Henley Educational Trust

Charity Number: 309237

Annual Expenditure: £0.2M

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Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: £150,703 (2024-2025)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly available
  • Decision Time: Applications considered 3 times per year (September, January, April)
  • Grant Range: Varies by type - individual grants average ~£314; institutional grants £13,000-£54,000
  • Geographic Focus: Henley-on-Thames and the parishes of Bix, Rotherfield Greys, and Remenham

Contact Details

Clerk to the Trustees:

Mrs. Catherine Gosby

1A Coldharbour Close

Henley on Thames

RG9 1QF

  • Phone: 01491 524994
  • Email: clerk@henleyeducationaltrust.com
  • Website: www.henleyeducationaltrust.com

Additional Contact for Applications:

Carolyn Ahanchian

  • Email: hec.cahanchian@gmail.com
  • Phone: 07450 867727

Overview

The Henley Educational Trust has existed in one form or another since 1604, originating from various endowments following the founding of the grammar school under Royal Charter of King James I. The charity is registered with the Charity Commission (number 309237) and provides confidential local educational support for families in need within the Henley area. With 11 trustees managing the charity through careful stewardship of existing resources (rather than active fundraising), the trust recorded total income of £157,221 and expenditure of £154,486 in the year ending March 31, 2024. In 2024-2025, the trust achieved its highest-ever distribution of grants at £150,703, supporting 149 individual students, local schools, The Henley College, and youth organizations. The trust emphasizes complete confidentiality in processing applications, with trustees meeting privately to consider requests.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Individual Student Grants (averaging ~£314 per award)

Applications accepted three times per year (September, January, April). Grants must be used within 3-4 months following the application. In 2024-2025, 149 individuals received grants totaling £46,729.

Institutional Grants

Annual grants to state schools and The Henley College based on pupil numbers. In 2024-2025: £54,716 to Henley Partnership of Schools for a counselling programme; £35,650 to primary and secondary schools; £13,608 to The Henley College and other educational organizations. No fixed application deadlines for institutional grants.

Youth Organization Grants

Grants to clubs and groups working with young people from Henley, including NOMAD, Henley youth festival, and various sports clubs.

Priority Areas

  • Musical tuition
  • School uniforms
  • Educational trips
  • Sporting activities
  • School-based projects requiring equipment and fees
  • Physical, intellectual, emotional, and social education
  • Collaborative projects between schools (e.g., A Capella workshops in primary schools)

What They Don't Fund

  • Non-educational expenses
  • Applications from individuals or organizations outside the geographic area (Henley-on-Thames and parishes of Bix, Rotherfield Greys, and Remenham)
  • More than one-third of yearly income cannot be applied to children and persons under 25 years
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Governance and Leadership

The charity is managed by 11 trustees who serve five-year terms. Trustees include co-optative members with special knowledge of the area of benefit through residence, occupation, or employment, as well as trustees with financial and legal expertise. No trustees receive any remuneration, payments, or benefits from the charity. The organization has no employees with total benefits over £60,000.

Clerk to the Trustees: Mrs. Catherine Gosby oversees the administrative functions and serves as the primary contact for inquiries and applications.

Meetings of the trustees are closed to the public to ensure complete confidentiality for applicants.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

Individual Grants:

Grant application forms can be downloaded from www.henleyeducationaltrust.com/downloads/. Separate application forms are available for families eligible for Free School Meals (FSM), who may receive additional support.

Applications are considered three times per year in September, January, and April. Funding must be used within 3-4 months immediately following the application.

Institutional and Youth Organization Grants:

Schools and organizations should contact the trust directly via the Clerk or through Carolyn Ahanchian for specific guidance on institutional applications.

Payment Policy:

The trust makes payments by cheque directly to the organization (such as playgroup, school, club, or music tutor) rather than to individual applicants.

Decision Timeline

Applications are reviewed at trustee meetings held three times per year (September, January, April). Specific decision timeframes are not publicly disclosed, but applicants are advised that funding should be used within 3-4 months following application approval.

Success Rates

Specific success rate percentages are not publicly available. However, the trust has demonstrated consistent growth in the number of individual grants awarded: 140 grants in 2022, 143 in 2023, and 149 in 2024, indicating an expanding reach and responsiveness to community needs.

Reapplication Policy

Information about reapplication policies for unsuccessful applicants is not publicly available. Applicants should contact the Clerk directly for guidance on reapplication procedures.

Application Success Factors

Geographic Eligibility is Critical:

The trust strictly serves residents of Henley-on-Thames and the parishes of Bix, Rotherfield Greys, Remenham, Assendon, and areas designated as Henley North and Henley South. Applications from outside this area will not be considered.

Age Requirements:

No more than one-third of yearly income is allocated to children and persons under 25 years, indicating the trust primarily supports youth education.

Educational Purpose:

Grants must clearly demonstrate educational value, whether for physical, intellectual, emotional, or social education. The trust takes a broad view of education, funding everything from musical tuition to sporting activities.

FSM Families:

Families eligible for Free School Meals have access to separate application forms and may be eligible for enhanced support, suggesting the trust prioritizes need-based assistance.

Confidentiality:

The trust emphasizes complete confidentiality throughout the application process, which may encourage applicants who are hesitant to seek help due to privacy concerns.

Timing:

Applications should be submitted well before funding is needed, as grants must be used within 3-4 months of approval. Plan submissions around the September, January, or April consideration dates.

Direct Payment Policy:

Since payments are made directly to organizations rather than individuals, applications should include clear details about the provider (school, club, tutor, etc.) and account information.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Local Focus is Essential: Only applications from Henley-on-Thames and specified parishes (Bix, Rotherfield Greys, Remenham, Assendon) will be considered—geographic eligibility is non-negotiable.
  • Plan Around Three Annual Deadlines: Applications are reviewed in September, January, and April—time your submission to align with upcoming educational expenses that will occur within 3-4 months.
  • FSM Families Receive Priority: If eligible for Free School Meals, use the designated FSM application form to access potentially enhanced support levels.
  • Broad Educational Definition: The trust interprets education broadly, funding not just academic needs but also musical, sporting, and social educational activities—think creatively about what constitutes educational value.
  • Confidentiality is Guaranteed: The trust emphasizes complete confidentiality, which should reassure families concerned about privacy when applying for assistance.
  • Direct Organizational Payment: Ensure you have clear details about the organization/provider that will receive payment (music tutor, school, sports club, etc.) as grants are never paid directly to individuals.
  • Growing Reach: The trust awarded its highest-ever distribution in 2024-2025 and has steadily increased individual grants over recent years, suggesting an expanding capacity to support the community.

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