The Church Schools Of Cambridge (the Old Schools)

Charity Number: 311326

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Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: Data not publicly disclosed
  • Success Rate: Not available
  • Decision Time: Not publicly disclosed
  • Grant Range: Not specified (contact for details)
  • Geographic Focus: City of Cambridge and surrounding areas

Contact Details

  • Website: csoc.org.uk
  • Email: admin@csoc.org.uk
  • Phone: 01223 411039
  • Address: c/o St Philip's Church Centre, 185 Mill Road, Cambridge CB1 3AN

For grant eligibility and application details, applicants are encouraged to contact the Trust directly at admin@csoc.org.uk.

Overview

The Church Schools of Cambridge (The Old Schools) was founded around 1703 by Reverend William Whiston, the third Lucasian Professor of Mathematics, with support from notable figures including Isaac Newton. Originally establishing seven schools for 260 poor children in Cambridge, the Trust has evolved to support Christian education in the city. Today, the charity owns and maintains four Church of England primary school sites (St Luke's, St Philip's, St Paul's, and Park Street) and provides grants to promote education for young people under 25 in Cambridge according to Church of England principles. In 2019, the Trust merged with the Jesus Lane Sunday School Endowment Fund, expanding its grant-making capacity for church-based children's and youth work. The Trust is governed by a 12-member board of trustees with no remuneration, maintaining its historic commitment to accessible Christian education in Cambridge.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The Trust operates three main funding streams:

  1. Standard Grants for Churches: Annual grants to support churches' regular work with children and young people within the Trust's area of benefit. Past funding has covered Light parties, Godly Play resources, children's bibles, and forest church materials. Application method and amounts are available upon direct contact.
  1. Special Project Grants for Churches: For projects outside normal church operations that strengthen church-community links or church-school connections. Previously funded projects include residential trips, holiday clubs, and initiatives linking churches with schools.
  1. Individual Educational Grants: Scholarships, exhibitions, bursaries, and maintenance allowances for individuals under 25 who have attended a Trust school for at least two years and require financial assistance.

The Trust also provides targeted funding for specific school projects and supports broader Cambridge educational initiatives, including funding for RE and collective worship programs in both Church and non-Church schools across Cambridge.

Priority Areas

  • Children and young people's education (particularly those under 25 in Cambridge)
  • Church of England-aligned educational activities
  • Sunday Schools and church-based children's work
  • Projects strengthening church-school relationships
  • Spiritually enriching educational delivery
  • Religious education and collective worship resources
  • Community engagement through church youth programs

What They Don't Fund

Specific exclusions are not published on the website. Given the Trust's focused mission, grants are likely limited to:

  • Projects within Cambridge and surrounding areas
  • Work aligned with Church of England principles
  • Education-focused initiatives for children and young people

Projects outside these parameters would likely fall outside the Trust's charitable objects.

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Governance and Leadership

Board of Trustees (12 members)

Chair and Executive Officers:

  • Patricia Pritchard (University representative) - Chair, serves on Executive and Education committees
  • Dr Keith Carne (University representative) - Vice-Chair, Executive and Finance committees
  • Andrew MacLellan (St Philip's Church representative) - Treasurer, Executive and Finance committees

Additional Trustees:

  • Rev'd Andrew Day (St Clement's) - Executive, Education
  • Caroline Peet DBE
  • David Farrer (St Paul's Church) - Finance
  • Gill Ambrose (St Luke's Church) - Executive, Spirituality
  • Rev'd Imogen Nay (St Paul's) - Spirituality
  • Rev'd Janet Bunker (St Luke's) - Education
  • Jon Young (Diocesan Board of Education) - Executive
  • Matthew Pettifer (St Clement's Church) - Finance
  • Rev'd Ruth Barry (St Philip's) - Spirituality

The Board operates through specialized committees (Executive, Education, Spirituality, and Finance) that meet regularly to oversee the Trust's work.

Staff Team

  • Isobel Rawlinson, Director - Develops and implements the Trust's vision through strategic planning, managing staff and resources
  • Victoria Goodman, Spirituality Officer - Enhances children's spirituality and Christian faith experiences
  • Sarah Helme, Finance & Compliance Officer - Financial administration and regulatory compliance
  • Claire Jameson, Administrator - Trustee secretary and administrative support

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

Applications are managed through direct contact with the Trust. Interested churches or individuals should email admin@csoc.org.uk to discuss eligibility and receive application guidance. The Trust does not publish a standard application form or online portal on its public website.

For churches applying for either standard or special project grants, initial contact via email is recommended to determine eligibility within the Trust's area of benefit.

Decision Timeline

Specific decision timelines are not publicly disclosed. Applicants should inquire about expected timeframes when making initial contact with the Trust.

Success Rates

Success rates and application statistics are not publicly available.

Reapplication Policy

Reapplication policies are not specified on the Trust's website. Given that standard grants are described as “annual,” churches within the area of benefit may apply each year for ongoing work. Policies for special project grants and individual grants should be confirmed directly with the Trust.

Application Success Factors

Based on the Trust's mission and funded projects:

  • Demonstrate alignment with Church of England values: The Trust's charitable objects explicitly focus on education “according to the principles and doctrines of the Church of England.” Applications should show how projects support Christian faith development.
  • Focus on children and young people: All grant programs specifically target work with individuals under 25. Projects should clearly articulate educational or spiritual benefits for this age group.
  • Strengthen church-community connections: Special project grants particularly value initiatives that “strengthen links between the church and the community and/or schools.” Consider how your project builds bridges.
  • Geographic eligibility matters: Ensure your organization operates within “the City of Cambridge” or the Trust's expanded area of benefit (extended in 2022 to match the original Jesus Lane Sunday School Endowment Fund area).
  • Examples of previously funded work: Standard grants have supported Light parties, Godly Play resources, children's bibles, and forest church materials. Special projects include residential trips, holiday clubs, and church-school linking initiatives. Consider how your proposal aligns with these precedents.
  • Contact early: Since application processes are not standardized online, early contact allows the Trust to guide you toward appropriate funding streams and help shape proposals that fit their priorities.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Historic focus, modern approach: Founded in 1703, the Trust maintains deep roots in Cambridge while supporting contemporary Christian education initiatives. Respect this heritage while demonstrating innovation.
  • Contact before applying: With no public application forms, direct engagement with the Trust is essential. Use initial conversations to understand current priorities and funding availability.
  • Church of England alignment is non-negotiable: The Trust's charitable objects explicitly require alignment with Anglican principles. Secular projects or those from other faith traditions are unlikely to succeed.
  • Cambridge-centric: Geographic restrictions are fundamental to the Trust's constitution. Ensure your organization operates within the defined area of benefit.
  • Two church grant streams serve different purposes: Standard grants support ongoing children's/youth work; special project grants fund one-off initiatives that strengthen community connections. Choose the right stream for your need.
  • Individual grants require school connection: If applying for individual educational support, applicants must have attended a Trust school for at least two years and be under 25.
  • Build relationships with Trust schools: Given the Trust's close relationship with its four primary schools, organizations working in partnership with St Luke's, St Philip's, St Paul's, or Park Street may have stronger applications.

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