Gibbon and Buckland Charity

This is an Educational Trust deriving its income from ownership of School House, which was left to the village in 1609 as a school by Edmund Gibbon. The Buckland Charity, also educational and the Ginder Charity were joined to it in the late 20th century. The hand written record of Gibbons and Ginders charitable donations made during 1677 and 1712 is shown here.

The Trust makes annual grants to village residents to help with further education, or in getting started in working life, and money is also made available to the Primary School.

Grants to students and school-leavers

Grants from the Gibbon and Buckland Charity are available to young persons between the ages of 16 and 25 (as at 1st October in the year prior to application) who are resident in, and have been resident in, the Parish of Benenden for not less than three years, to support them in further education or in getting started in working life. Trustees will also give consideration to applications for grants for GAP year projects of educational worth.

Application forms are available from Benenden's, the Village Shop, or from the Clerk to the Charity, David Harmsworth, at gibbonandbuckland@gmail.com or 01580 240683. Applications for new academic year are due by 30 September.

400+ years and still going strong

The School House is still used for the youngest children in the school - see more details of the building

The Gibbon building, which was opened as a free school in 1609, is thought to be the oldest village school building still in use in Kent.