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As most of you already know The Sternians Trust Fund was originally established in 1961 as ‘The Old Sternians Association Charity Fund’. An independent charity since 1996, distinct from the Lord Wandsworth Foundation, its aim is to support pupils who are at risk of having to leave Lord Wandsworth at a critical stage of their education (generally those in public exam years – 5th Form and Upper Sixth), typically following an unforeseen and adverse change in their families’ financial circumstances. The Trust Fund’s aspiration is to ensure that pupils facing such a situation will be able to complete their studies without disruption, and to progress to the next stage of their education. The Trustees work closely with the College to identify candidates for support. An application may be prompted by a sudden change in family circumstances, or the withdrawal of external charitable support for a Foundationer about to enter the Sixth Form. There are currently eight trustees, including Alvin Boateng and Carly Skillett who we were delighted to welcome following the recent trustee application process.Chairman of Trustees, Paul RichingsAn Interview with Paul Richings (1990, School, C207)Following the recent vacancy for a trustee, you had an overwhelming response to fill that role, why do you think that is?We received over thirty expressions of interest for the advertised trustee position, which massively exceeded our expectations. The applicants were of high quality, and it was extremely difficult to select a candidate, to the point where we ultimately decided to invite both Carly Skillett and Alvin Boateng to become trustees. I think there were a number of reasons for this. Many Sternians appreciate the benefit of their time at Lord Wandsworth, whether on an academic level, or thanks to extracurricular activities or friendships made, and can appreciate the difference it would have made if their education had been interrupted. The Trust Fund’s mission to ensure that this doesn’t happen therefore resonates. What is the most rewarding part of your role?Following the progress of the pupils who the Trust Fund has supported, and seeing the many ways in which they contribute to the life of the College.How has the Trust Fund changed since you first became involved?The Trust Fund has changed in a number of ways, but notably in terms both of its resources and the range of cases where it provides support.The STF has for many years been fortunate and enormously grateful to enjoy the support of a relatively small number of regular donors. The build-up of those donations over many years together with investment growth and in recent years a number of significant legacies have grown the value of the Trust Fund to its current level of around £1 million. The investments produce an annual income of close to £40,000, which allows the Trust Fund to support significantly more pupils than was previously the case.Although the Trust Fund is an independent charity, it works closely with the College. Both the Headmaster and COO join the trustee meetings, with the result that the trustees are kept up to date with relevant developments at LWC, and the activity of the Trust Fund is better able to complement the resources of the Foundation and bursarial support available from the College. One way in which we see this is in the number of contributions that the Trust Fund now makes towards Foundationers, where it can step into the shoes of external foundations that often don’t provide support through the Sixth Form. HIGHLIGHTS OF 2023Assistance was given towards the fees of 8 pupilsTotal grants made of £22,500 Annual investment income of £40,000 Total assets of £1,000,000Chairman of Trustees: Paul RichingsTrustees: Alvin Boateng, James Brewin, Ben Forman, Richard Janaway, Shelley Lawson, Paul Richings, Richard Saunders, Carly Skillett. Independent Examiner: Chris BellairsAN UPDATE FROM The Sternians Trust Fund42