The Harpur Trust

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The Harpur Trust

Using the legacy of Sir William Harpur, our founder in 1566, we offer support exclusively in the Bedford area. We are one of the top 100 charities in the UK.

We've been here for the people of Bedford for over 450 years; supporting the local community through our grantmaking, through almshouse and other accommodation for older people, and by providing and promoting education. Over the past ten years we have awarded over £8.875 million in community grants to groups and individuals in the Borough of Bedford. Supporting our community by giving grants to lo

cal projects is core to what we do. The grants we offer to projects based in and around Bedford help local organisations and individuals to make a difference to their own lives or those of others. Our grants to organisations are split into two categories:

* Our responsive programme – approximately £500,000 is awarded from this programme every year. Grants within this category cover education, relief and recreation.
* Our themed grants programme – an additional £500,000 a year is available from this programme. These enable us to focus resources on topics of particular interest which still fit within our three objects of education, relief and recreation. Although most of our grants are given to organisations we also offer a very small number of grants to individuals; these are all education focused. We own, manage and support the four independent Harpur Trust Schools:
* Bedford Girls’ School – a 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
* Pilgrims Preparatory School – a nursery and prep school for boys and girls aged 3 months to 7 years

01/09/2026

Today, we are pleased to announce a significant programme of investment across our four schools: Bedford School, Bedford Girls' School, Bedford Modern School and Pilgrims Pre Preparatory School.

Following extensive research, consultation with parents and careful consideration of the changing landscape for independent education, these developments reflect our ongoing commitment to meeting the evolving needs of families and strengthening the outstanding education we provide for future generations.

Highlights include Bedford School becoming co-educational from September 2027, enhanced facilities and opportunities at Bedford Girls' School, continued campus developments at Bedford Modern School, and expanded childcare funding provision at Pilgrims.

Read more about our exciting plans at www.harpurtrust.org.uk/the-harpur-trust-announces-major-investment

25/08/2026

We were delighted to support this year's Wootton Food & Music Festival as one of the event sponsors, helping to make another brilliant free family day possible for the local community.

From live music and entertainment throughout the day to an incredible range of food, drink, market stalls and family activities, the festival brought people together for a day full of fun, laughter and community spirit. It was wonderful to see so many families, friends and local residents enjoying everything the event had to offer.

A big well done to the organisers, volunteers, performers, vendors and everyone who attended and contributed to the event's success. Community events like this play such an important role in bringing people together, creating connections and celebrating the vibrant local area we are proud to be part of.

We're pleased that our sponsorship helped support this fantastic event and look forward to seeing it continue in the years ahead.

24/08/2026

We are proud to have sponsored this year's Ukrainian Independence Day celebrations in Bedford on Sunday.

Run by PBIC, this special community event brings people together to celebrate Ukraine's independence, share Ukrainian culture, and strengthen connections across our communities.

Our Community Programmes Director, Lucy had a great time at this free, family friendly event with live performances, children's activities, arts and crafts, and plenty of opportunities to experience and celebrate Ukrainian heritage.

At The Harpur Trust, we are proud to support events that bring people together, and echo our community priority, "Stronger Communities."

We regularly support events like this which enable Bedfordians of all backgrounds to find out more about the different pieces of the fascinating Bedford jigsaw. Watch out for the next one!

21/08/2026

A special congratulations to Bedford School, Bedford Modern School and Bedford Girls' School on their outstanding GCSE results. These achievements are a testament to the hard work, dedication and resilience of students, teachers, staff and families across our community.

We would also like to congratulate all schools across Bedford Borough celebrating GCSE results yesterday. Behind every grade is a great deal of effort, commitment and perseverance, and every student should be proud of what they have achieved by reaching this important milestone.

Whatever your results may be, remember that there are many different pathways to success. GCSEs are just one step on your journey, and there is a wide range of opportunities available after 16, including sixth form, college, technical qualifications and apprenticeships.

Congratulations to all our Bedford young people and best wishes for whatever comes next.

