Pupils from the independent school spent a day out of uniform and another shining shoes to raise a total of £1,450 in support of the International Day for Street Children.

The proceeds will go to the Latin American Foundation for the Future (LAFF), a charity that gives marginalised children in Peru the tools and skills to build an independent future through education, vocational training and sustainability projects.

The money will help support Casa Mantay, a house for teenage mothers and their babies, and Azul Wasi, a house for boys who were once shining shoes on the streets.

Teacher Julie Brown said: “Our boys and girls responded magnificently to the call to help their disadvantaged peers who face a daily struggle for survival.”

The school has built strong links with South America and has a thriving exchange programme with Wessex School in Concepcion, Chile.

The next group of Wessex pupils are arriving this month for a four-day programme that will include joining lessons, helping with language learning, and joint games activities.