Education & Youth
“Every young person should have equal access to opportunities and experiences that enable them to thrive and succeed."
Tracey Killen, Chair of SMV Youth Committee
Working closely with partner organisations that are youth-led and youth-focused, we are determined to:
BROADEN access to enrichment activities and experiences in areas such as sport and the outdoors, the arts and music, that help to build confidence and self-belief.
CREATE future leaders by supporting the development of key life skills including self-management, taking control of choices, empowerment and helping others.
BRIDGE the gap between education and the workplace by supporting young people to better understand and prepare for the technical and personal skills required in the world of work.
Collegiate School
Collegiate School in Stapleton is a co-educational independent day school for pupils aged between three and 18. It was founded in 1710, and has been supported by SMV ever since. A successful school managed by an independent board of governors, Collegiate offers a broad-based and rich curriculum, ensuring that pupils fulfil their potential in all areas – academic, creative, sporting and social.
A long-term, effective commitment
A commitment that spans more than four centuries, as well as helping to oversee Collegiate School in Stapleton, many of our members volunteer their time as governors for a variety of schools across Bristol, taking on the shared responsibility to improve outcomes for young people during their time at school and beyond.
In addition, through our Youth Strategy, we’re working collaboratively with others to provide young people with equal access to opportunities that will broaden horizons and lead to brighter futures.
"Encouragement to aim high and work towards ambitious goals is equally important for primary school age children – with opportunities ready for them to step into as they journey through education and into the workplace.”
Caroline Duckworth, Treasurer SMV
Until July 2024, SMV was the joint sponsor of Venturers Trust, along with the University of Bristol, responsible for eight state-maintained schools, 3,900 students and 700 members of staff. Venturers Trust comprised of primary schools, secondary schools, an all-age school and a special school, located across Bristol and representing a diverse set of communities.
With the support of the Department for Education, Venturers Trust made the decision in 2022 to merge with a larger multi-academy trust that would bring greater expertise, capacity, resources and funding to each of the schools. In 2023, E-ACT was chosen because of its excellent track record of school improvement and its strong moral purpose of addressing inequality through education.
Historical roots in education
Archival records show that the Society of Merchant Venturers was running a school for the children of mariners as early as 1595. This grew into the Bristol Trade School in the 18th century, which subsequently became the Merchant Venturers’ School and later the Merchant Venturers’ Technical College. When Bristol University was granted its Charter in 1909 the Engineering Department of the Technical College became the University’s Faculty of Engineering. Meanwhile, the Technical College became Bristol Polytechnic, the precursor of the University of the West of England.
