Edge? Who are you?
We're an independent, charitable foundation devoted to raising the status of practical and vocational learning.
And what's that?
It's learning-by-doing in the real world and we want to make it a route to success for young people from 14 to 24 years old. We want them to learn through practical training and experience how to succeed at a vast range of jobs - from building work to business - by doing work experience, apprenticeships and trainee schemes.
So you're against university?
Not at all. In fact many universities offer excellent practical learning programmes. And for some young people academia is the right route for them to take, but we want to ensure that this isn't the only educational option presented to young people.
Do you want to change our educational system?
Yes, we want a clear path of vocational education in our schools, colleges and universities, so that the qualifications become much more valued by employers, teachers, parents – and the students themselves.
So you're a pressure group?
We think of ourselves as a campaigning organisation – a catalyst for change – but we do much more than try to push our point of view. We do practical things to show what we mean – start real-world projects like
Ice Edge, fund
Academies and run
Employers' Awards schemes. There's lots more on what we do
here.
Sounds expensive, where does your money come from?
In May 2003 the examinations organisation, Edexcel, was sold to Pearson plc. The money went to a holding charity, the Edexcel Foundation. The trustees decided it should promote vocational learning and in May 2004 it was renamed the Edge Foundation. That's us.
Do you hand out grants?
Edge carries out a range of projects but occasionally gives grants in response to applications from other bodies. Please submit any application by using our
grant form.
How can I contact you to find out more?
You've found our website, here's the rest:
Edge Foundation
10 Golden Square
London
W1F 9JA
Tel. 020 7734 6434
Fax. 020 7734 8328
email: centre@edge.co.uk
