The Longhirst Hall Educational Trust

Quick Stats

• Charity Number: 234508
• Annual Income: £18,658 (2022)
• Annual Expenditure: £117,278 (2022)
• Grant Range: Not publicly specified
• Geographic Focus: Northumberland, North Tyneside, and Newcastle upon Tyne
• Application Method: Rolling basis via downloadable form
• Note: Charity reporting currently overdue (721 days as of recent data)

Contact Details

Email: ChildrensTrust@northumberland.gov.uk

Website: https://www.northumberland.gov.uk/About/Projects/Northumberland-Children-s-Trust.aspx

Application Form: https://www.northumberland.gov.uk/NorthumberlandCountyCouncil/media/About-the-Council/Northumberland-Children-s-Trust-Grant-Application-Form.docx

Overview

The Longhirst Hall Educational Trust, established by trust deed on 29 June 1948 (amended 12 December 1996), operates as the Northumberland Children's Trust. The charity was created following the establishment of Longhirst Hall as an approved school for junior boys, which operated until 1982 when it closed. The trust has four trustees and no paid employees, with all trustees serving without remuneration.

The trust makes financial grants to organisations supporting the education and training of young people and children within Northumberland, North Tyneside, and Newcastle upon Tyne local authority areas. With annual expenditure significantly exceeding income (£117,278 vs £18,658 in 2022), the trust appears to be drawing on capital reserves to fund its grant-making activities.

The trust's connection to the historic Longhirst Hall - a Grade II* listed building designed by John Dobson in 1824 - provides a rich heritage linked to decades of supporting vulnerable children in the North East.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The trust operates a single grant programme for youth organisations. Specific grant amounts are not publicly disclosed, but applications are considered at scheduled trustee meetings throughout the year.

Application Method: Rolling basis via downloadable application form, submitted by email

Priority Areas

The trust supports:

• Youth projects supporting education and training
• Uniformed youth groups (Scouts, Guides, Cadets, etc.)
• Sports clubs providing activities for young people
• Musical clubs and arts organisations
• Museums and charities providing special activities for children
• Organisations supporting children in care or those who have been in local authority care
• Support for children in need within the meaning of Section 17(10) of the Children Act 1989

The trust specifically focuses on the advancement of education and training for children and young people, with particular attention to vulnerable groups and those requiring additional support.

What They Don't Fund

• Individual requests for financial support - the trust only funds organisations, not individuals
• Activities outside the defined geographic area (Northumberland, North Tyneside, Newcastle upon Tyne)

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Governance and Leadership

Trustees

Catherine McEvoy-Carr - Chair (appointed 30 September 2020)

Former Deputy Chief Executive and Executive Director for Adult and Children's Services at Northumberland County Council. She left in 2022 to become Children, Education and Skills Director at Newcastle City Council, bringing extensive experience in children's services to the trust.

Councillor Guy Renner-Thompson - Trustee (appointed 20 September 2022)

Conservative County Councillor for Bamburgh ward. Serves as Cabinet Member for Children and Young People at Northumberland County Council. Under his leadership, the percentage of Northumberland schools rated 'Good' or 'Outstanding' rose from 76% in 2017 to 95%, with 94% of schools rated 'Good' or better and no schools judged 'Inadequate' for the first time in the county's history.

Frederick Charles O'Farrell - Trustee (appointed 20 September 2022)

Helen Margaret Coombs - Trustee (appointed 4 May 2023)

The board's composition reflects strong connections to Northumberland County Council and deep expertise in children's education and services.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

1. Download the application form from the Northumberland County Council website at:

https://www.northumberland.gov.uk/NorthumberlandCountyCouncil/media/About-the-Council/Northumberland-Children-s-Trust-Grant-Application-Form.docx

1. Complete the form with details of your organisation and the project requiring funding

1. Email the completed form to: ChildrensTrust@northumberland.gov.uk

1. Applications are considered at scheduled trustee meetings throughout the year

Decision Timeline

Applications are reviewed at periodic trustee meetings with decisions made collectively. Specific decision dates are scheduled throughout the year. While exact timelines from submission to decision are not publicly stated, organisations should expect to wait for the next scheduled trustee meeting.

Organisations that have received funding must submit progress reports using forms available from the same webpage.

Success Rates

Success rate data is not publicly available. With annual expenditure of £117,278 (2022), the trust actively distributes funds to successful applicants.

Reapplication Policy

Information on reapplication policies is not publicly specified. Organisations should contact the trust directly for clarification on reapplication procedures.

Important Note on Reporting Status

The charity's reporting to the Charity Commission is currently overdue by 721 days. Potential applicants should be aware of this delay in regulatory compliance when considering applications.

Application Success Factors

Geographic Alignment is Essential

Applications must demonstrate clear benefit to children and young people within Northumberland, North Tyneside, or Newcastle upon Tyne local authority areas.

Focus on Educational Outcomes

Given the trust's primary objective of “furthering the advancement of education and training,” applications should clearly articulate educational benefits and outcomes for young participants.

Organisational Applications Only

The trust explicitly states it does not support individual requests. Applications must come from established organisations with charitable or youth-serving purposes.

Vulnerable Children Priority

The trust's founding documents specifically mention children in care, those previously in care, and children in need under the Children Act 1989. Projects serving these groups may align particularly well with the trust's original mission.

Youth Organisation Track Record

The trust has a history of supporting established youth organisations including uniformed groups, sports clubs, and cultural organisations. Demonstrating an established track record of youth work strengthens applications.

Community Benefit

Applications should demonstrate how the grant will provide special activities or enhanced educational opportunities for children and young people in local communities.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• This is a local trust with deep roots in Northumberland - emphasize your organisation's connection to and knowledge of the local area and its young people

• Focus on education and training outcomes - the trust's core purpose is advancing education, so clearly articulate learning objectives and developmental benefits

• Organisations only - individual applications are not accepted; ensure you are applying as a registered organisation

• The trust has significant annual expenditure (£117,278 in 2022) indicating active grant-making despite modest income, suggesting capital is being used to fund grants

• Trustee expertise in children's services - with leadership including the Cabinet Member for Children and Young People and former senior council officers, applications demonstrating understanding of statutory children's services frameworks may resonate

• Progress reporting is required - successful applicants must submit progress reports, so be prepared for accountability and follow-up

• Note regulatory status - the charity's overdue reporting to the Charity Commission may indicate administrative challenges; factor this into timing expectations

Similar Funders

These funders have a similar focus and geographic reach:

• THE ST HILDA'S TRUST
• R W Mann Trust
• The Bassil Shippam and Alsford Trust
• The Grantham Yorke Trust
• Netherton Park Trust
• The Bowland Charitable Trust
• Southover Manor General Educational Trust Limited
• THE MICHAEL MARSH CHARITABLE TRUST
• The Tom ap Rhys Pryce Memorial Trust
• The Pople Charitable Trust

References

• UK Charity Commission Register, The Longhirst Hall Educational Trust (234508): https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/234508
• Northumberland County Council - Northumberland Children's Trust: https://www.northumberland.gov.uk/About/Projects/Northumberland-Children-s-Trust.aspx
• Children's Homes website - Longhirst Hall School history: http://www.childrenshomes.org.uk/LonghirstAS/
• Charity Commission Trustees Register: https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/234508/trustees
• Northumberland County Council - Councillor Guy Renner-Thompson profile: https://northumberland.moderngov.co.uk/mgUserInfo.aspx?UID=123
• Co-Curate - History of Longhirst Hall: https://co-curate.ncl.ac.uk/longhirst-hall/history/
• Accessed: 26 January 2026