Wishford Foundation

The Wishford Foundation, established in 2021 as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation and the philanthropic arm of Wishford Education (founded 2011), drives educational excellence and social mobility by expanding access to high-quality independent schooling for disadvantaged children. Rooted in a network of prep and senior schools across southern England, its mission centers on providing full bursaries and scholarships—often in partnership with the Royal National Children’s SpringBoard Foundation—and funding enhancements to educational and pastoral facilities, such as sports infrastructure at Westonbirt School. Core values of opportunity, pastoral care, and long-term impact guide its work, prioritizing pupils facing financial or social barriers while benefiting entire school communities through sustainable investments.

It primarily supports children and young people at Wishford Schools via targeted bursaries covering full fees (typically £30,000+ annually per pupil) and capital grants for facility improvements, with flexibility for aligned projects in other schools approved by trustees. Funding emphasizes independent education enrichment, welfare enhancements, and widening access, excluding core costs or unrestricted support for external charities.

Eligible entities are limited to UK-registered charities and academic institutions in southern England, particularly Wiltshire and Gloucestershire, where Wishford operates; no income thresholds apply, but alignment with its schools is key. Unsolicited applications are not accepted—grants are awarded discretionarily by ad hoc trustee meetings with no deadlines or public process. Typical awards range from several thousand to over £100,000 for capital projects. Distinctively, its tight integration with Wishford Education sets it apart, focusing exclusively on the independent sector to foster social mobility without broad external calls.