Educational Foundation Of Robert Oldfield

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £257,137 (expenditure year ending March 2024)
• Annual Income: £292,392 (year ending March 2024)
• Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
• Decision Time: 4-6 weeks
• Grant Range: Variable (means-tested) - £1,000 exhibition awards to full school fee bursaries
• Geographic Focus: Chester District, UK

Contact Details

• Website: www.drrobertoldfield.co.uk
• Email: admin@drrobertoldfield.co.uk
• Phone: 01244 409660
• Address: Edward Clark ~ The Clerk to the Governors, Fisher German, International House, Kingsfield Court, Chester Business Park, Chester, CH4 9RE

Overview

The Educational Foundation of Robert Oldfield was established in 1695 through the will of Dr Robert Oldfield, originally intended to assist poor boys living in the ancient Parish of St Michael in Chester. Dr Oldfield was a landowner in the Chester area, holding property at Dunham Hill and land in areas now known as Green Lane and Oldfield Drive in Great Boughton. The Trust continues to own farms and land within the Chester district.

Now registered as charity number 525969 (registered 18 December 1962), the Foundation has evolved over three centuries into a means-tested educational charity supporting young people under 25 who were born or are permanently resident in the Chester area. The Foundation operates under a scheme dated 13 August 1895, as amended through several subsequent schemes up to 3 February 1965. The charity is governed by 8 trustees, none of whom receive remuneration.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

University/College Students

• The majority of the Foundation's income supports students at university or college
• Variable amounts based on means testing
• Renewable annually

Apprentices

• Support available for apprentices
• Means-tested and renewable annually

Independent School Fee Assistance

• Discretionary grants towards fees at Independent Schools
• Made in special circumstances at the Governors' discretion
• Renewable annually

King's School Places

• Four free places at the King's School (renewable annually)
• Four £1,000 Exhibition places at the King's School (renewable annually)

Queen's School Exhibitions

• Four £1,000 Exhibition places at the Queen's School (renewable annually)

Abbey Gate College Partnership

• 100% bursary covering all school fees for Sixth Form students
• Means-tested with geographical criteria

Priority Areas

• University and college education
• Apprenticeships
• Books, equipment, and tools for education
• Educational trips
• Music and arts pursuits
• General educational purposes (widely interpreted)

What They Don't Fund

• Applicants over 25 years of age
• Students not born or permanently resident in the Chester District
• Those who do not meet means-testing thresholds

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Governance and Leadership

Trustees

The charity is governed by 8 trustees:

• Mr Kenneth Holding
• Mr David Knowles Rowlands
• Father Peter Walsh
• Mr A Tushingham
• Mr Andrew Storrar
• Mrs Eleanor Mary Johnson
• Mrs Margaret Ann Byatt
• Mr Terence Basil Roberts
• Father David Chesters

No trustees receive any remuneration, payments, or benefits from the charity.

Administration

• Clerk to the Governors: Edward Clark (Fisher German)

The Governors have maintained careful stewardship over three centuries, ensuring continuous availability of funds to help young people requiring financial assistance for education.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

Applications are made through the charity's website at www.drrobertoldfield.co.uk. The application process involves:

1. Complete the online application form
2. Provide information for means testing (parental income assessment)
3. Submit documentation of educational purpose and Chester residency/birth

Application Deadline

• 1st May is the annual cut-off date for current academic year applications
• Applications made from 1st May onwards must be for the following academic year

Decision Timeline

• Grant applications are processed within 4-6 weeks
• The charity responds to all applicants, whether they can assist or not

Reapplication Policy

• Grants are renewable annually
• Successful applicants must reapply each year for continued support
• The charity assesses each renewal application based on current means-testing criteria

Application Success Factors

Eligibility Criteria

• Must be under 25 years of age
• Must be born in the Chester area OR permanently resident in the Chester District
• Must demonstrate financial need (means-tested based on parental income)
• Must be pursuing educational purposes (broadly interpreted)

What Strengthens Applications

• Clear demonstration of Chester connection (birth or permanent residence)
• Documentation of financial circumstances for means testing
• Specific educational purpose (university, apprenticeship, equipment needs, etc.)
• Evidence of commitment to completing the educational course or program

School Partnerships

For applicants seeking school fee support:

• Abbey Gate College bursary applications are reviewed independently by an external company
• King's School and Queen's School exhibition places are administered directly by the Foundation

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

1. Geographic restriction is strict - Only students born in or permanently residing in the Chester District are eligible
2. Age limit is firm - Must be under 25 years old
3. Means testing is central - Financial need based on parental income is a key criterion for all grants
4. Apply before 1st May for current academic year funding; later applications go to the following year
5. Expect 4-6 week turnaround - The charity commits to responding to all applicants
6. Annual renewal required - Grants are not multi-year commitments; reapplication is needed each year
7. “Educational purposes” is broadly interpreted - Beyond traditional university fees, the charity supports apprenticeships, equipment, trips, and arts/music pursuits

References

• Dr Robert Oldfield Charity Official Website -
• Grants Available - Dr Robert Oldfield Charity -
• History - Dr Robert Oldfield Charity -
• Contact Us - Dr Robert Oldfield Charity -
• Charity Commission Register - Educational Foundation of Robert Oldfield (525969) -
• Chester Standard - Abbey Gate College Bursary Article -