Introduction to The Educational Trusts’ Forum
The ETF was founded in the early 1980s to bring together grant-making educational trusts and schools to enable collaborative working and best practice in order to identify and offer funding to children most in need of support in their education. Each member organisation is independent and has its own criteria for offering financial awards. In some circumstances, there will be a pooling of resources between two or more trusts to assist an approved applicant, often in conjunction with school bursars and foundations.
The Educational Trusts’ Forum meets twice a year and, with over 25 member charities, gives a sizeable annual contribution in grants each year.
Education Trusts interested in joining ETF are invited to contact the current Chair at armedforceseducation@gmail.com for more information.
Below are some case studies highlighting support to families where our members have worked together, often with additional support from the school, to give grants.
Mary had been a student at her current fee-paying school for several years when her family was referred to three charitable organisations for additional financial help.
Following a sudden and unexpected change to family circumstances, Mary’s parents found themselves unable to meet their contribution towards the school fees required for Mary to progress into the sixth form.
It was clear that remaining within the stability and familiarity of her existing school environment was very much needed for Mary’s wellbeing and continued development. Thornton-Smith and Plevins Trust, The Emmott Foundation and The NFL Trust were fully supportive of the family’s circumstances and were very pleased to work collaboratively to cover the fees shortfall, ensuring Mary could complete her formal education without disruption.
This partnership has enabled Mary to access the tailored educational environment she needs, demonstrating the positive impact that targeted support and collaboration between trusts can have on young people facing complex family circumstances.
Overcoming challenges – supporting through education
S experienced significant early trauma, including exposure to domestic violence, substance abuse and the imprisonment of his mother. Following a Child Arrangements Order, he was placed in alternative care. Despite ongoing challenges with anxiety and bullying linked to his past, S has shown remarkable resilience.
Since joining co-educational private day school in September 2024 – a school known for its strong pastoral support – he has flourished academically and personally. His place is supported through funding from the NFL Trust, the Royal Pinner Educational Trust and contributions from his paternal family.
Grace is the daughter of two Army veterans and lives with her mother who suffers from PTSD. The Armed Forces Education Trust (The Trust) became aware of the family’s circumstances and recognised that a boarding school environment would offer significant benefits for Grace’s wellbeing and education.
The Trust introduced the family to the Lord Wandsworth College (LWC) Foundation, which offered Grace a place and coordinated applications to several charities. As a result, Grace’s school place was jointly funded by the Armed Forces Education Trust, Royal Springboard, The NFL Trust, and the LWC Foundation, all of whom are members of the Educational Trusts Forum. The Grants were originally for 5 years but after her GCSE successes, the charities agreed to continue funding to enable Grace to stay at LWC for A Levels.
Grace’s mother said “Grace has truly flourished in this environment, growing enormously in confidence and discovering a real joy in creativity, particularly in art and textiles. At LWC, Grace has felt understood and supported. This opportunity, provided by the school and charities has been truly life-changing for Grace”
Our Impact in Numbers
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Number of individual children helped by ETF members in academic year 2024-25
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Number of individual schools supported in AY 24/25
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Total value of grants given to individuals in AY24/25 by ETF members
Creative Support for the Educational Trusts’ Forum
Shine Creative is an independent design studio founded on traditional values, with a strong commitment to social and environmental good. Their ongoing support for the Educational Trusts’ Forum strengthens the Forum’s outreach and communications, using strategic digital design and insight to better connect vulnerable young people and families with vital educational support.