Enhancing skills and training for those in Primary and Secondary Education

In 2020 The Sexcentenary Appeal Fund, managed by The Worshipful Company of Founders, took over the assets and funds of The Brunel Centre of Bedford. The aim of this transfer was to uphold the charitable goals of the Brunel Centre, which included:

  1. Providing and maintaining properties for vocational training and education programs.

  2. Supporting the training and development of young people with limited job prospects.

  3. Granting scholarships and bursaries to financially disadvantaged young people for vocational training.

To carry out these objectives a Sub-Committee was established. Below, you can learn more about our efforts in fulfilling these goals and the goals of the Brunel Fund itself.

If you or your organisation would like to apply for funding from the Brunel Fund, please email a cover letter and any supporting documents to office@foundersco.org.uk. Note grants are only considered if they benefit individuals studying at qualification Level 3 or below.

Students learning robotics at The John Warner School, 2022

Where our support goes

  • Bedford Giving

    In 2022, the Founders’ Charities became a founding partner of Bedford Giving, pledging £45,000 over three years to help improve opportunities for children and young people in Bedford. With £30,000 already contributed, the Company’s support has been instrumental in enabling the initiative to raise over £1 million in pooled funding from eight partners.

    Since its public launch in 2023, Bedford Giving has delivered transformative, research-led programmes. These include career mentoring in five schools, the upcoming Taste of the Workplace project—offering immersive, employer-led experiences to 140 students—and a youth-led grantmaking panel allocating £100,000. A mental health training initiative with One YMCA will launch in May 2025, while research into life skills and the impact of adult volunteers in primary schools is also underway.

    The initiative is rooted in four priority areas: raising aspirations, improving mental health, increasing access to affordable activities, and amplifying youth voices. The Founders’ contribution has helped drive meaningful change and long-term momentum.

    Find out more

  • Sixth Form Scholars

    The Sixth Form Scholarships provide STEM enthusiastic students with opportunities and financial support to access essential learning tools and resources they may not be able to afford independently. These scholarships are awarded from the second term of Year 12 and continue through to Year 13, supporting students in their academic pursuits.

    All scholars have attended events at Founders' Hall, where they have engaged with members and explored their academic and career aspirations. Many have expressed interest in joining the Artisan membership.

    There are currently 4 scholars at Aylesbury Grammar School and 7 at the John Warner School.

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