Tower Hamlets And Canary Wharf Further Education Trust

Quick Stats

• Charity Number: 1002772
• Annual Giving: £186,961 (income 2023/24)
• Annual Expenditure: £160,650 (2023/24)
• Grant Range: £1,050 - £4,500 per student per year
• Geographic Focus: London Borough of Tower Hamlets only
• Students Supported: Over 4,500 since 1990
• Application Method: Fixed annual deadline (typically late July/early November)

Contact Details

Address: London Borough of Tower Hamlets, Whitechapel Town Hall, 160 Whitechapel Road, London E1 1BJ

Email: danny.warren@towerhamlets.gov.uk

Phone: 020 7364 5221

Website: https://www.towerhamlets.gov.uk/lgnl/education_and_learning/school_finance_and_support/student_finance/tower_hamlets_and_canary_wharf_Further_Education_Trust.aspx

Overview

The Tower Hamlets and Canary Wharf Further Education Trust (THCW FE Trust) is a registered charity established in 1991 as a joint initiative between Tower Hamlets Council and Canary Wharf Group. Since 1990, the Trust has supported more than 4,500 residents of the borough with their further and higher education journeys. The Trust's charitable objective is the advancement of education and training for residents of the London Borough of Tower Hamlets in technical and managerial skills relevant to commerce and industry.

Important Note: This trust makes grants directly to individual students, not to organizations. Grant writers looking for organizational funding should note this is not a typical grant-maker for charities or institutions. The Trust provides means-tested financial support to Tower Hamlets residents pursuing further education, higher education, postgraduate studies, and vocational training, with a particular focus on those in the greatest need of financial support to make the journey through education and into employment.

With an annual income of approximately £186,961 and expenditure of £160,650 (2023/24), the Trust operates with four trustees, none of whom receive remuneration. The Trust has no employees and no trading subsidiaries.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The Trust provides financial support directly to individual students through several categories:

1. Further Education (19+ years)

• Fees: Up to £1,050
• Living costs: Up to £2,100
• Maximum total: £2,900 per year

2. Higher Education

• Fees: Up to £2,900
• Living costs: Up to £2,100
• Maximum total: £4,000 per year
• Only for those not eligible for Statutory Student Finance

3. Residential Horticultural/Agricultural Courses

• Up to £4,500 per year

4. Part-time Courses

• Tuition fees only: Up to £2,400 (maximum £6,600 over course duration)
• Maximum 12 guided learning hours per week

5. Postgraduate Vocational Courses

• Varies by course length
• Up to £4,500 per year for full-time courses

6. Apprenticeships

• Support available for apprenticeships leading to bona fide professional qualifications

Priority Areas

Primary Focus: Tower Hamlets residents pursuing technical and managerial skills relevant to commerce and industry

Priority Allocation Order:

1. Continuing students (those already receiving support)
2. Full-time further/higher education new applicants
3. Part-time courses
4. Postgraduate courses

Income Priority: Households with annual income below £13,000 receive priority consideration

Course Types Supported:

• Further education courses
• Higher education (undergraduate)
• Postgraduate vocational training
• Apprenticeships leading to professional qualifications
• Part-time courses (up to 12 guided learning hours/week)

What They Don't Fund

Explicitly Excluded:

• Courses “devoted exclusively or predominantly to the study of religion”
• Students who can obtain financial assistance from central or local government through schemes like Student Finance or the Mayor's Education Award
• GCSEs or A-Levels
• Students who do not meet the 3-year Tower Hamlets residency requirement (with limited exceptions for refugees and under-18s living with parents)
• Comprehensive funding for all student needs (Trust acknowledges limited resources)

Restrictions:

• Cannot meet all financial needs of students
• Support limited to fees and maintenance only
• No guaranteed support for subsequent years (continuation depends on successful completion of previous year)

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Governance and Leadership

Trustees (All appointed 2024)

Chair: Neil Julian Peter Griffiths (appointed 2024)

• HR director and business partner with 25 years' experience
• MBA from Henley Business School
• Brings commercial and business expertise aligned with Trust's focus on skills relevant to commerce and industry

Council Representatives:

• Cllr Maium Talukdar (appointed 2024) - Cabinet Member for Education, Youth and Lifelong Learning
• Cllr Miraj Amin Rahman (appointed 2024)

Additional Trustee:

• Parmitha Tahid (appointed 2024)

The governance arrangements provide that two trustees must be Members of the Council, ensuring strong links between the Trust and Tower Hamlets Council's education strategy.

