The charity has always aimed to widen access to education and improve life chances for young people, ever since its origins in the 17th century

The charity’s history and track record demonstrates a consistent and continuous educational purpose alongside flexibility to adapt to changing circumstances and needs.

We supported Archbishop Tenison’s School at 55 Kennington Oval for nearly 100 years, following earlier support for schools and a public library in inner London during the previous two centuries. Since the closure of the Oval school in 2023 we continue to review options with beneficiaries and make donations in line with the original and ongoing charitable purpose.

20th century: making a difference in Lambeth

After two centuries of providing education in Westminster, the charity built a large new grammar school in north Lambeth in the 1920s, and subsequently funded further extensions to the Oval site. As the state assumed more responsibility for running schools, the charity’s role focused less on direct provision and school management and more tightly on endowment, stewardship, and grants for school support.

19th century moves and mergers

Trustees responded to changing local needs by selling the Tenison’s library and reinvesting the assets for education. They also combined separate educational foundations, and built a new school in Leicester Square.

17th century beginnings in central London

Thomas Tenison established and funded a public library and free schools for practical, vocational and academic education. Trustees were appointed to manage property and financial assets and apply the income for education.