The John Whitgift Foundation has published its Impact Report for 2024/25, setting out a year of strong educational outcomes, continued investment in care for older residents, and the operating context for the charity as it marks 430 years of service to Croydon.
Founded in 1596, the Foundation runs Whitgift School and Trinity School, provides nursing and residential care through Whitgift House and Wilhelmina House, and offers subsidised almshouse and sheltered accommodation in the centre of Croydon.
Educational achievement and bursary support
In 2024/25 both Whitgift and Trinity Schools were awarded “Significant Strengths” by the Independent Schools Inspectorate. This is a distinction achieved by only 10% of independent schools nationally. In particular, Trinity was recognised for its community work, and Whitgift for its co-curricular programme.
More than £11 million in bursaries and scholarships were awarded to 1,077 pupils during the year, with 318 pupils across its two schools receiving means-tested fee assistance. The Foundation’s total contribution to bursary funding amounted to £6.2 million.
In April 2025, Trinity School announced plans to become fully co-educational by 2031, supported by a £40 million capital investment programme, Trinity 2030, which will expand pupil numbers from around 1,050 to 1,400.
Old Palace School closed in August 2025 following a two-year managed wind-down. The Foundation has committed £1.7 million in further bursary support and £0.8 million in scholarship support for former pupils through to 2028.
Care for older people
Whitgift Care supports around 100 older people across four sites, with both registered care homes (Whitgift House and Wilhelmina House) rated “Good” by the Care Quality Commission. The Foundation provided £1.4 million in financial support to its care operations during the year, while Whitgift Care’s income rose to £5 million (from £4.2 million) and costs fell to £6.8 million (from £7.3 million).
Financial position
The Foundation recorded a loss of £2.1 million for 2024/25, attributed to the cost of the Old Palace closure and a sustained decline in income from our endowment. Total funds held stood at £204.8 million, with the value of investment-managed funds at £131.4 million.
Roisha Hughes, CEO of John Whitgift Foundation, said: “This report reflects a year of real achievement for our schools and care homes, alongside important work to ensure the Foundation adapts to delivering in 21st Century Croydon.”
“Our pupils and residents remain at the heart of everything we do, and securing the Foundation’s financial sustainability is central to our work, so that we can keep delivering outstanding education and compassionate care for generations of Croydon residents to come.”
