The Harpur Trust
Also known as: Harpur Pre-Preparatory Schools Ltd, Bedford Giving, Pilgrims Pre-Preparatory School
A local foundation that uses the legacy of Sir William Harpur, the founder in 1566, to benefit the inhabitants of the Borough of Bedford through the promotion of education; the relief of poverty, sickness and distress; and the provision of recreational facilities with a social welfare purpose.
Activities & Mission
A local foundation that uses the legacy of Sir William Harpur, the founder in 1566, to benefit the inhabitants of the Borough of Bedford through the promotion of education; the relief of poverty, sickness and distress; and the provision of recreational facilities with a social welfare purpose.
Grants
The Harpur Trust makes grants as part of its work.
- Gives grants to
- organisations and individuals
- Grants paid (2025)
- £1,343,561
- Who it helps
- children and young people, elderly people and other charities or voluntary bodies
- What it supports
- education and training, the prevention or relief of poverty and recreation
As recorded with the Charity Commission. To ask about applying, use the contact details and check the trustees and latest accounts below.
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Where this charity is registered to operate, as self-declared to the Charity Commission. These are regulatory classifications, not a list of active programmes, and don't necessarily indicate fundraising activity in each location.
Local Authority
Financial Information
Financial Efficiency
Latest Financial Breakdown
Income Sources
Expenditure Categories
Financial Trend
Annual Returns
As filed with the Charity Commission for England and Wales. Most recent filing covers the financial year ending 2025.
| Financial Year | Income | Expenditure | Charitable Spending | Net Assets | Reserves | Staff |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | £72,951,000 | £72,827,000 | £71,578,000 | £231,781,000 | £17,210,000 | 1134 / 55 |
| 2024 | £75,469,000 | £73,994,000 | £73,090,000 | £228,781,000 | £15,360,000 | 1185 / 45 |
| 2023 | £68,626,000 | £67,752,000 | £67,019,000 | £214,716,000 | £12,100,000 | 1160 / 35 |
| 2022 | £60,686,000 | £60,068,000 | £59,361,000 | £209,402,000 | £10,766,000 | 1120 / 30 |
| 2021 | £55,138,000 | £54,895,000 | £54,653,000 | £216,168,000 | £11,900,000 | 1121 / 30 |
Staff column shows: Employees / Volunteers
Frequently asked questions about The Harpur Trust
What does The Harpur Trust do?
A local foundation that uses the legacy of Sir William Harpur, the founder in 1566, to benefit the inhabitants of the Borough of Bedford through the promotion of education; the relief of poverty, sickness and distress; and the provision of recreational facilities with a social welfare purpose.
How much income did The Harpur Trust report in 2025?
The Harpur Trust reported total income of £72.95m and reported expenditure of £72.83m for the financial year ending 2025, based on the most recent annual return filed with the Charity Commission.
When was The Harpur Trust registered as a charity?
The Harpur Trust was registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales on 15 December 1997 as charity number 1066861. It has been registered for 29 years.
Who runs The Harpur Trust?
The Harpur Trust is governed by a board of 17 trustees. The chair of trustees is RHIAN CASTELL. Trustees are legally responsible for the charity's governance and are listed in full on its profile.
Where does The Harpur Trust operate?
The Harpur Trust operates in Bedford, as recorded in its Charity Commission filing.
Is The Harpur Trust a registered charity?
Yes — The Harpur Trust is a registered charity in England and Wales, charity number 1066861.
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Registry Information
Trustees
Also governs 1 other charity
Also governs 1 other charity
Also governs 1 other charity
Also Known As
- Harpur Pre-Preparatory Schools Ltd
- Bedford Giving
- Pilgrims Pre-Preparatory School
Data & trust
- Register data refreshed
- 9 November 2026
- Methodology
- How metrics are calculated