The Lytham Schools Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £500,000+ (2025)
• Total Income: £294,131 (2023)
• Total Expenditure: £343,355 (2023)
• Decision Time: 6 weeks
• Grant Range: Varies by type - individuals receive educational support grants; organizations have received from £15,000 to £200,000
• Geographic Focus: Lytham St Annes (FY8 postcode area), Lancashire
• Grants Provided in 2024-2025: 35 grants

Contact Details

Address: Bank House, 9 Dicconson Terrace, Lytham, Lytham St Annes, Lancashire, FY8 5JY

Website: www.lythamschools.org

Email: clerk@lythamschools.org (for applications and general enquiries)

Email: accountant@martingunson.co.uk (accountant contact)

Phone: 01253 739611

Overview

The Lytham Schools Foundation (charity number 526315) has been supporting education in Lytham St Annes since the early 18th century, with formal charitable trust operations beginning in 1793. Originally sparked by Revd. James Threlfall's £5 gift "for poor children's schooling" in 1702, the foundation emerged from community resilience following a devastating flood in 1719. With an income of £294,131 and expenditure of £343,355 in 2023, and over £500,000 in grants provided in 2025, the foundation advances education through means-tested bursaries, individual grants, school building projects, and community organization funding. Governed by a corporate trustee (The Lytham Schools Trustee Ltd), the foundation's strategic approach focuses on “supporting those areas of the local education system that have the least funding, but can have the greatest impact on an individual or community.” Over the past decade, the foundation has provided over 200 grants, with the majority supporting individuals completing formal education and organizations providing vocational education in sport, music, drama, and dance.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Individual Student Grants (Rolling basis, application by June 30th for upcoming academic year)

• Support for students under 25 pursuing further education or workplace entry
• Covers books, materials, tools, workwear, travel, and living costs
• One educational/training grant per person per year
• Funds distributed within 14 days of approval

Community & Organization Grants (Monthly trustee reviews)

• School building projects (£15,000 - £200,000)
• Youth organization equipment and programs
• Sports and arts education initiatives
• Duke of Edinburgh expeditions
• Community educational projects

School Bursaries

• Means-tested bursaries for students at AKS Lytham and other local schools
• Up to 85% fee reduction for deserving students
• Re-assessed annually

Priority Areas

Individual Support:

• Vocational training courses aimed directly at the job market (teacher training, nursing, pre-apprenticeship)
• Apprenticeships and professional training (with or without attached salary)
• Further education courses with student-charged fees
• Educational expenses that remove financial barriers to learning

Organizational Support:

• School building refurbishments and capital projects
• Outdoor learning facilities (Forest Schools, play areas)
• Library and educational space renovations
• Sports facilities and equipment
• Music, drama, and dance programs
• Youth development organizations (Scouts, sports clubs)
• Duke of Edinburgh Award programs
• Community educational projects with wide impact

What They Don't Fund

• GCSE and A-level courses (state-provided and free of charge)
• Gap year activities
• Years with substantial paid workplace placements (sandwich courses)
• Activities outside the FY8 postcode area
• Non-educational purposes

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Governance and Leadership

Board of Directors (Trustees)

The foundation is governed by The Lytham Schools Trustee Ltd, a corporate trustee with the following board members:

• Marjorie Towers - Chair
• Clive Barnes - Vice Chair
• Paul Beverley - Director
• Rev. Glen Brooks - Director
• Helen Broughton MBE, DL - Director
• Judith Cooper - Director
• Philip Gibbons - Director
• Martin Gunson - Director
• Dr. Susan Hayes - Director
• Rev. Nick Wells - Director
• Rev. Ann Wood - Director

No trustees receive remuneration, payments, or benefits from the charity. The corporate trustee (company number 07751260) was incorporated on 24 August 2011.

Strategic Priority Statement

According to the foundation's website: “Our grants aim to support those areas of the local education system that have the least funding, but can have the greatest impact on an individual or community.”

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

Individual Grants:

1. Complete the official Grant Application Form available on the foundation website
2. Submit by June 30th for the academic year starting shortly thereafter
3. Applications accepted by email to clerk@lythamschools.org or by post to The Clerk at Bank House address
4. Second and third-year applicants in continuing courses must provide a letter from their tutor/principal confirming satisfactory attendance and performance

Community & Organization Grants:

• Contact the foundation directly via email or post
• No specific application form mentioned for organizational grants
• Trustees review applications monthly

Decision Timeline

• Review Frequency: Foundation Board meets monthly
• Decision Time: Within 6 weeks of application submission
• Payment Time: Successful applicants receive funds within 14 days of providing validated bank information

Eligibility Requirements

For Individual Applicants:

• Must be under 25 years old at time of application
• Must meet residence requirements (either born and lived in Lytham St Annes FY8 postcode for 10 years, OR had a full-time address in the area for 3 years in the previous 5 years)
• Course must have student-charged fees
• Financial need will be assessed

For Organizations:

• Must operate within or serve the Lytham St Annes area
• Projects must have clear educational benefit
• Must align with the foundation's charitable objectives

Success Rates

Specific success rate percentages are not publicly disclosed. The foundation provided 35 grants during 2024-2025 and has provided over 200 grants in the past 10 years.

