The Third Age Trust
Also known as: The University of the Third Age
The Third Age Trust is the national representative body for the u3a movement in the UK providing a wide range of support services to existing u3as. In addition it helps to develop new u3as and to raise the profile and increase awareness of the u3a movement throughout the UK.
Activities & Mission
The Third Age Trust is the national representative body for the u3a movement in the UK providing a wide range of support services to existing u3as. In addition it helps to develop new u3as and to raise the profile and increase awareness of the u3a movement throughout the UK.
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.
Country
Region
Financial Information
Financial Efficiency
Higher than 9% of UK Education charities with income £1M to £10M (sample: 2063). How is this calculated?
Higher than 5% of UK Education charities with income £1M to £10M. How is this calculated?
Lower overhead than 3% of UK Education charities with income £1M to £10M. (Lower overhead is generally read as more efficient.) How is this calculated?
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 | £3,474,332 | £3,402,342 | £1,979,625 | £2,318,690 | £2,318,690 | 20 / 354 |
| 2024 | £3,268,400 | £3,182,653 | £1,796,966 | £2,246,700 | £2,246,700 | 19 / 348 |
| 2023 | £2,974,564 | £2,870,790 | £1,573,653 | £2,160,953 | £2,160,953 | 19 / 300 |
| 2022 | £2,897,877 | £2,597,121 | £1,309,273 | £2,057,179 | £2,045,290 | 18 / 300 |
| 2021 | £3,033,965 | £2,742,809 | £1,333,102 | £1,756,423 | £1,756,423 | 18 / 300 |
Staff column shows: Employees / Volunteers
Frequently asked questions about The Third Age Trust
What does The Third Age Trust do?
The Third Age Trust is the national representative body for the u3a movement in the UK providing a wide range of support services to existing u3as. In addition it helps to develop new u3as and to raise the profile and increase awareness of the u3a movement throughout the UK.
How much income did The Third Age Trust report in 2025?
The Third Age Trust reported total income of £3.47m and reported expenditure of £3.40m for the financial year ending 2025, based on the most recent annual return filed with the Charity Commission.
How efficient is The Third Age Trust?
The Third Age Trust has a program ratio of 57.0%, meaning that share of its income goes directly to charitable activities. This is higher than 9% of UK Education charities with income £1M to £10M (sample of 2063 charities). See our methodology for how this is calculated.
When was The Third Age Trust registered as a charity?
The Third Age Trust was registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales on 14 November 1983 as charity number 288007. It has been registered for 43 years.
Who runs The Third Age Trust?
The Third Age Trust is governed by a board of 8 trustees. The chair of trustees is Allan Graham Walmsley. Trustees are legally responsible for the charity's governance and are listed in full on its profile.
Where does The Third Age Trust operate?
The Third Age Trust operates across 3 areas: Northern Ireland, Scotland and England And Wales.
Is The Third Age Trust a registered charity?
Yes — The Third Age Trust is a registered charity in England and Wales, charity number 288007.
Details
The Foundry Business Centre
156 Blackfriars Road
LONDON
SE1 8EN
Registry Information
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Major UK charities in the same primary sector, drawn from the curated priority cohort.
Trustees
Also governs 3 other charities
Also governs 2 other charities
Also governs 1 other charity
Sectors & Classifications
Also Known As
- The University of the Third Age
Data & trust
- Register data refreshed
- 14 May 2026
- Methodology
- How metrics are calculated