The Society

The British & Foreign School Society was formed in 1808 by Christian social reformers to
carry on the work of Joseph Lancaster, a pioneer of school and teacher education. The
Society was then known as “The Society for Promoting the Royal British or Lancasterian
System for the Education of the Poor”. It changed its name to the British & Foreign
School Society in 1814. It is governed by a Royal Charter of 1906 and a Supplemental
Charter of 1999.

Vision

Building on its Lancasterian heritage, the Society’s vision is to maximise educational
opportunity for all.

Values

Reflecting its Christian principles, the Society is committed to equality of opportunity,
integrity, tolerance and respect for others.

Mission

The Society seeks to enhance the lives of people throughout the world by promoting the
advancement of opportunity for education, that is the physical, intellectual, moral,
religious and spiritual development of the whole person regardless of ethnicity,
nationality or religious belief.

Methods

The Society seeks to realise its vision by:
a. providing financial support through grants for a variety of educational projects
both nationally and internationally;
b. partnering with charities and organisations which share its values; and
c. fostering innovation in education.