From green tokens to green spaces
£500 Waitrose donation supports improved outdoor space project
We are delighted to share the news that our school has received a £500 donation from Waitrose through their Community Matters Green Token scheme, which will go towards our plans to improve our outdoor spaces for students.
This fantastic opportunity came about thanks to our hardworking PTFA, who originally contacted our local Waitrose store about potential raffle donations. From that initial conversation, the relationship grew, leading to the school applying for the Community Matters scheme. We are incredibly grateful that their initiative has resulted in a generous and much appreciated contribution to our funds.
The "green token" scheme was reintroduced in October 2025 after proving hugely successful prior to Covid and ran throughout October to December 2025. Plymouth High School for Girls was fortunate to be selected as one of the successful projects in the very first quarter following the scheme’s return.
Last week, we were pleased to welcome Sharron, Community Matters Lead from Waitrose, who visited the school to formally present the cheque. She was greeted by students Eva‑Rose (9T), Amelie M (9K), Tia F (7A), and Jess N (9L), and also had the opportunity to meet members of our site team, Mr Kidd and Miss Pinnock, who are excited to begin the work as soon as we reach our overall fundraising target.
Our sincere thanks to Waitrose and everyone who voted for our project in store, as well as a huge thank you to our PTFA for making this possible. Although this donation gives our project a welcome boost, we still have a way to go, so we are always keen to hear new fundraising ideas – or indeed from any mysterious philanthropists who may wish to help us reach our goal!
It was a pleasure meeting Sharron to accept this generous donation. Once finished, we hope that the improved outdoor spaces will provide students with even better areas to spend their free time during the school day, encouraging fresh air, social interaction and general wellbeing – Mr Underdown
