About us

The Bowdler’s Educational Foundation was established by a scheme made by the Board of Education in 1914 and subsequently amended in 1936 and in 1973. The foundation was bestowed with the educational endowment from the charities founded by the will of Thomas Bowdler in 1723.

Under the scheme, income from the endowment is applied by the trustees in one or more of the following ways:

“In awarding to beneficiaries scholarships, bursaries, maintenance allowances or grants tenable at any school, university or other institution of further (including professional and technical) education approved by the trustees

In providing financial assistance, outfits, clothing, tools, instruments or books to help beneficiaries on leaving school, university or any other educational establishment to prepare for, or to enter, a profession, trade or calling, and

In otherwise promoting the education (including social and physical training) of beneficiaries.”

Within the limits prescribed by this scheme, the trustees have full power to make rules for the award of scholarships, bursaries, maintenance allowances, grants or other benefits, including rules as to the value and period of tenure of the awards, and the qualifications, and method of ascertainment and selection of beneficiaries.

Eligibility

The expression 'beneficiaries' means children and young people under 25 who are resident in Shropshire, with a first preference for those resident in the Ancient Parish of St Julian, Shrewsbury, a second preference for those resident in the Ecclesiastical Parish of Holy Cross and St Giles, and a third preference for those resident in the Borough of Shrewsbury and Atcham, and who in the opinion of the trustees are in need of financial assistance.

How to apply

Please complete our application form and send it via email to the assistant clerk of the foundation alex.kemp@shropshire.gov.uk.

Forms can also be completed physically and posted to us, please write the following on the envelope:

FAO: Alex Kemp
Legal and Democratic Services
Shirehall Abbey Foregate Shrewsbury Shropshire SY2 6ND

Completed forms should be submitted to the clerk using one of the above specified methods. Copies are circulated to the trustees prior to their next meeting when the application is considered. Following the meeting the trustees' copies will be destroyed and the original application will be kept by the clerk for three years to deal with any queries that might arise. Details of any award made will be recorded in the minutes. Should you have any queries please contact the assistant clerk.

Registered charity no 528366