An important partnership at Palmer’s College is the one which exists between the College and the William Palmer Trust, a charity established to benefit the education of young people in the ancient Parish of Grays and which gives substantial financial support to Palmer’s College and its students every year.

Some of the Trust’s gifts to the College have been in the form of major capital projects such:

• a well-equipped sports hall;
• the health and fitness centre;
• the 218 seat lecture theatre;
• the extensive addition to the student dining area; and,
• a dance studio with adjoining classrooms. 

The Chairman of the Trust is Mr Bryan Coker who is himself a former pupil of the Palmer’s School. He said “I am very conscious of the support received from and work undertaken by my fellow trustees in carrying out the charitable intentions of William Palmer. Our reward is being involved closely with such a successful and happy College.”

2008-09 Contributions from the Trust

During 2008-09, the Trust funded between 25% and 50% towards the cost of student trips as part of their Geography, Biology, PE, Sport & Leisure, Business Studies Courses. A wide range of other residential educational visits were funded by the Trust and these included Alsace France, Germany, Barcelona, New York, Washington, Cumbria, Arran, Wales, Peterborough, Loughborough, Orielton Pembrokeshire and Caernarfon.

Day visits to conferences, drama productions, galleries and concerts were part funded by the Trust who also provided Support Grants and Higher Education Interview expenses to needy students at the College. Under Clause 29(1) Trustees agreed to pay for the hockey, netball, football and rugby umpire/referee fees necessary for sporting events.

During last year's Prize Giving Ceremony, the Trust awarded:

• 69 prizes for achieving 3 A grades at A-level or equivalent;
• 29 bursaries for achieving 3 A grades at A-level or equivalent and attending university;
• 81 prizes for achievement at A level and BTEC;
• 22 prizes for 100% attendance;
• 17 prizes for achievement at AS level; and,
• 34 prizes for distinction at BTEC Introductory Diploma or First Diploma Award.

Out of the remainder of the Trust’s income, the College was given £19,000 towards the renovation of the College Reception.

The above represents just a small part of that which the Trust does financially to assist the students at Palmer’s College. Equally important is the fact that the Trust seeks to encourage in the students, a life long affinity with the College and its ethos, by helping to provide opportunities for intellectual, academic and personal development within a caring and supportive environment.