Harpur Trust

The Harpur Trust is a long-established charitable organization based in Bedford, UK, with a history stretching back to the sixteenth century. It was founded by Sir William Harpur—originally a merchant tailor who served as Lord Mayor of London—following his significant donation of land in Holborn, London. Over the centuries, the income generated from that land and other investments has been used to further charitable goals in education and community support in Bedford.

Today, the Trust’s primary focus is on running and supporting a group of independent schools in Bedford: Bedford School (for boys), Bedford Modern School (coeducational), Bedford Girls’ School, and Pilgrims Pre-Preparatory School. These schools embody the Trust’s educational mission and offer a wide range of academic, sporting, and extracurricular opportunities, consistently maintaining high standards. The Trust also provides scholarships and bursaries, helping to broaden access to quality education.

Beyond its educational role, the Harpur Trust is actively involved in a variety of charitable and community initiatives throughout Bedford. It awards grants to local projects and organizations that foster social welfare, arts, culture, and community development, thereby continuing its founder’s vision of benefiting the local population. These grants support programs for disadvantaged groups, promote environmental sustainability, and encourage participation in the arts.

While firmly rooted in tradition, the Harpur Trust continues to evolve to meet modern challenges. Through its schools and charitable work, the Trust upholds Sir William Harpur’s original ethos: to strengthen and enrich the Bedford community through educational excellence, opportunity, and philanthropy.

Information available at https://www.harpurtrust.org.uk/who-we-are