The Sutton Trust and specialist schools

The Sutton Trust exists entirely for the purpose of investing in education.

After attending a Surrey grammar school and graduating in physical sciences from Oxford University, Sir Peter Lampl built up a successful business in private equity in the 1980s and 90s. Returning from his US base to live in the UK in the late 1980s, he was horrified to find that too many able British young people ‘from un-moneyed backgrounds’ seemed to be missing out educationally. He therefore founded, and personally finances, the Sutton Trust, which exists entirely for the purpose of investing in education.

Since 2000, Sir Peter – through the Sutton Trust – has sponsored 28 schools across the country. ‘We’ve looked at the performance data and these specialist schools have what seems to be the right ethos,’ says Sir Peter. ‘I like the egalitarian entry requirements and the way in which these sponsored schools bring on bright children irrespective of background.’

Like most other sponsors, Sir Peter doesn’t intend to hand over the money and walk away. ‘We would like to be offered a seat on the governing body of any school we agree to sponsor. We want to get involved in helping to run schools from the inside. We believe there’s a considerable element of business ethos which can be usefully transferred to the running of schools. We can help with development planning and we think we can support schools in meeting their development targets.’

The Sutton Trust accepts proposals sent through by the SSAT, and will also consider proposals from individual schools. But, Sir Peter says firmly, ‘We are not delegating decision-making. We at the Sutton Trust, and no-one else, will decide precisely which schools we shall support.’ And as for the schools they choose to support? Sir Peter’s interests are primarily in technology, science and language.

Schools interested in seeking support from The Sutton Trust should write in the first instance to Charlotte Factor at Charlotte.Factor@ssatrust.org.uk