News

In March the King Edward\'s School Birmingham Trust celebrated reaching its 500th Assisted Places Fund donor since fundraising for the scheme began in July 2010.

John Wheatley (1969) was delighted to learn that his donation enabled the Trust to meet this significant milestone. \"I am very pleased that the Fund has taken off so quickly,\" he said. \"I would encourage all fellow Old Edwardians to make a contribution to Assisted Places.\"

John, who is the Principal Partner at accountancy company Price Pearson Wheatley, has strong personal reasons for supporting the Fund. \"I am a firm believer that the most important thing to give any child is an education,\" he said. \"We need to ensure that all children have access to a first-rate education, including those whose parents are unable to afford it. I was a beneficiary of the school\'s direct grant system in the Sixties so I feel it is my duty to pay a little back.\"

Over £1 million was raised for Assisted Places in the Trust\'s first financial year, which ended in December. This has enabled the Trustees to fund 12 additional places, which is more than the original target they had set. This means that this September 35 boys will start at King Edward\'s on an Assisted Place, a 50% increase on the number available last year. These additional places will not only make a material difference to the lives of those boys who benefit but also to the school as it looks to meet its goal of doubling the number of Assisted Places it can offer.

A King Edward\'s School Birmingham Trust report detailing all news about the Assisted Places Fund and the amount raised last year will be sent out to Old Edwardians in August. The report will also include a list of all donors, which can be found on the Trust\'s website here.