Our impact

From our roots in Calderdale, William Henry Smith Foundation works with local authorities across the country to provide specialist education and support for children and young adults experiencing social, emotional, and mental health challenges.

Making the difference

We work in the belief that ‘impact’ isn’t measured by any single moment. Instead, it’s seen in the journeys we help shape every single day. 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 envelopes each struggling young person, there are truly no limits to what they can achieve. 

We’re so much more than a school, college, or residential setting. We’re a connected, specialist community built around a shared purpose – to champion a holistic and tailored approach that enriches the lives of not only our students, but their families and support system too. This means we see the whole person, and not just the challenge. We curate environments where every individual feels safe, understood, and, crucially, empowered to effect meaningful, lasting change and 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.

  • 4
    North East
  • 14
    Yorkshire and the Humber

    • Barnsley

    • Bradford

    • Calderdale

    • City of York

    • Doncaster

    • East Rising of Yorkshire

    • Hull

    • Kirklees

    • Leeds

    • Rotherham

    • Sheffield

    • Wakefield

  • 14
    North West
  • 2
    South West
  • 4
    East Midlands
  • 4
    East of England
  • 7
    South East
  • 1
    West Midlands
  • 3
    London

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 estabolished

Download our Impact report

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