Meeting
The Friends of Sir Thomas Fremantle School (FOSTFS) Annual General Meeting (AGM) will take place on Monday 10th November at 7.30pm in the school hall.
At the AGM we will:
Consider and vote on adopting a new Constitution, based on the Parentkind Model Constitution for England and Wales
Elect our trustees for the coming year – Chair, Treasurer, and Secretary
All parents, carers, staff and friends of the school are warmly invited to attend. We expect the AGM to last no longer than 15–20 minutes. Immediately afterwards, we’ll hold our first fundraising meeting to start planning events and activities so we can make an impact straight away.
Our Constitution
Members will be asked to approve the adoption of the FOSTFS constitution based on the Parentkind Model Constitution, which is widely used by PTAs and is pre-approved by the Charity Commission.
A constitution is a simple legal document that sets out how an organisation is run. It explains the group’s purpose, how decisions are made, how funds are managed, and how trustees are elected.
For FOSTFS, adopting a constitution gives us:
A clear structure for how we operate and make decisions fairly.
Transparency and accountability when handling money raised for the school.
The ability to register as a charity with the Charity Commission once our income reaches £5,000 a year.
Access to Parentkind’s expert advice, insurance and resources as a member association.
In short, the constitution ensures FOSTFS is properly set up to manage funds, support the school, and represent all parents, carers, staff and friends in a fair and consistent way.
Nominations for Trustee Roles
FOSTFS can only operate with a minimum of two trustees - a Chair and a Treasurer - so filling these roles is essential for the group to function. We also hope to elect a Secretary to help record meetings and support communication.
However, you don’t need to stand for a trustee role to be part of FOSTFS. We welcome involvement from anyone who wants to support the school - whether that’s helping at events, sharing ideas, sourcing raffle prizes, or lending a hand occasionally. Every volunteer, no matter how much time they can give, makes a huge difference.
Our aim is to build a friendly, active group that reflects the whole school community. Whether you can give a few hours a term or take on a specific responsibility, your contribution will help us raise funds and provide great opportunities for students.
Please self-nominate for the role you’re interested in (Chair, Treasurer or Secretary) using the form below. Nominations will be seconded at the AGM. If there is more than one candidate for a role, members present will vote at the AGM (simple majority). If no advance nomination is received for a role, nominations will be taken from the floor.
A huge thank you to everyone who has already offered to get involved with FOSTFS. Your enthusiasm and generosity make everything possible — from small events to major projects. We can’t wait to see what we’ll achieve together!
Our friends group is back!
Our aim is to bring parents and carers together to help fund the extras that make school life richer – new sports equipment, trips, clubs, and classroom resources. We all lead busy lives, so this will be about maximising impact with minimal time commitment. Every bit of help, no matter how small, really does make a difference.
Why now?
You’ll have seen in the news that school budgets are under real pressure. Around 74 % of schools in England have faced real-terms funding cuts since 2010, and over 90 % expect to be in deficit next year. Rising costs mean schools are struggling to afford the extras that make such a difference to pupils’ experiences.
Here at STFS, the school is currently fundraising for new football goals and team kit – exactly the sort of project a Friends group could support. By pooling our time, ideas and energy, we can help ensure our children continue to enjoy a broad and vibrant school life.
What is a PTA or Friends group?
A Friends of STFS group is an informal network of parents, carers, staff and friends of the school who work together to support the school community. It’s not about committees and endless meetings – it’s about people doing what they can, when they can.
According to Parentkind, the national charity for PTAs and parent associations:
“PTAs and Friends groups build stronger school communities, enhance opportunities for children, and give parents a voice in school life.”
Typical activities might include:
Running small, fun fundraising events such as raffles, quiz nights or cake sales
Supporting school projects, like equipment drives or enrichment activities
Helping the school apply for small community grants or donations
Sharing contacts, skills or ideas that could benefit students
How much time do I need to give?
That’s completely up to you. We understand everyone has family and work commitments, so we’ll keep things light, flexible and realistic. You could:
Join a WhatsApp or email group to stay informed and share ideas
Help at one or two events a year
Offer a specific skill or contact when it’s useful
Simply come along to occasional meetings to contribute your thoughts
There’s no minimum expectation – just join in as and when you can.