This new grant created by the charity’s 17 trustees will be used to fund innovative projects in Bristol’s 19 maintained secondary schools. Schools are encouraged to apply for the funding, but they need to demonstrate that the grant will be used to add value and make a real difference.

“The aim of this new funding is to encourage schools to use their imagination and think of innovative ways in which extra financial support could enhance students’ learning.”

“We are hoping to get applications from schools who want help for a student with exceptional talents or special needs or for a new project which will really inspire young people,” explained David Jones, chief executive of Bristol Charities.

Bristol Charities makes over 1,500 grants every year, totalling around £250,000, to individuals and groups in Bristol, from funds left by beneficiaries in the city dating back hundreds of years.

The inspiration for the new school grant has come from a legacy managed by the charity on behalf of a recent benefactor, the late Barry T Jones, headteacher of the former Avonhurst School in Clifton.

Barry T Jones left £250,000 to be professionally managed by Bristol Charities to fund annual education grants, but his will stipulated that the money was aimed at charitable independent secondary schools.

“Bristol has a long and proud heritage of benefactors helping the city’s residents and this is something that Bristol Charities is maintaining through donations and legacies from modern day equivalents such as Barry T Jones,” continued David Jones.

“However, the trustees felt that in this case, the opportunity should be made available to all Bristol’s secondary schools and so have established their own fund, to generate additional exciting ideas.”

Schools interested in funding for December 2003 need to apply by 1 October 2003.