Audlem Education Foundation Trust

The Audlem Education Fund exists as a grant scheme that is intended to assist with the educational, personal development or elite sports costs, of the young people of Audlem parish.

It was set up in the 1980s following the sale of the Old Grammar School building in Audlem.

These funds were invested, and the interest earned is made available for distribution to the young people of Audlem on a case by case basis; most commonly towards the cost of residential school trips, and university fees (or similar), but also to support Audlem Primary School with special projects that may not attract direct Government funding.
It is NOT means tested -- but applicants must agree to share some personal data (address, phone numbers etc and bank details if successful) which may be deleted, on request, after the application is processed.

The Audlem Education Foundation Committee meets three times a year; normally in February, July and November. Following each meeting any awards made are forwarded to Cheshire East Council who hold the investment in trust for the fund, and subsequently release the monies to be paid. It can take a further few weeks to receive the money once notified of a successful application. All applicant are notified by letter of the committee's decision -- whether successful or not.

The next meeting of the Audlem Education Foundation takes place on Wednesday 23rd February. Any new applications for consideration should be received by the Clerk (Judy Evans :1 Shropshire St., Audlem.) by Sunday the 20th February.

Applications should be on the official application form (click here, which must be completed in full, With the exception of fee paying higher/further education courses, application may only be submitted AFTER the activity has been COMPLETED or item PURCHASED..

Whilst each application will be considered on its merits, these are some general guidelines Please read these carefully before completing & submitting any application to avoid disappointment or delay;

* Applicants need to be 25 or under and must live full time within Audlem church parish boundary (which includes most of Hankelow, Coxbank Buerton, Lightwood Green and Wilkesley)

* Grants are not means tested -- they are intended to be for the benefit of all the young people of the parish. They are intended to support education, learning opportunities, and/or elite sporting activities, and are not intended to be granted for social, medical or economic reasons

* Grants are made as a contribution towards costs, and not intended to cover entire costs

* Grants are not available for hobby, or leisure past times.

* To qualify for contribution, educational trips must be 2 days duration, or over.

* Grants towards music, or other performing arts lessons are considered only if these result in formal qualifications. These should be made on an annual basis and application must show consistent attendance for each term.

* Grants are available towards Duke Of Edinburgh Awards, and other officially recognised personal skills development courses.

* Sporting grants are intended for those participating at County level (or higher) or equivalent (according to type of structure within the sport).

* * Whilst items of equipment & tools (sporting & educational) may be considered for one off grants, this does not extend to computers/laptops etc, or collections of small consumable items such as paper, ink, small item coursework materials or optional sportswear & small item sports consumables etc. As a rough guide, individual coursework books and equipment under £15 are unlikely to qualify.

* A lump sum grant is available towards course cost for university, apprenticeship and professional training courses etc for those aged 18 -25 years. These are to a maximum of 4 years, The first year grant being the largest, with subsequent year grants at a reduced level. Additional applications for costs will not qualify for any further funding for that year from the scheme.

* Grants are not available for private tutoring, additional lessons, or work experience.

* Travel costs, (excluding those already included part of an organised educational trip) do not qualify.

* Grants for participation in youth club, scouts, guides or similar, may be considered if at a national, or international, level. It does not however cover subscriptions, uniforms, or routine weekly activities or badges.

This list is by no means inclusive, or exhaustive, but intended to be used as a general guide. If in doubt, please enquire with the Clerk, before proceeding with your application.