Sue Thomson Foundation

The Sue Thomson Foundation, an endowed charitable trust established in 1988 by Susan Mitchell (known as Sue Thomson in publishing), is dedicated to delivering life-changing educational opportunities for talented children from financially or socially disadvantaged backgrounds. Rooted in the founder's personal connection to Christ’s Hospital—an independent boarding school—it advances education, health, and poverty relief by nominating and funding 'presentees': children needing bursaries to access the school's transformative academic, care, and welfare environment. Its values emphasize long-term investment in individual potential, sustainability through a diversified endowment, and precise alignment with the founder's vision, distinguishing it as a single-beneficiary grantmaker.

The Foundation exclusively supports full-time boarding bursaries and related welfare costs at Christ’s Hospital for UK-resident children, typically from regions like East Sussex, Surrey, West Sussex, and London, though without rigid geographic limits. It channels nearly all grants—reflecting its trust deed—directly or indirectly to the school, prioritizing sustained interventions for pupils with high potential facing barriers.

Unsolicited applications are not accepted; funding occurs via a closed, invitation-only nomination process in consultation with Christ’s Hospital, aligned to the academic calendar with ad hoc trustee decisions and no public deadlines. Typical annual grants range from £100,000 to £220,000 for multi-year bursary commitments to several pupils. It excludes general charities, projects, core funding, or organisations without direct ties to Christ’s Hospital presentees, setting it apart through its hyper-focused, non-competitive model and enduring commitment to one institution over broad sectoral support.