Who We Are

The Reid Trust was founded in 1868 in connection with Bedford College for Women for the promotion and improvement of women’s education. The trustees are proud to continue this work.

Every other year, the Reid Trust makes a number of awards of up to £1500 each to women who wish to undertake further training or research in the United Kingdom. 

This site contains information about our awards and application form. Before you apply, please read carefully the FAQ, the information given on the Awards page and our privacy policy.

The Trust has placed its historical documents in the Archives of Royal Holloway, University of London. These papers go back to the mid 19th century and tell the story of the Trust's support for the education of women over three centuries. 

You can access the Reid Trust collection here.

A recent record of the Trust’s activities can be accessed via the Charity Commission website (charity no. 1180357). 

The Shared Colours of UK Women's Suffrage and Bedford College

The college colours were green and grey, said to be those of Minerva. Purple was added in 1938 to represent the university; the resulting colours were, by chance or design, similar to those of women's suffrage in the United Kingdom. 

JUNE 2026 UPDATE

The next application cycle opens in January 2027 and closes on 7 May 2027.

From 18 January 2027 you will be able to access the application form from this site.

Please note that applications, references and any other supporting material received after the closing date will not be taken into consideration.