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.

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Activities & Mission

Areas of Operation

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

Bedford

Financial Information

Latest Income

£72,951,000

Latest Expenditure

£72,827,000

Financial Efficiency

Program Ratio 98.1%

% of income going directly to charitable activities

Higher than 73% of UK Education charities with income over £10M (sample: 661). How is this calculated?

Overall Efficiency 98.3%

% of expenditure going to programs (vs overhead)

Higher than 55% of UK Education charities with income over £10M. How is this calculated?

Administrative Ratio 2.4%

Overhead (fundraising + governance) as % of total expenditure

Lower overhead than 42% of UK Education charities with income over £10M. (Lower overhead is generally read as more efficient.) How is this calculated?

Latest Financial Breakdown

Income Sources

Donations & Legacies £1,659,000

Charitable Activities £66,749,000

Other Trading £251,000

Investments £3,925,000

Other Income £367,000

Expenditure Categories

Charitable Expenditure £71,578,000

Raising Funds £1,249,000

Governance £492,000

Grants to Institutions £1,343,561

Other Expenditure £0

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?

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.

How efficient is The Harpur Trust?

The Harpur Trust has a program ratio of 98.1%, meaning that share of its income goes directly to charitable activities. This is higher than 73% of UK Education charities with income over £10M (sample of 661 charities). See our methodology for how this is calculated.

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.