Wickwar Educational Foundation

Alexander Hosea was a Wickwar boy who made his fortune, but didn’t forget his roots. He founded the school in Wickwar in 1684. The full history surrounding Alexander Hosea and the school was written by Mr Wally Aplin, a former headmaster of the school.

The Foundation was created in 1686 and the latest revision made in July 1994, to perpetuate Alexander Hosea’s wishes and support the education of Wickwar’s young people. It is a registered charity with currently nine trustees, who meet three times a year. The trust is managed with a view to distributing funds for the benefit of local children/young people, whilst also ensuring that the Foundation remains in perpetuity. Its aim is to assist with financing educational, sporting or cultural activities and many children have benefited from the Foundation over the years.

Funding is provided in many ways. At present, a termly grant is given to the Alexander Hosea School, annual grants are given to students who continue their education at college or university, and grants are available to certain students attending the AHS, who require financial assistance for educational purposes. Some young people have embarked on very interesting travel projects and requested financial assistance. All requests are considered and where possible, the trustees will provide support in some way. It has been very enjoyable to receive enthusiastic reports back from the teenagers after such events.

The trustees have given to group projects such as the youth club, Wickwar football and cricket clubs and most recently to the Playing Fields Association. Whilst the Foundation is currently aiming to assist young people between the ages of 16 and 25, who have attended AHS, through these group projects all the young people of Wickwar can benefit.

Each application is considered by the trustees at their meetings, in line with the Foundation’s guidelines, as agreed with the Charities Commission. The criteria for a successful application changes from time to time, to facilitate good management of the finances. At present, students who have attended AHS are given preference, though this may not always be the case. Anyone wishing to make an application may download the form or write to the Clerk to the Trustees: -

Mrs Heather Pearce
Frith Cottage
Frith Lane
Wickwar
Wotton-under-Edge
Glos. GL12 8PB

We also support schemes which promote safety and currently offer assistance for either moped / motorcycle Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) courses; North Avon Drivers Instructors’ Association (NADIA) [01454 261113] pre-17 driving courses or Pass Plus. For further details please contact the Clerk to the Trustees.