Margaret Milner-Williams dedicated her life to ensuring every child had access to a high-quality, nurturing, and inclusive education. As Principal of Hazelhurst School for nearly 30 years, she tirelessly worked to secure its future and championed multicultural understanding within a Christian ethos. Beyond her own school, she established accreditation standards for independent schools across the UK, raising the bar for education nationwide.

As Margaret’s daughter, I have set up this campaign to honour her legacy and continue her lifelong passion for providing access to education. Through this fund, we aim to reduce the financial barriers that prevent families from choosing the educational environment that best suits their children.

Every pound raised (excluding credit card fees) will go directly to helping children access education.

Why This Fund?

Margaret firmly believed in the transformative power of education. She recognised the importance of giving parents the ability to choose the right environment to meet their child’s specific needs. Whether in a small, nurturing setting like Hazelhurst or a school focused on areas such as sports, music, or special educational needs (SEN), independent schools play a vital role in offering diverse opportunities for children to thrive and reach their full potential.

However, the introduction of VAT on private school fees has placed an additional financial burden on parents, making it harder for many families to afford these specialised options.

This fund will partner with a professional education organisation to ensure donations are distributed transparently and equitably. We have contacted this organisation, and as plans are finalised, we will update you on this page.

How the Fund Will Be Used

The number of children supported will depend on the amount raised. Based on donations, the fund may:

• Provide one-off scholarships or bursaries for children in need.
• Offer multi-year support to help children complete their education.
• If feasible, establish a lasting fund to continue supporting children for many years to come, ensuring Margaret’s vision endures far into the future.

By partnering with education professionals, we will ensure these funds are used effectively, wisely, and in alignment with Margaret’s values.

How You Can Help

Every donation, regardless of size, will directly help children and families access the education they need.

Please also share this campaign with others who believe in the power of education to transform lives.

Margaret’s Legacy

Margaret’s passion for education transformed countless lives. She saw the potential in every child and worked tirelessly to give them the tools and environment they needed to succeed. From her work at Hazelhurst School to her leadership in the Independent Schools Association and even her speeches across the US on multicultural education, Margaret championed a vision where every child, regardless of background, could thrive.

She also believed that choice in education was essential—whether it was small, nurturing schools like Hazelhurst or schools with specialist focuses such as sports, music, or SEN. Margaret understood that children flourish when they are in nurturing environments tailored to their individual needs, and she dedicated her career to making this a reality.

We hope to carry her lifelong belief in education as a force for good through this fund.

Thank You

Thank you for helping us honour Margaret’s memory by giving children the opportunity to flourish. Your generosity will ensure her legacy lives on, providing hope and support to families.

We will continue to update this page with progress, plans, and the impact your donations are making. Together, let’s ensure Margaret’s vision for education continues to inspire future generations.

Let’s make a difference, one child at a time.