We are proud to announce that £243,600 in interest-free loans has been approved in the third quarter of 2025, taking the total for the year so far up to over three quarters of a million pounds (£753,000) – a record for the Charity!
Within this figure, 11 interest-free business loans were approved totalling £174,600, while seven interest-free education loans were approved to the value of £69,000 – two of which will be used at the world-famous University of Oxford.
“Behind these numbers are inspiring individuals pursuing their ambitions, and we are honoured to play a part in their journeys.”
The Leicestershire & Rutland businesses set to benefit from this huge allocation of funds include a pub, beauty salon, tool smith and a mobile catering company. Meanwhile, the education loans will support the studies of an MSc in Astronautics and Space Engineering, an MA in Fashion, and LLM SQE (Solicitors Qualifying Examination).
Lucy Womack, STWLC Chair, said: “We are immensely proud to see the Charity approve another significant total this month, with over three quarters of a million pounds approved so far in 2025. This milestone reflects our ongoing commitment to empowering people across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland through interest-free loans, and also shows that while our offer may sound too good to be true, it’s very much real – just ask our new borrowers! Behind these numbers are inspiring individuals pursuing their ambitions, and we are honoured to play a part in their journeys.”
Established in 1542, STWLC hosts quarterly application windows each year in which people aged over 18 and under 45 can apply for unique interest-free loans of up to £20,000 to aid local businesses, or £10,000 to support students wishing to return to postgraduate education. The Charity’s loans are interest-free for nine years, and become repayable by equal instalments after three years.
As campuses across the UK prepare to welcome thousands of students back this autumn, excitement mixes with nerves. Bags are packed, fresh notebooks bought, timetables downloaded. For many, the next few weeks mark the start of something life-changing.
But beneath the buzz often lies a quieter concern: funding. Postgraduate study is more vital than ever for those who want to specialise and stand out, but the cost can be daunting. That’s where The Sir Thomas White Loan Charity comes in, offering interest-free education loans that make further study possible for students from Leicestershire and Rutland.
And here’s the good news: you don’t have to apply before you start. If you’re already on your course and realise the financial challenge ahead, you can still apply.
Turning Ambition Into Action
Just ask Joanne Rogers, whose love of history took her from an undergraduate degree at De Montfort University into postgraduate study at Lincoln.
Her passion? Preserving precious objects for future generations. “The course covers the conservation and preservation of historic objects, learning the science behind the types of deterioration an object may undergo throughout its life and how to identify these issues,” she explains.
Joanne is pursuing a Graduate Diploma in Conservation Studies at the University of Lincoln
Without the loan, Joanne admits, “I wouldn’t have been able to afford to join this course and develop my knowledge without the support of STWLC.” Today she’s putting those skills to use at Leicester Museums Service – protecting heritage that belongs to us all.
From Leicester to Oxford
Leona May Irwin packed her bags to move from Coventry to the University of Oxford, where she embarked on a Master’s in Clinical Embryology.
“To specialise within Reproductive Healthcare and Biology was always my aim,” she recalls. “The ability to meet world-renowned researchers, of which I read about and admired in journals before attending, was astounding.”
The interest-free loan bridged the gap between Leona’s ambitions and the reality of Oxford’s costs, allowing her to focus fully on learning rather than on money worries.
Leona completed a Clinical Embryology MSc at the world-famous Oxford University
Accelerating a Career in Motorsport
For Drew Tora-Willson, postgraduate study meant getting closer to his dream career in Formula 1. After an engineering degree at Leicester, he joined Cranfield University to research aerodynamics in motorsport.
“Studying here felt right for what I wanted to get into – motorsport/Formula 1,” he says. “Without the loan, it is likely I wouldn’t have been able to make the course work (at least without putting a lot of strain on myself and my parents!), and I have no idea where I would be now if that were the case.”
Drew (left) used an interest-free loan to complete a MSc in Aerodynamics at Cranfield University
Why Now is the Time
As the new academic year begins, students from Leicestershire and Rutland are unpacking in new cities, meeting lecturers, or logging on to online inductions. Others are already deep in their course, balancing deadlines with part-time jobs.
Wherever you are on your journey, it’s worth remembering: our support isn’t just for those at the very start. Applications are open to students who have already started their course too.
