Local residents and businesses are being encouraged to dip into their pockets to support the new Kenilworth School for less than the cost of a cup of coffee each week.

The school has already raised over £1 million to enhance the facilities at the new Glasshouse Lane site - including a recent £250,000 donation for the new library.

Work began on the school in May 2021 and is expected to be completed this June ready for the school to welcome students in for the start of term in September.

But the school is still working hard to raise the funds it needs to provide extra equipment and enhanced facilities.

"A £500 gift pledged over three years using Gift Aid, equates for a basic rate tax payer to a net gift of £133 a year (£2.56 per week / £11.08 per month), and for a 40 per cent taxpayer a £100 a year (£1.92 per week / £8.33 per month)," said fundraising manager Sarah Taylor-Watts.

"That's less than a cup of coffee a week.

"All contributors will be recognised on our donor wall in the main reception of the new school in either a family or business name."

Fundraising manager Sarah Taylor-Watts is urging local residents to get behind the new Kenilworth School (image supplied)

The school is also looking for larger donations under its sponsor a classroom campaign. 

All 75 classrooms needed to be kitted out with 30 students chairs and 15 desks as well as teachers' equipment.

Groups, individuals and companies can pledge £2,500 over three years to sponsor a classroom.

"With less than seven months until our new purpose built school opens its doors and to ensure we can take delivery in time we are looking to place orders no later than the end of April / May so there is no time like the present to get involved," Sarah added.

"If you are unable to support us financially there are still other ways to help by simply sharing our campaign with friends, family and work colleagues. 

"Whether that's by word of mouth, creating a whatsapp group, adding us on facebook or simply tweeting about us may help connect us with someone wanting to assist."

And the school is also running fundraising information events on:

Simply email '[email protected]' to secure your place at 6.15pm on one of the following dates:

• Tuesday 7 February
• Monday 27 February
• Tuesday 14 March
• Wednesday 29 March