Mountsorrel Educational Fund

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £208,000 (2024)
• Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
• Decision Time: Notified by end of month following trustees' meeting (approximately 4-6 weeks after deadline)
• Grant Range: Amounts vary by grant type and individual circumstances
• Geographic Focus: Parish of Mountsorrel, Leicestershire (highly localized)

Contact Details

• Website: www.mountsorreleducationalfund.org
• Email: clerkmef@gmail.com
• Phone: 01164299946
• Address: 4 Rothley Road, Mountsorrel, Loughborough LE12 7JU
• Contact: Clerk to the Trustees (for eligibility questions and application support)

Overview

The Mountsorrel Educational Fund (Charity No. 527912) is a local educational charity serving the Parish of Mountsorrel in Leicestershire. Part of the broader Mountsorrel United Charities established in 1874, the fund receives one-third of the clear yearly income from the parent charity. In 2024, the fund awarded grants totaling almost £208,000, making it a significant educational resource for the local community despite its highly localized geographic focus.

The fund has two primary objectives: providing equipment and facilities to Christ Church & St Peter's CE Primary School, and promoting the education of young people under 25 who are current or former pupils of the school or have residential connections to Mountsorrel parish. The charity is managed by 10 volunteer trustees who receive no remuneration, with Megan Pirt serving as Chair. All correspondence and applications are handled via email through the Clerk to the Trustees.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The fund operates five distinct grant programs, each with its own application form and criteria:

• University Grants: For undergraduate and postgraduate studies (described as “our largest grants awarded”). Online application required, with forms submitted twice yearly. Students must have already begun their course and can apply once per academic year. Part-time courses where employers pay fees are rarely funded.

• College/Sixth Form Grants: For post-16 studies below degree level (A Levels, T Levels, vocational qualifications). Students can apply once per academic year they are enrolled. Recipients cannot also apply for Educational Trip Grants or General Grants for course equipment in the same year.

• Music, Dance & Drama Tuition Grants: Cover lessons, workshops, and exams taken in the 12 months preceding the application date. Only one form of lessons per applicant is permitted. Does NOT cover instruments, costumes, uniforms, shows, or dance competitions.

• Educational Trip Grants: Help with school trip and visit costs. Does NOT include ski trips. Students who received A Level/College Equivalent grants are ineligible to apply.

• General Grants: Considered on a case-by-case basis. Covers educational courses, books, specialist clothing, sports coaching, and Scout/Guide camps.

Priority Areas

• University and college education for young people connected to Mountsorrel
• Music, dance, and drama tuition to support creative development
• Educational trips and field visits
• Specialist equipment and clothing for educational purposes
• Equipment and facilities for Christ Church & St Peter's CE Primary School

What They Don't Fund

Explicitly excluded:

• Computers
• School uniforms
• Travel costs
• Ski trips
• Musical instruments
• Dance costumes and uniforms
• Shows and dance competitions
• Part-time courses where employers pay fees

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Governance and Leadership

The fund is managed by 10 volunteer trustees, none of whom receive remuneration or benefits from the charity.

Chair: Megan Pirt (appointed 28 May 2021)

• Also serves as trustee for Mountsorrel United Charities, Mountsorrel Relief in Need Charity, and The Castledine Almshouses

Recent Trustee Appointments:

• James Kendrick (31 October 2024)
• Ryan Gray (2 May 2024)
• Suzanne Parfitt (28 May 2023)

The trustees meet twice yearly (Spring and Autumn) to review applications and make funding decisions. The fund operates transparently through the Charity Commission with up-to-date reporting.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

Applications are managed through a formal online-then-print process:

1. Attach proof of payment: Receipts, invoices marked as paid, or a letter from the tutor showing dates and amounts paid
2. Submit to the Clerk to the Trustees before the published deadline (late applications are NOT considered)

Important: All correspondence occurs via email, so applicants must ensure their correct email address appears on their application form.

Application Deadlines

The trustees meet twice yearly with fixed application deadlines:

• Autumn 2025 Meeting: Deadline Friday 10th October 2025 at 5pm
• Spring 2026 Meeting: Deadline Friday 10th April 2026 at 5pm

Applications received after these deadlines will not be considered at the respective meetings.

