Betty Wivell Academy Trust – helping pupils further their careers
The aim of the Charity is to assist former pupils of the BWA to obtain further tuition at a professional level, enabling them to achieve a career in the theatre.
About the trust
The Betty Wivell Academy Trust was officially opened on 26th October 1993.
We started the slow process of setting up a Charity back in January 1991 and it took over 2 years of letter writing and assessing until at long last we achieved our goal and the Trust became a registered charity.
We decided to start this up when Government grants for the Arts were so dramatically cut and, therefore, it became nearly impossible to receive a grant for this kind of education. So instead of being available to the talented; it became available to only those who could afford it.
Our hope is that in some small way the trust will help those who would not normally be able to afford the costs due to family income.

Funding criteria
Our Objective
To provide assistance by way of funding and/or dance equipment and/or clothing to people not exceeding 25 years of age at the date of the Trustees decision [who are pupils or former pupils of The Betty Wivell Academy] to assist their attendance at an accredited full time school or college of dance or drama where the Trustees decide on inquiry that the proposed recipient has special talents in the arts and is in need of assistance to ease an onerous financial burden to themselves and/or their family in obtaining suitable professional training.
You must be no older than 25 years of age.
The grant can only be used for dance clothing, equipment, and/or tuition fees.
You have attended/be attending the BWA.
You must be enrolled on an accredited full-time training scheme.
You must prove that you require the financial assistance.

Supporting the BWA trust
Becoming a Member
For a modest £25 per annum (£60 for 3 years), you can become a ‘Member of the BWA Trust’. You will receive regular newsletters, advance notice of future productions at the academy, and an invitation to an annual ‘Members’ gathering where you can meet current beneficiaries of the Trust.
Fundraising
BWA Trust Fund was set up to financially support our former pupils as they continue their training at full time vocational colleges. We hold various events through out the year to help raise money and also use Easyfundraising and Amazon Smile to generate trust income. If you are doing on line shopping please do go through either of these links and put Betty Wivell Academy Trust as your preferred charity.
Thank you.
Making a donation
Should you wish to make a direct donation to support our work please contact us.
Current board members
Sheena Clark (Chairman)
Maria Lopeman (Secretary)
Sarah Kavanagh (Treasurer)
Alan Wren (Trustee)
Maria Franklin (Trustee)
Elizabeth Reeves (Trustee)
Bronwen Steere (Trustee)
Margaret Ioannou(Trustee)
Andrea Cox(Trustee)
Candice Tierney (Friendship Secretary)