Northallerton School Foundation relaunched to help pupils

The relaunched Northallerton School Foundation, formerly the Northallerton Grammar School charity, had its roots in the church school established in the 14th century and aims to provide grants to improve the prospects of pupils at Northallerton School.

Nick Stafford, chair of the Foundation, said: "Despite centuries of charitable educational activity in Northallerton, we are still faced with the same problems and the same remedies are required.

"Young people need guidance and assistance in many different ways and the Foundation continues to aid, outside mainstream education provision, everyone’s hopes and aspirations."

The charity has been revitalised with the sale of land assets and is now actively distributing grants to support students’ individual needs and learning opportunities.

Its first major grant of £1,047 has been awarded to Northallerton School’s Phoenix Centre, which delivers an alternative curriculum for students who excel in practical, hands-on learning environments.

The funding will be used to renovate the centre’s animal care and horticulture areas, including the installation of a new greenhouse.

Plans also include the creation of an outdoor cooking area, a kitchen, and a café.

These improvements will help the centre deliver a range of vocational and personal development programmes, including the Duke of Edinburgh Award, and will enable students to develop real-world skills in the hospitality industry.

The Foundation has also offered an individual grant of £420 to Ewan Whiting, a student with a promising career in cycling ahead of him who has competed nationally and at European level.

The grant will enable him to purchase annual gym membership at Northallerton Leisure Centre to complement the 15 hours a week of training he currently does alongside his school studies.

Ewan said the membership would give him access to the equipment and weights necessary to build his strength and stamina.

The relaunch has been warmly welcomed by Northallerton School and Sixth Form College headteacher Kevin Broom.

Mr Broom said: "This is a hugely positive moment for our school community.

"The trustees’ commitment to providing additional support for our young people will make a meaningful difference, opening doors to opportunities that many families simply could not access otherwise.

"Whether it is supporting mental health and wellbeing, enabling students to pursue talents beyond the classroom, or helping those facing genuine hardship to thrive in their education, the Foundation represents a powerful extension of the care and ambition we have for every child.

"We are proud to work alongside the Foundation as it begins this next chapter, ensuring that all students at Northallerton School can benefit from wider experiences and the chance to fulfil their potential."

The original Northallerton Grammar School charity had become largely inactive in recent years, but thanks to renewed funding and purpose, the relaunched foundation is set to make a lasting difference to the next generation of learners.

The Foundation will continue to explore ways to support students outside the limitations of mainstream funding, focusing on practical, personal, and vocational development that extends beyond the classroom.