Social Value

05 / 12 / 2025

Herbert Thompson Primary School in Ely, Cardiff, secured a £17,810 National Lottery grant and received £5,230 worth of surplus furniture, thanks to support from Lovell

Herbert Thompson Primary School in Ely, Cardiff, secured a £17,810 National Lottery grant and received £5,230 worth of surplus furniture, thanks to support from Lovell.

The school, which sits at the heart of one of Cardiff’s most deprived communities, had long dreamed of creating a flexible new classroom space for pupils and local residents. However, with limited resources and no experience of applying for funding, the vision felt out of reach.

Lovell Social Value Manager, Meriel Gough, and Social Value Coordinator, Charlotte Holder, mentored the school’s Business Manager, guiding her through the National Lottery Awards for All Wales funding application process. Their support built confidence and skills, helping the school secure the £17,810 grant in April 2024.

The funding has now enabled the creation of a brand-new adult learning classroom, which will be used for family learning sessions.

In addition, Lovell donated surplus high-quality furniture worth £5,230, refreshing outdated classrooms and providing a safe and inspiring learning environment.

Sheena Marsh, Headteacher at Herbert Thompson Primary School, said: “We are absolutely delighted with the support we’ve received from Lovell. Securing the National Lottery grant and receiving the generous furniture donation has transformed our school environment and created new opportunities for our pupils, families and the wider community.

“Beyond the immediate improvements, what’s most valuable is the confidence and skills we’ve gained to continue unlocking funding in the future. This partnership has given us hope and resilience and we’re excited about the lasting impact it will have on our children and their families.”

Gemma Clissett, regional partnerships director at Lovell, said: “At Lovell we’re committed to supporting the communities where we work, and this partnership with Herbert Thompson Primary School shows what can be achieved when we come together.

“Beyond the immediate improvements, what really matters is that the school now has the skills and confidence to secure further funding, creating a legacy of resilience for the future.”