19/08/2026

We were proud to sponsor the Pakistan Culture & Heritage Festival 2026 in Bedford, supporting an event that brought together almost 300 people to celebrate and share Pakistani heritage, strengthening connections across different communities, cultures and faiths.

As a sponsor, it was a privilege to contribute to a festival that not only celebrated Pakistan's 79th Independence Day, but also created opportunities for people from different backgrounds to come together, learn from one another and build meaningful relationships. Bedford has a proud history of diversity which many places could learn from, and it’s opportunities for conversations like this which help keep our community a positive and inclusive one.

We take great pride in supporting initiatives like this that make a positive impact and bring people together, and this festival was a wonderful example of how culture can unite communities through shared experiences, conversation and understanding. From traditional food and music to cultural performances, it was inspiring to see so many people celebrating diversity, inclusion and togetherness.

Thank you to the British Pakistani Welfare Association for organising such a meaningful event and for bringing our community priority “ Stronger Communities” to life.

18/08/2026

We’re looking forward to the Wootton Food & Music Festival on Saturday (22 August) we’re sponsoring for the community to come together on Harris Way Playing Fields.

Alongside live bands and entertainment throughout the day, visitors can enjoy a fantastic selection of food and drink from local vendors. There will also be plenty for younger visitors to enjoy, including inflatables and family-friendly activities.

We're delighted to support an event that strengthens community connections and creates opportunities for people of all ages to enjoy a fantastic day together.

12/08/2026

We are proud to sponsor the British Pakistani Welfare Association Culture & Heritage Festival this Sunday (16 August), at 1pm, at Great Denham Community Hall. The festival aims to bring people from all backgrounds together to celebrate the rich heritage of Pakistan and the diversity that makes Bedford such a vibrant community.

Experience Pakistani culture, share food and enjoy live Qawwali at this special event, which BPWA describes as an afternoon dedicated to building friendships, encouraging understanding and strengthening community connections.

Everyone is welcome. Bring your family and friends and join in the celebrations!

10/08/2026

Today is the deadline to submit your applications for our Grants Committee meeting being held on 23 September. Don't worry if you've missed this deadline, please visit https://www.harpurtrust.org.uk/apply-for-help/grants-for-charities-and-community-groups/how-to-apply/ to see the deadlines for 2026.

06/08/2026

We're hiring!

We are looking for a Billing Manager to join our Finance Department at The Harpur Trust.

This is an exciting opportunity to oversee our billing operations, manage a small team, and play a key role in ensuring accurate and efficient billing processes for Harpur Trust Schools.

We're looking for someone with strong billing or financial operations experience, excellent attention to detail, and a commitment to delivering a high-quality service to our schools and families

Closing date: 17 August 2026

Find out more and apply online: www.harpurtrust.org.uk/work-for-us

04/08/2026

We're tendering for a community consultation partner to help us listen to the people of Bedford and understand what it's like to live, work and grow up in our borough today.

In 2022 The Harpur Trust launched its 15-year strategy, Together for Bedford, shaped by the views and experiences of local people. Those conversations helped create Bedford Giving, a movement bringing people and organisations together to improve opportunities for children and young people.

Four years on, we want to hear from our communities again. Have local needs changed? Are we focusing on the right priorities? What impact have The Harpur Trust and Bedford Giving had so far, and what more could we do?

We're seeking a partner who can engage a diverse cross-section of Bedford residents, especially seldom-heard voices, and help us build a picture of the borough’s strengths, challenges and aspirations for the future.

If you share our passion for Bedford and our commitment to ensuring everyone has a voice in shaping its future, we'd love to hear from you.

Read more: www.harpurtrust.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Tender-Community-Consultation-2026.pdf

Deadline: 9 September 2026, 12 noon

Submit proposals to: [email protected]

Address

Princeton Court, Pilgrim Centre, Brickhill Drive
Bedford
MK417PZ

Website

http://www.harpurtrust.org.uk/

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