That flexibility means help can arrive when you need it most – whether you’re just stepping into your first lecture or already deep into your dissertation.
Investing in Futures
With up to £10,000 available as an interest-free loan, repayable over nine years with a three-year break before repayments begin, we have been helping students for generations.
The impact is measured not only in financial support, but in the stories of people like Joanne, Leona and Drew – graduates who turned dreams into careers thanks to a Charity that believes in potential.
Whether you’re preparing to start, or already well underway, now is the time to ask: could an interest-free loan help unlock your future?
The path to becoming a barrister is one of rigorous study, intensive training and significant financial commitment. Peter Hale’s journey exemplifies the dedication required to achieve this goal. Now a barrister at 12 King’s Bench Walk, Peter reflects on his academic and professional journey, as well as the vital role The Sir Thomas White Loan Charity (STWLC) played in his success.
Roots and Education
Peter was born in London, before moving to the East Midlands at the age of 11. He attended school in Oakham and later studied at King Edward VII Sixth Form in Melton Mowbray. It was here that Peter’s aspirations began to take shape, ultimately leading him to pursue a Law degree at the University of Exeter.
Driven to deepen his understanding of law on an international scale, Peter continued his education by completing a Master’s in European Law at the University of Rennes in Brittany, France.
The Bar Professional Training Course
The next step on Peter’s journey was the Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC) at City Law School, University of London – a mandatory qualification for those aspiring to become barristers.
“The BPTC is essential for fulfilling the vocational stage of training,” Peter explains. “It provides a foundation in procedural law and equips aspiring barristers with skills in advocacy, negotiation, drafting, and research.”
Successfully completing the BPTC enabled Peter to progress to the pupillage stage of training and, ultimately, qualify as a barrister.
“Government support isn’t available for courses like the BPTC, so without STWLC’s financial assistance, it’s difficult to see how I could have achieved my career goals”
Finding Support Through STWLC
Like many postgraduate students, Peter faced significant financial challenges when it came to funding his studies. While exploring his options, he discovered STWLC, an organisation offering interest-free loans to residents of Leicestershire and Rutland pursuing educational or business opportunities.
“When I was researching ways to fund my postgraduate studies, I came across STWLC online,” Peter recalls. “It was one of the most accessible charities for residents of Leicestershire and Rutland.”
The Role of STWLC in Peter’s Journey
STWLC proved to be a lifeline for Peter, enabling him to pursue his ambitions without the financial barriers that might have otherwise held him back.
“Government support isn’t available for courses like the BPTC, so without STWLC’s financial assistance, it’s difficult to see how I could have achieved my career goals,” he says. “Beyond the funding, the charity provided encouragement and reassurance throughout my studies.”
Peter also appreciated the clarity and fairness of the Charity’s repayment terms.
“The application process was well-managed and the interest-free scheduled repayments meant that I have always known how much I would need to repay at which stages. I would highly recommend the Charity to anyone considering further education and needing financial support.”
A Career Realised
For Peter, the support of STWLC wasn’t just financial – it was foundational to his success. And for those following in his footsteps, his advice is clear: don’t hesitate to seek out the resources and support that can help make your goals a reality.
For more information about STWLC’s interest-free education loans, which are available up to £10,000, interest-free for nine years, please click here
Representatives from Leicester’s The Sir Thomas White Loan Charity attended the annual Sir Thomas White Charity distribution lunch at St John’s College, Oxford, on Thursday 16 January 2025; an event which sees funds distributed to individual charities under the Sir Thomas White banner.
STWLC were the grateful recipients of a cheque for a funding allocation which is to be added to the Charity’s existing fund and be used to provide interest-free business and postgraduate education loans to people aged over 18 and under 45 in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.
In attendance on behalf of Leicester’s Sir Thomas White Loan Charity for this year’s distribution lunch were Lucy Womack, Chair of STWLC, and Sarah Hope, Operations Manager and Clerk to Trustees at STWLC.
Speaking after the event, Lucy Womack said: “We are very grateful to have received this allocation of funding to help us support more young entrepreneurs and students throughout 2025.
