Cropton School Educational Trust

The Cropton School Educational Trust dates back to the early 1700’s when a local man left some land for the benefit of the education of the children of Cropton village. Rental from this land helped to finance a teacher for the children. The teacher lived in a house that was very close to the school. The village had a school until 1959 but financial reasons forced its closure.

The house and school became derelict so the trustees decided to sell the property and invest the proceeds towards the education of the children and young people of the parish. It was renamed the Cropton School Educational Trust.

The aim of the Cropton School Educational Trust is to provide financial assistance for the education of all young people, under 25 years of age, that reside in the parish of Cropton and Cawthorne, North Yorkshire.

Charity Overview – https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/529637/charity-overview

Cropton Educational Trust are now welcoming applications for grant funding for educational purposes. We are a registered charity  Cropton Educational Trust – 529637 and aim to support the local community for educational purposes. This year we continue to use a standardised application form to streamline the process. Once completed please return to croptoneducationaltrust@gmail.com for consideration by the trustees.

Should you have any queries please contact the secretary Vanessa Smallwood by email on the email above.

As trustees we have reviewed our annual timings and are reviewing applications at an earlier annual meeting than before.  The plan is that we should be able to provide successful applicants with funds earlier which can support with preparation for school, etc.  In line with our responsibilities we have reviewed eligibility and clarified this below, please check eligibility criteria before making an application.

In order to be eligible for the funding the grant has to be:

• for educational purposes and
• the child or young person must be in full time education and remain in full time education in 2026/27
• you have to live within the Cropton with Cawthorne Parish council boundary (you must live in the property on a daily basis and not just own property in the village or boundary and
• the child or young person must be under the age of 25 years as at 30th June 2026

As trustees we have to comply with the trust’s purpose and requirements. This is in line with charity commission ruling and the intention of the original trust. If you are unsure if your child is eligible please contact me for further clarification. Applications must be made by parent/carers until the young person is over the age of 18 and no longer attends any local educational establishments (e.g. they are now at university).

Please complete the attached form and return it to me by 30th May 2026, any applications received by Sunday 17th May will be considered at our trustee meeting next week. Other applications will then be considered at our June meeting.