Eligibility Requirements

All individual applicants must be under 25 years old and meet at least one of the following criteria:

• Former pupil of Christ Church & St Peter's CE Primary School, Mountsorrel
• Resident in the Parish of Mountsorrel for a minimum of 12 months
• Have a parent or guardian who has been resident in the Parish of Mountsorrel for a minimum of 12 months

Decision Timeline

• Application deadline: 5pm on specified Friday (October or April)
• Trustees' meeting: Held in Autumn or Spring following the deadline
• Notification: All applicants receive results by the end of the month following the trustees' meeting
• Typical timeframe: Approximately 4-6 weeks from deadline to notification

Success Rates

Success rates and application statistics are not publicly disclosed. The fund does not publish data on:

• Total number of applications received
• Number of grants awarded
• Approval/rejection percentages

Reapplication Policy

The fund does not publicly state a reapplication policy for unsuccessful applicants. Applicants needing clarification should contact the Clerk to the Trustees directly.

What IS clear:

• Students can apply once per academic year for ongoing courses (College and University grants)
• University grant recipients cannot submit other applications in the same educational year
• College grant recipients cannot apply for Educational Trip Grants or General Grants for course equipment in the same year

Application Success Factors

Based on the fund's stated criteria and application requirements, the following factors are critical for success:

Must-Have Requirements

1. Strict eligibility adherence: You must meet the age requirement (under 25) AND at least one of the three connection criteria (former pupil, resident, or parent/guardian resident). No exceptions are mentioned.

1. Complete documentation: Applications require multiple signatures and official stamps. Incomplete applications are unlikely to be considered. The fund specifically emphasizes accuracy of bank details for successful payments.

1. Proof of payment: For grants covering costs already incurred (music/dance/drama, trips), receipts or invoices marked as paid are mandatory. A letter from the tutor showing dates and amounts paid is also acceptable.

1. Course commencement: For University and College grants, you must have already started your course before applying. Prospective students are not eligible.

1. Deadline compliance: The fund is explicit that late applications will NOT be considered. With only two meetings per year, missing a deadline means waiting 6 months.

Strategic Considerations

1. One application per year: Given the restriction on multiple applications in the same academic year for certain grant types, students should carefully consider which grant type will provide the most benefit.

1. Employment status matters: The fund states they “very rarely award a grant for part-time courses where the applicant is in paid employment and the employer is paying the course fees.” If employed, demonstrate clear need.

1. University grants are largest: The fund explicitly states university grants are their “largest grants awarded,” suggesting students pursuing higher education may receive more substantial support.

1. Local connection strengthens case: While you only need to meet one of the three connection criteria, having multiple connections to Mountsorrel (e.g., former pupil AND current resident) may strengthen your application.

1. Case-by-case assessment for general grants: These are evaluated individually, suggesting the strength of your justification and demonstration of need will be critical.

What NOT to Apply For

The fund is very clear about exclusions. Do not waste time applying for:

• Computers (use College/University grants for course-related technology if allowed)
• School uniforms or general clothing (only specialist clothing for educational purposes)
• Regular travel costs
• Ski trips (specific exclusion)
• Musical instruments, costumes, or show participation fees (only lessons/tuition/exams)

Email Communication

All correspondence is via email. Ensure your email address is correct and check regularly after the trustees' meeting month for notification of results.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Highly localized fund: This charity exclusively serves the Parish of Mountsorrel and former pupils of one specific primary school. Geographic eligibility is non-negotiable.

• Substantial local resource: With £208,000 distributed in 2024, this is a significant fund for a small community. Eligible applicants should definitely apply.

• Two chances per year: With meetings only in Spring and Autumn, timing is critical. Plan ahead and don't miss the 5pm deadline.

• University students get largest grants: If choosing between grant types, university grants are explicitly described as the largest awards.

• Must have started course: Don't apply prospectively for university or college grants. Begin your course first, then apply.

• One application rule: University grant recipients cannot apply for anything else that year. College grant recipients cannot apply for trip or equipment grants. Choose strategically.

• No late applications accepted: The fund is firm on deadlines. Set a reminder well before the Friday 5pm cutoff.

• Documentation is key: Multiple signatures, official stamps, and proof of payment are mandatory. Budget time to collect these before the deadline.

References

• Mountsorrel Educational Fund Official Website -
• Charity Commission Register - Mountsorrel Educational Fund -
• University Grants Information -
• College Grants Information -
• Music, Dance & Drama Grants -
• Educational Trip Grants -
• General Grants Information -
• Application Information -
• Mountsorrel United Charities -