About the charity

A Philanthropic School

Christ's Hospital remains one of the last and largest truly charitable schools. It funds more places for children, particularly those in social, financial or other need, than any other independent boarding school.

In 2006/07, the Foundation contributed 84% towards funding places of its 840 pupils.

Established in 1552 by King Edward VI to care for poor and homeless children in London, and set nowadays near Horsham in West Sussex, Christ's Hospital has provided security and education for thousands of children ever since. Over the centuries the proceeds of endowments and other investments, along with the generosity of donors and fundraising initiatives, have ensured the provision of high quality education to children in need.

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Financially Strong Since 1552...

The Foundation's investments provide the majority of the funding for the School; typically, and despite increasing pressures from capital projects and cost inflation, only 16% of income came from parental contributions during last year. During 2005/6 income from investments reached just over £12 million; grants made to the School to fund its running expenses amounted to nearly £15 million, and capital expenditure, mainly on improvements to School buildings, amounted to over £5 million. This was achieved by using up some of the capital gains enjoyed by the investments during the year.

Since the adoption of Total Return in 2005, the Foundation can now realise limited amounts of investments to fund running expenses of the School and capital projects; however, the Endowment must retain its value in real terms, including an element of protection against future market downturns and future real price increases.