The Summer School Foundation
Analysis
The Summer School Foundation is a registered charity in England and Wales, based in Newton Abbot. It was registered in November 1976, 50 years ago. Its declared purposes cover education/training and arts/culture/heritage/science, which this site groups under arts, culture, heritage and science. Legally it is a charitable company (Companies House number 01265884). It says it makes grants to individuals, provides services and other charitable activities.
In the financial year ending October 2025, The Summer School Foundation reported income of £412k and spending of £529k, spending 128% of what it took in. Across the 5 years on record, from October 2021 to October 2025, income grew from £63k to £412k (+552%), an average of +60% a year. The sharpest change came in the year to October 2024, when income rose by 676%. Over the whole period it spent 120% of the income it received.
Among 17,634 England and Wales charities whose main cause is arts, culture, heritage and science and that reported income, The Summer School Foundation sits at the 91st percentile: it is larger than about 91% of them. Against every charity in England and Wales with reported income it ranks in the 88th percentile. Charities of a similar size with the same main cause include Writing on the Wall Limited (£412k), Chipping Campden Music Festival (£412k) and Lake District Music Limited (£410k).
Income and spending
Where the income comes from
- Other 100%
In the charity's own words
The charity promotes education in music and related arts for public benefit, including performance, composition and interdisciplinary practice. It delivers this through The Music Summer School and Festival (MSSF), an inclusive programme for musicians at all stages. MSSF provides high-quality tuition, collaborative opportunities and public concerts, alongside bursaries and outreach to widen access
Similar-sized charities, same cause
| Charity | Location | Income |
|---|---|---|
| Writing on the Wall Limited | Merseyside | £412k |
| Chipping Campden Music Festival | Gloucestershire | £412k |
| Lake District Music Limited | Cumbria | £410k |
| Fevered Sleep | London | £413k |