Reapplication Policy

No specific reapplication restrictions are mentioned in publicly available information. Individual students can receive one educational/training grant per person per year, suggesting annual reapplication is possible for multi-year courses (with required tutor letters confirming satisfactory progress).

Application Success Factors

Based on the foundation's strategic priorities and funded projects, successful applications demonstrate:

Alignment with Strategic Focus:

The foundation explicitly targets “those areas of the local education system that have the least funding, but can have the greatest impact on an individual or community.” Applications should clearly articulate how the grant addresses an underfunded educational need with significant impact potential.

Strong Geographic Connection:

Demonstrate clear ties to Lytham St Annes (FY8 postcode area). For individuals, ensure you meet the specific residence requirements. For organizations, show how the project serves the local community.

Clear Educational Purpose:

All funding must advance education. The foundation has supported diverse educational activities from traditional academic courses to vocational training, outdoor learning, arts programs, and sports facilities. Clearly articulate the educational outcomes and benefits.

Financial Need and Barrier Removal:

For individual applicants, the foundation focuses on removing financial barriers to learning. Applications should demonstrate genuine financial need and explain how the grant will enable educational participation that would otherwise be impossible.

Community Impact (for Organizations):

Successful organizational grants demonstrate wide community benefit. For example, the Lytham St Annes High School Duke of Edinburgh program enabled 144 students to complete expeditions and contributed 3,960 volunteer hours to the local community.

Vocational and Practical Focus:

The foundation shows particular interest in vocational education, including “sport, music, drama and dance.” Applications for practical, skills-based education appear well-suited to the foundation's priorities.

Evidence of Progress (for Continuing Students):

Second and third-year applicants must provide tutor letters confirming satisfactory attendance and performance, indicating the foundation values demonstrated commitment and success.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Geographic specificity is critical: The foundation exclusively supports the FY8 postcode area. Applications must demonstrate clear local connection and impact.

• Underfunded + high impact = winning formula: The foundation explicitly seeks “areas of the local education system that have the least funding, but can have the greatest impact.” Position your request within this framework.

• Vocational education is a priority: The foundation emphasizes support for vocational education including sport, music, drama, and dance. Don't limit thinking to traditional academic pathways.

• Apply early for individual grants: Submit by June 30th for the upcoming academic year to ensure timely processing and fund distribution.

• Demonstrate financial need clearly: For individual applicants, the foundation assesses financial need. Be transparent about barriers and how the grant enables participation.

• Think beyond headlines: While major building projects attract attention, “the largest number of grants go to individuals who need help completing their formal education.” Don't assume only large projects succeed.

• Monthly review cycle offers flexibility: With monthly trustee meetings, applications are reviewed regularly rather than once or twice annually, providing more opportunities for submission.

References

1. The Lytham Schools Foundation official website - https://lythamschools.org/
2. The Lytham Schools Foundation - Grant Application Guidelines - https://lythamschools.org/grant-application-guidelines/
3. The Lytham Schools Foundation - Grants to Support Education - https://lythamschools.org/grants-to-support-education/
4. The Lytham Schools Foundation - History - https://lythamschools.org/history/
5. The Lytham Schools Foundation - School Building Projects - https://lythamschools.org/projects/
6. The Lytham Schools Foundation - Board of Directors - https://lythamschools.org/board-of-directors/
7. Charity Commission Register of Charities - The Lytham Schools Foundation (526315) - https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-search/-/charity-details/526315
8. Companies House - The Lytham Schools Trustee Limited (07751260) - https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/07751260

Key quotes:

• Foundation mission: “Advancing and Supporting Education in Lytham St Annes, Lancashire, through the provision of grants and bursaries” (lythamschools.org)
• Strategic priority: “Our grants aim to support those areas of the local education system that have the least funding, but can have the greatest impact on an individual or community” (lythamschools.org)
• Historical purpose: “promote and provide for the children of the parish an opportunity to benefit and improve their lot by school learning” (lythamschools.org/history)