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Our impact

From its roots in Calderdale, the William Henry Smith Foundation works with local authorities across the country to provide specialist education and support for children and young adults facing barriers – including those with SEND, disadvantage, and SEMH needs and challenges.

Making the difference

We work in the belief that ‘impact’ isn’t measured by any single moment. Instead, it is seen in the journeys we help shape every single day, and through the sustained and embedded practice that underpins lasting progress. From the first time a child feels safe to the moment they take their first confident steps into independence, our mission is to transform lives, break down barriers, and enable every individual to reach their full potential. We exist to do this because when the right, uniquely tailored support surrounds each child and young person, and is delivered consistently over time, there are truly no limits to what they can achieve.


We are so much more than a school, college, or residential setting. We are a connected, specialist community built around a shared purpose – to champion a holistic and tailored approach that enriches the lives of not only our children and young people, but their families and support system too. This means we see the whole person, and not just the challenge. We create environments where every individual feels safe and understood – they belong. We empower meaningful, lasting change and support each person to become who they want to be.

Giving potential a pathway

Take a glimpse into how we support every individual through tailored education, therapeutic care, and a nurturing community – enabling children and young people to build confidence and move towards a brighter future. One that harnesses their potential while allowing them to be their true, authentic selves.

Our impact throughout the UK

It takes a village, and then some. We’re proud to partner with local authorities across the UK to deliver specialist support that transforms lives. What began as a strong local presence has grown into a trusted national network supporting children, young people, and families wherever they need us. 

This map reflects the breadth of our reach and the communities we support every day.

  • North East
    4
    North East
    • Darlington

    • Durham

    • Middlesbrough

    • North Tyneside

  • Yorkshire and the Humber
    14
    Yorkshire and the Humber
    • Barnsley

    • Bradford

    • Calderdale

    • City of York

    • Darlington

    • Doncaster

    • Durham

    • East Riding of Yorkshire

    • Hull

    • Kirklees

    • Leeds

    • Middlesbrough

    • North Yorkshire

    • Rotherham

    • Sheffield

    • Wakefield

  • North West
    14
    North West
    • Blackpool

    • Bolton

    • Cheshire West / Chester

    • Lancashire

    • Manchester City

    • Oldham

    • Rochdale

    • Salford

    • Trafford

    • Warrington

    • Wirral

  • South West
    2
    South West
    • Bristol

  • South East
    7
    South East
    • Buckinghamshire

    • Dorset

    • East Sussex

    • Hampshire

    • Isle of Wight

    • Medway

    • Oxfordshire

    • West Sussex

  • London
    3
    London
    • Buckinghamshire

    • Essex

    • Havering London Borough

    • London Borough of Richmond

    • Redbridge

  • East of England
    4
    East of England
    • Cambridgeshire

  • West Midlands
    1
    West Midlands
    • Birmingham

  • East Midlands
    4
    East Midlands
    • Bedfordshire

    • Derbyshire

    • Leicestershire

    • Lincolnshire

    • North Lincolnshire

    • North East Lincolnshire

    • Nottingham

    • Peterborough

The value of our work

Numbers can only ever tell part of the story. Behind every one is a life changed, a barrier overcome, and a future reimagined – a potential realised. We’ll always look at the bigger picture and remain focused on building opportunities, promoting wellbeing, and enabling meaningful, lasting outcomes.

  • This green clock symbol reflects the clock tower at the WHS school
    £12.9M

    distributed in grants throughout the year

  • Yellow star motif
    665

    organisations supported

  • This circle motif represents 360 degree care and support
    410k

    Our funding supported more than 410,000 people across the UK

  • This orange sunshine motif represents wellbeing
    95%

    engagement rate throughout the year

  • Green motif dots –2 stacked on top of two
    2,500+

    individuals supported across a wide range of programmes

  • This brain icon represents thinking in education and our specialist service provision
    50+

    partnerships established

  • Latest information