Sidney James Perry was regarded as one of the most accomplished financiers of the 20th century in the City of London. He was born in 1888 and was working as an actuary for Phoenix Assurance when World War I broke out in 1914. He received a commission with the City of London Rifles and fought at the Battle of the Somme, where unfortunately his brother lost his life on the first day of battle. Sidney Perry suffered tremendous psychological trauma and returned home in October 1916. Following the war, he joined a stockbroking firm and in 1936 became a partner at Phillips & Drew, giving him autonomy to build his own team. From 1950 until his retirement, Sidney Perry was effectively the head of Phillips & Drew.

Sidney Perry and his wife never had children, so he resolved to "support the provision of education in the broadest sense for those who would otherwise be unable to afford it." On February 1, 1945, the Covenantors Educational Trust was established and the first grant was awarded in 1946. In 1971, a new organisation was formed called the Sidney Perry Foundation, which incorporated the first trust. Both Sidney Perry and his wife left their entire estates to the Foundation.

The Governors continue awarding individual grants for a wide range of subjects and maintain a long tradition of supporting Medicine. A recent initiative is supporting the UK Widening Participation in Medicine scheme (UKWPMED). For many years, the Foundation has aided the Martin Musical Scholarship Fund, now part of the Philharmonia Orchestra, providing assistance to instrumental students. Vocal Students at the Guildhall School of Music also receive support. From 2024 the Foundation is supporting the RCN Foundation into Nursing.

By 1950, individual grants averaged £70. As of 2024, the average grant awarded is £2,000.

Since our inception approximately £5.35 million has been awarded in grants (In today’s money that equates to £11 million).

Our Partners

  • The Philharmonia Instrumental Fellowship Programme supports young orchestral musicians at the start of their career. We have supported the MMSF (now the PO/MMSF) since 1978 and currently support 7 Instrumental Fellows.

    "The Fellows have wonderful mentors from the Orchestra and receive regular coaching... to gain in-depth knowledge on orchestral music"

    To find out more please email emergingartists@philharmonia.co.uk or search philharmonia.co.uk

  • Guildhall School is internationally renowned for its training of singers. Students and graduates of the Vocal Studies courses achieve exceptional success on opera and concert stages around the world. We have supported Vocal Studies students for many years and currently support 6 vocal students.

    "My time at Guildhall has been one of the best experiences I have had in my life... Guildhall has given me the tools I need to succeed as a professional musician"

    To find out more contact vocal@gsmd.ac.uk or search gsmd.ac.uk

  • Since 1986 we have offered support to OU Engineering students in their final 2/3 years' of study.

    From 2024 we decided to open our support to all Open University degree students.

    To find out more search open.ac.uk

  • UKWPMED

    The Sidney Perry Foundation supports this scheme which is a collaboration between UK medical schools to widen access to Medicine. It provides an exciting opportunity for school leavers from socially and/or educationally disadvantaged backgrounds to improve their chances of gaining a place at one of the participating medical schools.

    Applications must be made through UCAS.

  • The RCN Foundation into Nursing programme provides an opportunity to target funding to individuals wishing to commence a degree in Nursing. The Foundation will be supporting 8 new nursing students.

    Find more information at https://rcnfoundation.rcn.org.uk