Harpur Trust
Who are the Harpur Trust?
They are The Bedford Charity (The Harpur Trust). They have one goal – to help and support the people who live in and around the town of Bedford.
Even though they are one of the largest charities in the UK, everything they do is for the Bedford area. Using the legacy of Sir William Harpur, their founder in 1566, their aims are clear and simple.
They are here to inspire and support people in the Borough of Bedford to improve their lives by:
- Providing and promoting education.
- Offering help and relief to anyone who is sick, in need, hardship or distress.
- Providing recreational facilities with a social welfare purpose.
Over 1,400 people in Bedford work for the Bedford Charity, either directly or in one of their schools.
Their Grants
Supporting their community by giving grants to local projects is core to what they do. In fact in 2010 they gave over £1,900,000 in grants to projects based in and around Bedford. This money helped local organisations and individuals to make a difference to their own lives or those of others in the local area.
Grant to Blue Peris
The trust has been very supportive of Blue Peris. In 2010 they donated £35,000 to help part fund the refurbishment of White Peris. White Peris is the onsite annex of Blue Peris. This grant was crucial to the development of the building.
Their Schools
They own, manage and support six, independent Harpur Trust Schools:
- Bedford Girls’ School Junior School – a day school for girls aged 7-11.
- Bedford High School for Girls* – a boarding and day school for girls aged 7-18.
- Bedford Modern School – a day school for boys and girls aged 7-18.
- Bedford School – a boarding and day school for boys aged 7-18.
- Dame Alice Harpur School* – a day school for girls aged 7-18.
- Pilgrims Preparatory School – a nursery and prep school for boys and girls aged 3 months to 7 years.
* Bedford High School for Girls and Dame Alice Harpur School are in the process of merging to become Bedford Girls’ School. The merger will be complete by September 2012.
Co-sponsor of the Bedford Academy
They are proud to be co-sponsors, with Bedford College, of the new Bedford Academy. The Academy opened in September 2010.
Their Almshouses
The Bedford Charity/Harpur Trust have been providing Almshouses in Bedford for over 200 years. The first ones, in Dame Alice Street, Bedford, were completed in 1802. Today they have 24 one bedroom flats and 14 bungalows.