A New Chapter for Queniborough Church of England Primary Schools Endowment

In a recent development, the Diocese of Leicester has taken a significant step in managing the legacy of the Queniborough Church of England Primary School. With the approval of the Secretary of State for Education, a statutory order has been issued to redirect the school's educational endowment to support broader educational initiatives within the Diocese.

Historical Background

The endowment in question dates back to 1845, originating from a deed involving Richard Cock, Richard Toller, and Reverend Edward Prother. Historically, the funds were tied to the Queniborough Church of England Primary School, which has since ceased operations at its original premises.

Financial Details

The endowment's assets, valued at £143,000, represent the net proceeds from the sale of the former school premises. These funds, along with any income generated from them, are held at Barclays Bank.

Transition to New Trusteeship

The Leicester Diocesan Board of Education has been appointed as the trustee of this endowment. This shift in governance means that all funds previously held for the school's foundation will now be transferred to the Diocesan Board. The Board will manage these assets under the terms outlined in the Education Act 1996, specifically Schedule 36, which provides guidance on uniform statutory trusts.

Purpose and Allocation

Under the new order, the endowment will be consolidated with the Leicester Diocesan Uniform Statutory Trusts Fund. This consolidated fund aims to benefit various Church of England educational institutions within the Diocese. The potential uses for the capital and income from the trust assets include:

• Purchasing sites, constructing, enhancing, or expanding school premises.
• Maintaining existing educational facilities.
• Supporting the infrastructure for teachers' housing associated with these schools.

Additionally, the fund may be used for:

• Providing educational advice, resources, and inspection services.
• Engaging staff to manage these initiatives.

Impact on Local Education

This strategic move ensures that the endowment, originally intended to support religious education aligned with Church of England principles, continues to serve a meaningful purpose. By channeling resources into a broader array of educational institutions, the Leicester Diocesan Board aims to enhance educational opportunities and infrastructure across the region.

Conclusion

The Diocese of Leicester's decision to reallocate the Queniborough Church of England Primary School's endowment reflects a commitment to fostering religious education across a wider spectrum of schools. This order not only preserves the legacy of the original endowment but also adapts it to meet contemporary educational needs within the diocese.