A New Era at the Whitgift Foundation

Friday 2 October 2009

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The Whitgift Foundation has appointed Martin Corney as its new Clerk to the Foundation.

The Foundation owns, and has responsibility for, three independent day schools in Croydon; Old Palace of John Whitgift, Trinity School and Whitgift School. Nearly 3000 students are educated at the schools with over 43% receiving significant financial assistance in the form of Bursaries from the Foundation - a total of over £4million a year.

As Clerk, Mr Corney will also have overall responsibility for the provision of elderly care at the Foundation's three homes, the historic 16th century Almshouses in the centre of Croydon and Whitgift and Wilhelmina Houses.

Raymond Smith, the retiring Clerk has held the post for twenty-one years and seen major developments and changes during his time at the Foundation. The most significant were the decision to integrate Old Palace School into the Foundation group of schools in 1993 and the more recent, successful merger with Croham Hurst School. In so doing, both have added the important dimension of girls' single-sex education to the two existing boys schools. "The schools have grown dramatically and it was right for the Foundation to develop this aspect of its schools' provision" said Mr Smith.

Martin Corney (left) and Raymond Smith (right)During this time, student numbers have increased significantly and the financial support offered to parents to encourage and support talented children from Croydon and south London to attend the three schools has grown to over £4million a year, a considerable level of support for local families.

The Foundation is one of the most significant charities in the country founded in 1596 by Archbishop John Whitgift to 'provide education for the young and care for the elderly'. The Whitgift Foundation has also established the Carers' Information Service, supporting adults in Croydon caring for family or friends who need help due to illness, disability or frailty.

It also plays a key part of Croydon life leasing its land for The Whitgift Centre shopping mall, one of the first covered shopping centres in the country and enjoys a warm relationship with Croydon Council.

Mr Corney has worked at the Foundation for six years as Head of Human Resources before being appointed Deputy Clerk. He takes over at an exciting and yet challenging time for The Whitgift Foundation. "It is vital that we continue to focus on Archbishop Whitgift's philanthropic aims of over 400 years ago at this time of economic uncertainty, particularly in identifying ways in which the Foundation can continue to support talented children in the borough through greater financial support" said Mr Corney. "With a recent major extension at Whitgift House we hope to offer these exceptional facilities to those who would benefit from either sheltered accommodation or nursing care".

"I believe that The Whitgift Foundation will continue to have a major role to play in all aspects of life for the long-term good of Croydon. The Foundation was established for the people of Croydon and we look forward to being creative in our developing future relationship with the Council, residents, children and the elderly" stated Mr Corney.

"Martin Corney knows the Foundation well and the Court of Governors is very much looking forward to him contributing to the development of the Court's long term vision and strategic plans, together with managing the day to day running of the Foundation" said Ian Harley, Chairman of the Court, in an announcement to all staff.

The Chairman paid warm tribute to the out-going Clerk for his "huge contribution and loyal support to the Court during the last 21 years".