A.S. Neill Summerhill Trust
The A. S. Neill Summerhill Trust is a registered charity (no. 1089804) whose purpose is to promote the educational philosophy, ideas, life and writings of A.S. Neill, and to provide bursaries or other forms of financial assistance to school pupils.
Promotional work
Promotional work takes a number of forms including the republication and translation of existing books, new books, overseas visits by school staff to give talks, school visitor days at Summerhill as well as Summerhill pupils visiting other schools to run workshops on children's rights and democracy.
Bursaries & Financial Assistance
Each year the trustees consider several applications for bursaries towards school fees. As funds are limited the trust currently has a policy of awarding bursaries to existing pupils only. Parents should contact the school office for information on how to apply for a bursary from the A.S. Neill Summerhill Trust and from other trusts too.
The Trust also supports pupils who cannot otherwise afford extracurricular activities.
Between 2007 and 2012 the Trust awarded 22 bursaries totalling £28,600.
A very big thank you to all our donors who have so generously supported the spirit of Summerhill.
"My financial contribution to Summerhill is a way of supporting Neill's philosophy and of helping to sustain a place where children can be children"
— Ex-Summerhillian and trust donor, Professor Jon Showstack (retired). You can read more about Jon's story and why he felt it was important to donate to the Summerhill Trust here.
How can you help?
There are a number of ways you can make a difference. Occasionally, we organise fundraising events and we are always grateful for an extra pair of hands. Or you can donate via the donate button at the top of the page.
A regular donation
Many people have chosen to make a regular donation by setting up a standing order with their bank. Please consider £3, £5, £10, £25 or £50 per month, this will become an important part of our 'bread and butter' enabling us to budget more easily.
Give shares
By making a gift of shares to the trust it is possible to make a substantial tax saving on your income tax. Changes in the March 2000 budget mean that it is easy to make a tax-efficient charitable gift.
Leave a legacy
Leaving a gift to the trust is a special way to remember Summerhill and to ensure that others too can enjoy a healthy childhood full of great memories.
Gift Aid
Make your donation worth 25% more!
By choosing to GIFT AID your donation you can provide extra income to the Trust, at no extra cost to yourself. For every £1.00 you donate, we can claim 25p on your behalf. It costs you nothing and the Trust benefits. Just let us know that you wish to make a GIFT AID donation and we will claim your tax back from the Inland Revenue. To qualify for Gift Aid you must pay an amount of Income Tax and/or Capital Gains Tax at least equal to the tax. VAT and Council Tax do not qualify.
For more information on any of the above please contact the school office on 01728 830540 or email office@summerhillschool.co.uk
You can also write to The A. S. Neill Summerhill Trust, C/O Summerhill School, Westward Ho, Leiston, Suffolk, IP16 4HY.