William Strong Esq left, in his Will in 1713, a provision to establish a foundation to assist young persons from the school attached to Charles the Martyr church, Tunbridge Wells into work or education. Specifically ‘work’ meant starting an apprenticeship at sea or allied shipbuilding trades and ‘education’ meant being found a place in at Tonbridge School.
Today the same principles apply from the point of view of assisting young people into education or work. The Foundation is administered by six Trustees who meet the applicants and award grants if they satisfy the criteria of the Governing Scheme.
Applicants should be under of 25 years of age and reside in a prescribed area around Tonbridge, Tunbridge Wells and Southborough. They need to be applying for, or attending, a course in further education at:
- University
- Vocational college
- Naval training college
Or
- Commencing an apprenticeship
In certain circumstances a younger school child in financial need may be considered on a case by case basis.
In the first instance, applicants should provide the following details in writing to the Foundation:
- intended course or career
- estimated costs of the course
- explain the reasons for financial hardship
The Trustees shall consider the application and if it meets the Charity’s criteria, a Grant Application form will be forwarded, in preference by email, for completion. Once this has been received by the Trustees, the applicant will be invited to attend an interview which will take place at St Peter & St Paul Parish Church, Tonbridge. Following the interview, if Trustees are in agreement, the applicant shall be awarded a grant up to £500 with the only stipulation that the student keeps Trustees informed of their progress on their chosen course.
Interested applicants must write to the Clerk to Trustees:
Mr W A Corbett
91 Tudeley Lane
Tonbridge
Kent
TN9 2ER
