Thornton-Smith and Plevins Trust
We believe that every student deserves access to quality education.
Learn how you can receive financial assistance today.
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
‘I want to express my sincere gratitude to the Trust for the support given. You have helped my son build a solid foundation for his future. You offered him stability by staying in the same school and that made a huge difference.’
Rose, Hertfordshire, June 2024
‘Thank you for your kindness, time and expertise in supporting my daughter to allow her to stay at her current school. Your reassuring presence whilst we went through the process made a big difference.’
Mr and Mrs S, Herefordshire, June 2024
Contact Us
For all enquiries and application form requests, please contact Mrs Sue Davis, Grants Secretary