A transformative initiative enabling local businesses to sponsor local schools — breaking down the financial barriers that stop children accessing extra-curricular opportunities. It is the simplest way for a business to make a lasting difference on its own doorstep.
Friends of Education connects forward-thinking, value-driven local businesses with the schools in their community. Through a clear sponsorship arrangement, each partnership creates an opportunity for a child to access better-quality experiences as part of their school's extra-curricular offer.
For the business, it is a meaningful, visible way to give back where they trade. For the school, it is funding for the trips, equipment and experiences that cost too often puts out of reach. For the child, it is simply a fairer chance to take part.
So that no child misses out on an experience because of what it costs their family — and every partnership benefits both sides.
Five clear stages take a business and a school from first interest to measurable impact — with the BEA managing every step.
Businesses and schools submit an application to join the Friends of Education project.
Our team carries out checks on both the business and the school to ensure they meet our criteria.
A contract is issued by the BEA setting out the agreed sponsorship, then an introduction takes place.
Ongoing logistical, admin and marketing support keeps the partnership running smoothly for both parties.
The BEA provides a full monitoring and evaluation report to the business and the school.
A genuine community story and brand presence across school and BEA platforms.
The BEA handles the matching, the paperwork and the partnership management.
A fixed share of every tier is donated directly to the sponsored schools.
Sponsorship of 3 schools, full brand presence, networking and the chance to pitch, plus a Gold-member event.
Sponsorship of 2 schools, brand presence on school & BEA platforms, networking and fairs.
Sponsorship of 1 school, logo and link, networking events and a framed certificate of appreciation.
Whether you're a business ready to back a school or a school ready to welcome a partner, applying takes minutes — and the BEA handles the rest.
It's the BEA project that enables local businesses to sponsor local schools, breaking down the financial barriers that stop children accessing extra-curricular opportunities such as trips, residentials, sport, music and the arts.
Any forward-thinking local business and any local school can apply. The BEA matches them, carries out due diligence on both parties, and manages the partnership so it runs smoothly.
Businesses and schools submit an application to join. The BEA then runs its checks, issues a contract setting out the agreed sponsorship, makes the introduction, and provides ongoing support and a full impact report.
No. Businesses contribute through Gold, Silver or Bronze sponsorship, and a fixed share of every contribution is donated directly to the sponsored school. Schools pay nothing.