Our mission
Our unwavering dedication to education and community development, is at the very heart of our mission.
At the Fonthill Foundation, we believe that education is the cornerstone of positive change, and community development is the path to a brighter, more inclusive future.
Education initiatives
We are passionate about creating opportunities for learning and personal growth. Our educational initiatives are carefully designed to foster curiosity, inspire young minds, and provide access to quality education for all.
Our history
The Fonthill Foundation, our charity, is the legacy of Fonthill Lodge School, dating back to the 1800s.
It began as ‘Radcliffe’s,’ established by Rev. Dr. George Radcliffe in the early 1800s in Salisbury. In 1840, George’s son, Rev. William Coxe Radcliffe, relocated the school to Fonthill Gifford, renaming it ‘Fonthill’. A few years later in 1886 the school moved to Saint Hill, on the outskirts of East Grinstead, where it remained until the early 2000’s. The senior school closed in 1985, followed by the prep school in 2011.
Despite this, we continue the legacy initiated by George Radcliffe in the 1880s through the Fonthill Foundation Charity, supporting life-changing educational opportunities for young people.
Our team
Meet our staff
At the core of our mission, you'll find a dedicated and passionate team that makes a big impact. They are the driving force behind our pursuit of a brighter, more inclusive future through education and community development. We see our small size as an advantage, as it allows us to work closely, communicate effectively, and make quick, informed decisions.
Ceetah Grieves
CEO
Laura Ward
Projects ManagerBoard of Trustees
Our organisation is guided by a committed and experienced Board of Trustees. They bring diverse skills and knowledge to the table, ensuring that our decisions and leadership are of the highest quality.
Victoria Henley
Trustee
Maggie Lloyd
Trustee
Niki Cannon
Trustee
Adrian Carver
TrusteeWhat's new
Stay in the loop with our latest charity news, projects and goings on.
2024-25 Residential Activity Trips Funded
We are delighted to have recently approved funding to support 20 residential outdoor activity trips for some of the most in need primary schools across East and West Sussex. The grants mean that these trips, planned for the 2024-25 academic year, will be fully inclusive for all pupils irrespective of their ability to afford to participate.
St Mark’s Triumph again!
Congratulations to St Marks Primary School for taking the Fonthill funded 'Rugby4Change' trophy for the second consecutive year! It was fantastic to join The Change Foundation for the inter-schools competition day where teams from the participating schools went head to head in a series of celebratory tag rugby matches.
Stanmer Wellbeing Gardens Nature-Based Schools Project
It was delightful to join Coombe Primary School pupils during one of their nature based learning sessions at Stanmer Wellbeing Gardens recently. The primary schools project is being funded with a grant from our 10 year Anniversary Fund that focused on nature and environment based education activities.
Jamies Farm Visit
CEO Ceetah Grieves enjoyed a lovely visit to Jamie's Farm, Lewes, recently. The farm provides a unique space for young people offering residential stays built around their unique blend of Farming, Family and Therapy that acts as a catalyst for change. It was great to catch up with the team and see the farm looking glorious at this time of year.
New Equipment for Raising Futures
Fantastic to hear from Raising Futures this week that funding provided to support the students across their three Seed of Hope vocational centres has provided the Kariti Seed of Hope Centre with new hairdressing and beauty therapy equipment, much to the delight of the students on the course.
Young Chefs on the Farm
Trustee Adrian Carver had a fantastic day joining the young chef's from Heron's Dale School as they took part in one of the Fonthill Foundation funded 'Chef on the Farm' days at Plumpton College organised by Table Talk Foundation as part of their schools programme. It was great to see one of our SEND supported school groups having a wonderful time and accessing learning opportunities outside the classroom.