Quote from Cllr Maium Talukdar: “Everyone should have an equal chance for an excellent education, irrespective of their financial circumstances.”

Key Personnel

Administrative Contact: Danny Warren (danny.warren@towerhamlets.gov.uk)

Governance Notes:

• No trustees receive any remuneration, payments or benefits
• Trust has no employees
• No trading subsidiaries
• Charity reporting is up to date with the Charity Commission

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

Application Method: Online application through Tower Hamlets Council's self-service portal

Application Portal: https://towerhamlets-self.achieveservice.com/service/THCW_Further_Education_Trust_Application

Application Period: Fixed annual deadline, typically closing in late July (e.g., July 28 was a recent deadline)

Required Documentation:

• Proof of Tower Hamlets residency (3 years)
• Proof of right to remain in the UK
• Household income documentation (for means-testing)
• Course confirmation and fee information
• Previous year's academic results (for continuing students)

Assessment Process:

• Applications are means-tested based on total household income after tax and minus rent/mortgage
• Priority given to continuing students first, then new full-time applicants
• Decisions made by the Board of Trustees
• Decisions are final and binding

Decision Timeline

Timeline: Specific decision timelines are not publicly stated. Applications typically close in late July/early November with decisions communicated thereafter, likely before the academic year begins.

Notification Method: Direct communication to applicants (specific method not detailed publicly)

Appeals Process:

• Students may appeal only by supplying additional information not previously provided to the Trustees
• Consideration of additional information is at the unfettered discretion of the Trustees
• Documentary evidence supplied after the Trustees have reached a decision will not be considered
• All decisions are final and binding

Success Rates

While specific annual success rates are not publicly available, the Trust's track record demonstrates significant impact:

• 4,500+ students supported since 1990
• Average of approximately 150-200 students supported annually based on available budget
• Related scheme data: Tower Hamlets Council's broader EMA and University Bursary schemes (separate from this Trust but similar demographic) funded 2,350 grants totaling £1.82 million over two years, suggesting high demand for educational support in the borough

Reapplication Policy

Continuing Students: May reapply for subsequent years of study

• Condition: Grant for second or subsequent year dependent upon successful completion of previous year
• Continuing students receive priority in allocation process

Unsuccessful Applicants: May appeal decisions by providing additional information not previously submitted

• Appeals considered at Trustees' discretion
• No guarantee of reconsideration

Important Note: Support is not guaranteed for subsequent years even for continuing students; decisions are made annually based on academic progress and available funds.

Application Success Factors

Trust-Specific Success Factors

1. Demonstrated Financial Need

The Trust explicitly prioritizes applicants from households with income below £13,000 and those who cannot access other sources of funding. As stated in their guidance, the Trust "will not fund students who can obtain financial assistance from central or local government through schemes like Student Finance or the Mayor's Education Award."

2. Course Relevance to Commerce and Industry

The Trust's charitable objective specifically focuses on “technical and managerial skills relevant to commerce and industry.” Applications for courses that clearly align with this objective are more likely to succeed.

3. Strong Tower Hamlets Connection

Three-year residency requirement is strict. Demonstrating deep roots in the community and commitment to contributing back to the borough strengthens applications.

4. Academic Track Record (for continuing students)

The Trust explicitly requires successful completion of previous years of study for continuing support. Strong academic performance demonstrates effective use of Trust resources.

5. Complete and Timely Applications

The Trust states: "Consideration will not be given to documentary evidence supplied after the Trustees have reached a decision on a student's application." Complete applications submitted well before the deadline are essential.

