Who We Are
HERE TO INSPIRE AND SUPPORT
We're here to inspire and support people in the borough of Bedford to improve their lives. We are also Bedford's largest private, local employer with over 1100 staff.
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Our Vision
is of Bedford as a place where everyone has pride in their community and is inspired and supported in realising their potential.
The Harpur Trust Strategic Plan 2016-2020 is available to download at the link below.
Our Mission
PROVIDING EDUCATION
Promoting the highest quality, well-rounded education, through excellence in our own schools; promoting wider excellence in education through grant funding; supporting the Bedford Academy and other maintained schools; and maximising access to our schools for the economically disadvantaged.
CREATING OPPORTUNITY
Providing individual support and developing access to learning programmes in all communities in Bedford, through grant funding and in partnership with other organisations.
BREAKING DOWN BARRIERS
Providing support via grant funds to organisations and individuals where needed, involving people in local initiatives, reducing barriers caused by disadvantage and increasing the community’s access to recreation.
Our Values
- We are innovative and forward looking
- We are caring, fair and respectful
- We are open and outward looking
- We are socially responsible
- We believe in quality and effectiveness
- We act with integrity
- We are inclusive (read about our commitment to inclusion)
Our Team
Our History
SIR WILLIAM HARPUR'S VISION
The Harpur Trust was founded over 450 years ago by Sir William Harpur, a local man born to humble beginnings who made his fortune as a merchant tailor and who became Lord Mayor of London in 1561.
Today our activities are still inspired by Sir William Harpur's vision. He understood the value of education, and he saw the real needs to be addressed a month the disadvantaged, poor and sick in his home town of Bedford.
More about our history
