The Foundation is the charitable successor of the Royal Wanstead School established in 1827 as a Victorian orphanage in North London and closed in 1971. Disposal of the former school buildings (now Snaresbrook Crown Court) created a fund to help pay the fees for vulnerable children at independent and state-maintained boarding schools in England and Wales, thus perpetuating the work begun by the founder Dr Andrew Reed.

The Foundation aims to help those children whose potential for normal, happy development can only be realised by boarding care in a suitable school.

You may be eligible to apply if you are a:

• Single parent
• Relative caring for a child
• Legal guardian
• Professional involved with the care of vulnerable children

A Case study

“D lived with his mother, a registered heroin user, and his half brother aged two. His life was dominated by the need to care for this little boy. D was a victim of the violent and unpredictable behaviour of his mother’s former partners and had witnessed his mother’s suicide attempts." (Tragically his mother was murdered prior to D sitting his GCSEs).

D’s recent school report reads: "D continues to impress with his effort and determination to succeed in the boarding house. He cares deeply for those in need. He is regarded with respect by staff and pupils alike. For a young man to deal with the death of his mother in the most difficult circumstances within ten weeks of his GCSE examinations and have the courage to succeed and progress on all fronts is extraordinary."