Thornton-Smith and Plevins Trust

We believe that every student deserves access to quality education.

Learn how you can receive financial assistance.

How we can help

Thornton-Smith and Plevins Trust (‘TSP’) represents three educational trusts, two created by brothers Walter and Ernest Thornton-Smith, the first in 1954, and the third by Wilfred Plevins.

TSP provides financial assistance for UK students who are already at UK independent schools, or at UK state boarding schools.

Our support is limited to the second GCSE year (Year 11) and the two A level, Highers, Advanced Highers or International Baccalaureate years (Years 12 and 13).

It is expected that parents or guardians, who will be UK tax payers, will have had the necessary financial resources to fund their share of school fees when the student started secondary school, but these plans will have been thrown into disarray by an unexpected family crisis; usually bereavement, illness, desertion, divorce or loss of earnings.

We usually only help students who show high academic achievement or potential but, on occasion, we will assist on the basis of special educational or pastoral needs. In any event, the student is expected to be a good contributor to the school community, and the support of the school will always be needed.

The school, except in the case of some state boarding schools, will also be expected to provide a significant fee discount, usually at least as much as TSP is being asked to provide. Our advice to parents and guardians is to always discuss their financial situation with the school authorities first, before contacting us, and obtain their support for bursary funding in principle.

Please note that we will always make a detailed financial assessment, looking at assets and liabilities, income and expenditure, and as appropriate will ask for evidence to back up the figures. We also expect parents or guardians to make some contribution towards the school fees.

Testimonials

‘Please pass on my sincere thanks to the Trustees and to everyone involved in considering this application. The support will make an enormous difference to my child’s education and future, and it means more to us both than I can possibly express.’

Ms B, Suffolk, June 2026

‘A heartfelt thank you to the Trustees for confirming support, allowing my child opportunities that might otherwise not have been possible. Thank you for your generosity and belief. It is deeply appreciated and we will always be truly thankful.

Ms W, Worcestershire, June 2026

‘We write to express our deepest, most heartfelt, gratitude for your incredibly generous grant, ‘thank you’ simply does not feel enough. Your belief has opened doors that would have otherwise been firmly shut. Thank you again for your extraordinary kindness and support.’

Mr and Mrs K, Somerset June 2026

‘A huge thank you for all your hard work, and to the Trustees for the grant towards school fees. You have no idea what a blessing it is and a huge weight off our shoulders.’

Mrs C, Gloucestershire, June 2026

‘Thank you so much for your grant which allows me to stay at my school. I am so grateful for this opportunity. Your help means so much and has shown me the importance of charity.
I hope to be able to give back to younger people who need it in the future.’

Mr M, Brighton June 2025

‘I just want to express my sincere gratitude to the Thornton-Smith and Plevins Trust for the support you gave my child. You helped build a solid foundation for their future by offering stability to stay in the same school they were in. It made a huge difference’

Ms N, Hertfordshire, June 2024

‘Our heartfelt thanks for your time, care and support, listening with compassion, guiding us through options and referring us to other sources of help when we simply didn’t know where to turn. The difference made to our family cannot be measured and we will always be grateful.’

Mr and Mrs D, Bristol, June 2026

‘We are incredibly grateful for your support which has enabled our child to continue their education. This would definitely not have been possible without your funding. My child is determined to take on this opportunity and do everyone proud. Many thanks again for changing a life and making dreams come true.

Ms W Manchester, June 2026

‘Thank you so much for the grant support. I am so delighted and the relief is enormous. I can not express my gratitude enough but we will make sure the funding is well deserved.’

Mrs K, Lincolnshire, June 2026

‘Thank you so much for my child’s grant. This is life changing for us and it will enable them to stay at their current school for sixth form studies where they are so happy.’

Ms V, Devon, June 2025

‘I just wanted to thank so much for giving me the most incredible opportunity to remain at my current school for A level studies. Your support has benefitted me in ways I will never forget. It has opened doors I never thought were possible. I’m truly grateful for your generosity and belief .’

Ms F, Yorkshire, June 2025

‘Thank you for your kindness, time and expertise in supporting our child and allowing them to stay at their current school. Your reassuring presence whilst we went through the process made a big difference.’

Mr and Mrs S, Herefordshire, June 2024