Studley College Trust

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £137,491
• Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
• Decision Time: 2-3 months (reviewed July and October)
• Grant Range: £500 - £2,000
• Geographic Focus: UK (British and Irish nationals aged 18-30)

Contact Details

Website: www.studleytrust.co.uk

Phone: 01327 260165

Email: studleyct@btinternet.com

Address: Kernow House, Hill Road, Lower Boddington, Daventry NN11 6YB

Overview

The Studley College Trust was established in 1970 following the closure of Studley College in 1969. With assets exceeding £3.2 million, the Trust distributed £137,491 in grants during the year ending 30 June 2021. The charity's mission is to encourage, assist and develop education in agriculture, horticulture, forestry and allied land-based subjects by providing financial assistance to young people whose career progress is obstructed by lack of funds. The Trust operates through both direct applications from individual students and partnership agreements with select land-based colleges and universities, providing annual allocations for institutional distribution.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

• Direct Student Bursaries: £500 - £2,000 (annual application, reviewed twice yearly)
• Bursary Partnership Programme: Annual allocations to partner colleges (students apply through their institution)

Priority Areas

• Agriculture and Agricultural Engineering
• Horticulture and Forestry
• Veterinary Science and Animal Care
• Equine Management
• Environmental Studies and Landscape Architecture
• Other land-based subjects from craft through to management level

Grants cover: course fees, accommodation, transport, books/materials, and clothing.

What They Don't Fund

• Masters and PhD students (focus on early qualifications)
• Students on industrial placements lasting more than six weeks
• Students over 30 years old (except genuine career change cases)
• Non-British or Irish nationals
• Students who haven't exhausted other funding sources

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Governance and Leadership

The Trust operates as an unincorporated trust established by Declaration of Trust dated 17 September 1970. Trustees receive no remuneration and oversee operations to maintain the legacy of Studley College. The Trust also provides scholarships through partnerships with the Professional Gardeners' Guild, Nuffield Farming Scholarships Trust, and Tresco Abbey Gardens.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

For Students at Partnership Colleges (Harper Adams University, Reaseheath College, Moulton College, others):

• Apply through your institution's student services department

For Students at Other Institutions:

1. Email initial enquiry to studleyct@btinternet.com
2. Receive and complete application form
3. Submit by post with required documentation

Decision Timeline

• Applications reviewed twice yearly: July and October
• Submission deadlines: 1st June (July review) and 1st September (October review)
• Notification typically follows within weeks of review meeting

Success Rates

Specific success rates not publicly disclosed. Harper Adams University reported 10 students receiving awards in one recent funding cycle.

Reapplication Policy

No specific policy documented. Contact the Trust directly for guidance on reapplying after an unsuccessful application.

Application Success Factors

The Trust uses four key assessment criteria:

1. Financial Need - Paramount consideration; must demonstrate all other funding exhausted
2. Application Quality - Completeness and clarity of submitted materials
3. Academic Skills - Qualifications and performance
4. Interview Performance - Shortlisted candidates undergo interviews

Recipients emphasize the importance of:

• Clearly demonstrating how financial constraints impact academic focus
• Articulating specific career goals in land-based industries
• Showing genuine commitment to the sector
• Detailing intended use of funds

Luke Ormond (Agricultural Engineering recipient) stated the grant would “help me access extra materials and training towards my academic development” - showing specific intended use resonates with the Trust.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Financial need is paramount - Must demonstrate you've exhausted all other funding sources
• Only two application windows annually - Missing deadlines means waiting six months
• Check partnership status first - Partnership college students apply through their institution
• Focus on early-career support - Trust prioritizes foundational qualifications over advanced degrees
• Age restriction applies - Must be 18-30 (exceptions for career changers)
• Prepare for interviews - Shortlisted applicants face panel interviews
• Modest grant amounts - Set realistic expectations for £500-£2,000 awards

Similar Funders

These funders have a similar focus and geographic reach:

• Royal Female School of Art Foundation
• CLA Charitable Trust
• Perry Foundation
• WISPERS TRUST LIMITED
• Consolidated Charity of Burton upon Trent
• The Albert Dawson Educational Trust
• The Ewelme Exhibition Foundation
• The Crispa (Richard Cahn) Charitable Trust
• Huntingdon Freemen's Trust
• The Douglas Bomford Trust

References

• Charity Commission Register: https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/528787
• Studley College Trust Official Website: www.studleytrust.co.uk
• Harper Adams University: “Ten scholars benefit from Studley College Trust awards” at www.harper-adams.ac.uk/news/202488/ten-scholars-benefit-from-studley-college-trust-awards
• Harper Adams University: Studley College Trust Scholarship 2025-26 at www.harper-adams.ac.uk/apply/finance/scholarships/scholarship/201016/studley-college-trust-scholarship
• Reaseheath College: “Motivated Reaseheath students receive bursaries” at www.reaseheath.ac.uk/motivated-reaseheath-students-receive-bursaries/
• Moulton College: Studley College Trust Fund at www.moulton.ac.uk/about/studley-college-trust-fund
• Turn2Us Grants Search: grants-search.turn2us.org.uk/grant/studley-college-trust-16069