Foundation of St Matthias

www.stmatthiastrust.org.uk
Charity 311696

INFORMATION FOR SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS

Thank you for your enquiry about a Scholarship from the Foundation of St Matthias. Please
read the information below carefully as it explains the purpose of the awards and how to
complete an application. It also answers some frequently asked questions.

Documents and information that you will need

From the Scholarship pages on our website you need:

This “Information for Scholarship Applications” sheet

▪ An “Information for Referees sheet”

▪ A “St Matthias Trust Ethnicity Form”

▪ A “Scholarship Application Form”

If you are unable to access any of the forms please contact the Clerk,
(stmatthiastrust@bristoldiocese.org).

About the Foundation and its Scholarship grants

The object of the charity is the advancement of education, with a preference for higher or
further education contributing to the advancement of the Church of England, in particular
through the following means:

1. the education and training of persons who are, or intend to become, engaged
in social welfare work as social workers, community workers, youth workers,
teachers, supervisors of pre-school groups or otherwise;

2. the education and training of persons intending to become ministers of the

Church of England or of a church in communion therewith;

3. in making grants to persons in need of financial assistance to enable them to

attend an establishment of higher or further education, to travel in furtherance
of their education, to study music or other arts or, on leaving any educational
establishment, to prepare for, or to enter a profession, trade or calling.

Do you

have a hypothesis you would love to research?

have a project you would love to pursue?

Would your research/project enhance the Church of England in its mission?

Would your research/project have a long term impact (legacy component)?

Is a lack of finance the only thing stopping you following your dream?
In order to qualify for a scholarship we ask that you:

• have a well thought out area for research or a developed plan for a project
• have identified a suitably qualified supervisor for your work
• can identify how your study/project will contribute to the work of the Church of England

If awarded a scholarship for the Trust would ask for:

• termly reports on your progress supported by an annual tutor’s report

• an annual presentation to the board of Trustees
• you to act as an ambassador for the Trust promoting its work
• notification if your financial circumstances change

Applicants will need to demonstrate:

• enthusiasm for studying and pursuing a vocation within the tenets of the Trust
• commitment to making a significant contribution to religious life through the medium of
the Church of England or of a church in communion therewith
• good communication skills in order to fulfil the ambassadorial role
• high quality academic record and grades awarded to date
• proven circumstances and need for financial support

Size and duration of awards

Scholarships are usually awarded for studies that are 3 years full-time or longer part-time.
Scholarship applications open each year in November and forms have to be completed and
submitted by 5th February of the following year. The Foundation has up to £10,000 a year
available to support a scholar.

Grants are not given retrospectively for study already undertaken.

References

The Foundation asks for two references in support of your application. The references are
taken very seriously by the Trustees when assessing an application; it is your responsibility
to identify suitable referees and to ensure that the references are supplied in good time.

Academic Reference:

One of your referees should be able to comment on your academic abilities and potential in
relation to your course or the research you propose to take. You will find an Academic
Reference Form on the website which you need to bring to the attention of your referee and
which needs to be filled in and returned within the deadline.

Personal Reference:

Typically, your second referee will be someone who knows you personally, and perhaps also
in relation to your work. We will value their opinion about how your studies will contribute to
your vocation and career, and the additional benefits that may bring to your organisation or to
those among whom you work. If you have been encouraged by your church leader, it may be
appropriate for him or her to be one of your referees. There is not a set form for personal
referees to complete, please ensure that they have a copy of the Information for Referees so
that they know what is required. Any queries please contact the Clerk.

The Referees should send their references directly to the Foundation. It is up to the applicant
to ensure that the referees submit the references within the given timescale. Your
application will not be considered by the Trustees if two references haven’t been
submitted.

The Information for Referees leaflet is downloadable from the website.

Please note that your referees should not be serving trustees of St Matthias.

Ethnicity Form

The “St Matthias Trust Ethnicity Form” is part of the application pack. You are not required to
complete this, but we will be very grateful if you do complete it and submit it along with the
other elements of your application.

It is important to note that the Ethnicity form will be kept separate from your
application form and will not be seen by those making recommendations for awards.

Rather, the information you supply will help us to monitor our performance on equality and, if
appropriate, to update our approach.

You will see that the form asks for your name. Whilst this is optional it is particularly helpful as
it enables us to understand the relationship (if any) between protected characteristics and the
outcome of award applications.

How to apply

Step 1: Check eligibility

Read the eligibility criteria carefully (see page 1 of these notes); if you are
unsure about your eligibility please check with the Clerk
(stmatthiastrust@bristoldiocese.org) before proceeding.

Step 2: Complete the application form

We ask that you digitally complete your application. Although this is our
preference if for any reason you are unable to complete it digitally you can still
submit it handwritten.

Step 3: Contact your referees

Send the following to each of your referees:

▪ The “Information for Referees sheet”
▪ The Academic Referee Form

Both referees should send their references directly to the Foundation by email
stmatthias@bristoldiocese.org. It is up to you to make sure that they do this before the
closing date. No applications can be processed without all the required information
including references.

Step 4: Complete the Ethnicity Form (Optional)

While this step is optional, we ask you to complete the “Ethnicity Form”. This
can be completed on your computer and then saved.

Step 5: Submitting your application

 Applications should be submitted by email. Please contact the Clerk
(stmatthiastrust@bristoldiocese.org) if this creates any difficulty.

Send your application to stmatthiastrust@bristoldiocese.org.

Acceptance Letter

Applications will only be considered if a copy of the acceptance letter from your chosen
institution is enclosed with the completed form.

There should be 3 attachments to your application email:

▪ Your completed application form as Word document (not as a PDF or in any other
format). Please make sure every box is completed and it is signed
▪ Your completed Ethnicity Form
▪ Acceptance letter from your chosen institution

Dates:

Applications (including references) should reach the foundation by 5th February.

Sarah Haughan
Clerk to the Trustees
email: stmatthiastrust@bristoldiocese.org.uk

First Floor, Hillside House, 1500 Parkway North, Newbrick Road,

Stoke Gifford, Bristol BS34 8YU

www.stmatthiastrust.org.uk