Student Testimonial Evidence

A Masters student who received support stated: “The trust fund is a great resource for students like myself who cannot fund their education costs. I have only been able to complete my Masters with the help of this fund.” The student noted that their career prospects are now “much wider” and they “can now compete on an international level of professionalism within the film and TV industry.”

Another student, Adam Ghalem, said: “The Tower Hamlets EMA has benefited me financially as it allowed me to purchase books and materials.”

Common Reasons for Rejection

Based on eligibility criteria, applications are likely rejected for:

• Failure to meet 3-year residency requirement
• Eligibility for other government funding schemes
• Courses not aligned with technical/managerial skills objective
• Incomplete documentation at time of decision
• Religious studies courses
• GCSE or A-Level courses

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

Note: This trust provides grants to individual students only, not to organizations. The following takeaways are relevant for individuals seeking educational support:

• Hyper-local focus: This is exclusively for Tower Hamlets residents with 3+ years residency. No exceptions for those outside the borough.

• Means-tested priority: Households with income below £13,000 receive priority. Demonstrate genuine financial need and inability to access other funding sources.

• Course alignment matters: The Trust's focus on “technical and managerial skills relevant to commerce and industry” is key. Frame your course in terms of commercial/industrial career outcomes.

• Timing is everything: Applications close once annually (typically late July/early November). Late or incomplete applications will not be reconsidered.

• Continuing students have advantage: If you receive support in Year 1, prioritize academic success to maintain eligibility and priority for Year 2+.

• Documentation must be complete upfront: The Trust will not consider additional evidence after decisions are made. Ensure all documentation is submitted before the deadline.

• Limited resources require strategic positioning: With annual expenditure of ~£160,650 and 4,500+ students supported over 30+ years, competition is significant. Applications must clearly demonstrate why you cannot access other funding sources.

Similar Funders

These funders have a similar focus and geographic reach:

• William Palmer College Educational Trust
• The Albert Dawson Educational Trust
• Royal Female School of Art Foundation
• Sir William Boreman's Foundation
• The Portal Trust
• Walcot Educational Foundation
• Thomas Wilson Educational Trust
• ST OLAVE'S & ST SAVIOUR'S SCHOOLS FOUNDATION CIO
• The Aldgate and Allhallows Foundation
• The Sir Richard Stapley Educational Trust

References

1. Charity Commission Register of Charities - Tower Hamlets and Canary Wharf Further Education Trust (Charity No. 1002772)

https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?regid=1002772&subid=0

Accessed: January 2026

1. Tower Hamlets Council - Tower Hamlets and Canary Wharf Further Education Trust

https://www.towerhamlets.gov.uk/lgnl/education_and_learning/school_finance_and_support/student_finance/tower_hamlets_and_canary_wharf_Further_Education_Trust.aspx

Accessed: January 2026

1. Tower Hamlets Council - THCW Further Education Trust Assessment and Eligibility Rules

https://www.towerhamlets.gov.uk/lgnl/education_and_learning/school_finance_and_support/student_finance/THCW_Further_Education_Trust_assessment_and_eligibility_rules.aspx

Accessed: January 2026

1. Tower Hamlets Council News - Applications open for financial support towards further education in Tower Hamlets

https://www.towerhamlets.gov.uk/News_events/2024/September/Applications-open-for-financial-support-towards-further-education-in-Tower-Hamlets.aspx

Accessed: January 2026

1. Tower Hamlets Council - Trustees Information

https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/1002772/trustees

Accessed: January 2026

1. Giving is Great - Tower Hamlets and Canary Wharf Further Education Trust Charity Factsheet

https://givingisgreat.org/database/charity-factsheet/?regNo=1002772

Accessed: January 2026

1. Turn2us Grants Search - The Tower Hamlets and Canary Wharf Further Education Trust

https://grants-search.turn2us.org.uk/grant/the-tower-hamlets-and-canary-wharf-further-education-trust-16225

Accessed: January 2026