The Harpur Trust

Who we are

We are proud of our heritage.  The Harpur Trust has been inspiring and supporting people within the Borough of Bedford for over 450 years, using the legacy of our founder, Sir William Harpur, in 1566. Today the Trust is led by a dedicated team of 26 unpaid volunteers, known as Trustees, who form our board of directors and are legally responsibile for all of our activities.  We also employ over 1100 people in Bedford either at one of our four independent schools: Pilgrims, Bedford Girls, Bedford Modern or Bedford School, or in the main Trust office.

As one of the UK's largest charities, we want everyone to have pride in the local community and to be given opportuniteis to realise their own potential.  So we help people to improve their lives by:

- Providing and promoting education

- Offering help and relief to anyone who is sick, in need, hardship or distress

- Providing recreational facilities with a social welfare purpose