The Alvechurch Educational Trust has supported hundreds of individuals over the years, in projects varying from as little as £10 to over £1,300.

Below are a few examples of the types of activities the Trust can help with.

World Challenge trip to Nepal

In July 2022, I went on a group World Challenge trip to Nepal. The two week adventure included a community initiative where we helped to build earthquake resistant buildings for locals. I also went on a 4 day camping trek through the Himalayan foothills and whitewater rafting down the Trisuli river. The city of Kathmandu was such an interesting place to visit with amazing cuisine and lively streets. This trip has broadened my horizons and I had a great time seeing the temples and views and meeting the people. I’m very grateful for the grant I received from the Alvechurch Grammar School Trust which helped me to go on this trip.

A year in Poland

I applied for the Trust when I learnt that I would be living in Poland for a year as part of my degree. I was awarded money by the trust which helped me when living abroad, not only with aspects relating to my degree such as travelling around Poland, but also in helping me explore my love of travelling. It let me visit countries I never would have considered before I went to live in Poland and helped me have the best year of my life. I definitely recommend applying to the Grammar School Trust as it was one of the best things I did. 
The money I was given meant I was able to travel around Poland to places including Krakow, Warsaw, Poznan, Bydgoszcz, and Gdansk. In these cities I was able to immerse myself in the local culture in Poland and try lots of local activities and food, my favourite being the Pierogi. Due to the Trust some of the thing I saw included the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Warsaw, the Old Towns of many of the cities and walk around some of the best museums I have seen. One of my favourite places to visit was Gdansk, due to the beautiful architecture and it’s hub of activity both night and day. Gdansk is one of my fondest memories of Poland, especially walking around the harbour and the Amber Museum. 
The money given to me by the Alvechurch Grammar School Trust not only allowed me to explore Polish culture and cities, but to also travel to neighbouring countries such as Latvia and Lithuania. These were countries I had not really considered travelling to before as they never really interested me, and I knew little about them. However, when in Poland I learnt about the rich culture and beauty of these places so decided to visit. The grant allowed me to travel to Riga, Latvia and Kaunas, Lithuania which were amazing. I had never really considered how beautiful Eastern Europe could be, but these cities were stunning and full of things to see and do. Without the grant I sincerely doubt I would have visited these sites and it has made me so thankful for Alvechurch Grammar School Trust being there and helping me.

A community project in Argentina

After making an application to the Trust, local resident Laura received an award to take part in a community project in Argentina. She says, “A grant from the Alvechurch Grammar School Trust enabled me to fulfil my dream of travelling to Argentina during my compulsory year abroad as a student of languages. I spent time working with a small church which aims to meet the physical and spiritual needs of one of the poorest communities in the city of Córdoba. Thanks to the support of the AGST, I was able to make a real difference and of course, return to university speaking fluent Spanish!”

A young person’s first trip away from home

The Trust awarded a grant to a local child to enable her to travel to Spain  with the support of two carers. The grant gave her the confidence to go away from home for the first time, learning through new experiences and to have the opportunity to enjoy being a typical teenager.

A grant to pursue a talent in music

The Trust supported keen young musician Jacob with the purchase of a full size cello, enabling him to continue developing his talent for the instrument. Jacob said, “I had been learning to play the cello for a number of years starting with 1/2 and 3/4 size cellos. When I moved onto a full size cello the price tag was considerably larger. Cellos vary greatly in quality and price and I was keen to move forward with a cello that would take me through to grade 8. 
 
“With the support of the Alvechurch Grammar School Trust I was able to purchase a cello that I went on to play in Birmingham Schools’ Symphony Orchestra and when I was in year 13 gained my grade 8. I now play in Liverpool University Symphony Orchestra and Chamber Orchestra.
“Thank you for the support in my musical journey.”

School trip support

Thank you so much for considering my application and awarding money to help with trips, hoodies, and uniform costs. I can’t tell you how much this will help us and I’m so pleased that the children will be able to go on the school trip. 

Alvechurch U11 Football Kit

Other Awards:

  • A £125 contribution towards school uniform costs
  • £500 towards the cost of a degree course in Medical Neuroscience at Sussex University
  • £1,330 towards furnishings for a new venue designed to support local children and youth groups
  • £495 funding for an individual’s school trip to the Battlefields of BelgiumEduc