“Over the last two years we have approved over £1M in interest-free loans to people in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland, which we are incredibly proud of. However, our efforts certainly don’t end there, as this year we’re determined to increase awareness of the Charity even further and tell more people about our unique offer.
“If you require funds to start a new business, grow a business further, or return to university for postgraduate education, I strongly urge you to consider our interest-free loans – it could be the best decision you ever make!”
To find out more about the interest-free business and education loans available to 18-45s in Leicestershire and Rutland, please click onto our business loan or education loan website pages and complete our contact form.
We are pleased to launch our brand-new Borrower Referral Scheme, which gives current or former STWLC loan recipients a fantastic opportunity to receive a £50 gift card by referring another successful loan applicant.
Open to both business and education loan borrowers, if an applicant identifies you as a referrer on their application form, and they draw down on the loan having been successful, you will have the opportunity to choose between a £50 Amazon or One4All gift card as your reward.
Lucy Womack, Chair of STWLC, said: “Our mission as Trustees of the Charity is simple – allocate as much money as possible to those who need it for business and education purposes within our county. To help us achieve that further, we’re enlisting your help!
“Do you know a friend or family member who is thinking about starting a business or taking a postgraduate course? Perhaps you speak with the public daily and have the opportunity to tell more people about us? Either way, this is a great way to receive a £50 gift card for yourself, while making a positive difference to somebody else. Start spreading the word today!”
To view our referral scheme terms and conditions please see below, and please visit the business loan or education loan pages on our website to view our loan eligibility criteria.
Referral Scheme Terms and Conditions
To be eligible and to receive a reward for a referral, all the following terms and conditions need to be met:
The referrer must be a current or former loan recipient of the STWLC (either education or business). If a former borrower of STWLC, then the loan must have been fully repaid no more than 6 years from the date of the referral (application) so referral eligibility can be confirmed
The referrer must be identified on the application form, as submitted by the applicant. Referrer contact details must also be submitted
The applicant being referred must be successful in securing a loan from STWLC and must complete / draw down on the loan. The reward will only be paid once this has taken place.
The applicant, in providing referrer details, must agree to the decision / result of their loan application being shared with the referrer and this should be indicated on the application form
Referrals can be accepted for both business and education loan applications (grant applications are excluded)
The reward will consist of a £50 gift card from either Amazon or One4All (referrer to choose) and this will be emailed to the referrer once the loan has been drawn down
Current and former STWLC Ambassadors are excluded from receiving referral rewards
One huge benefit of taking a postgraduate course is that it gives people an extra opportunity to re-shape a career direction if their undergraduate studies no longer remain their key interest and passion.
That proved to be the case for Victor Yu, who studied geography at undergraduate level before changing direction with an Epidemiology MSc at Imperial College London, which led to his current position as Senior Public Health Analyst at Hertfordshire County Council.
“I grew up around Birmingham and undertook the majority of my secondary education in the region, plus including a brief stint in the US and Scotland for a couple of years,” Victor explained.
“For my undergraduate studies, I went to Loughborough University in the East Midlands, where I studied geography. I remained in Loughborough for a year after graduating to build up savings to fund my masters, whilst I continued training in athletics in the hopes of securing a sports scholarship, to secure even more additional funding. Unfortunately, I did not get this.”
During his search for funding opportunities, Victor first heard about The Sir Thomas White Loan Charity online.
“I looked at websites which provided information on postgraduate funding opportunities and found the Charity mentioned. Along with STWLC’s loan, I managed to secure grants from several other charities which also aided in my masters funding.”
With finances secured, Victor commenced a move away from his geography undergraduate studies to instead follow his interest in epidemiology.
“The course content was centred around principles of biostatistics, public health, and epidemiology, taught by world renowned researchers,” Victor continued.
“In the second semester, students were given the choice of more specialised modules, which involved more advanced content around infectious disease modelling, statistical methods like machine learning and advanced regression, and spatial modelling of diseases. The course cumulated in a several month dissertation project, where I worked with researchers on developing a large Bayesian statistical model examining global trends in childhood and adolescent height.
“The course was paramount in helping me transition to a quantitative field related to health,” Victor added.
“Without having done the course, it would’ve have been much more difficult for me to have entered the field and to reach where I am today as I came from a fairly unorthodox undergraduate background, in contrast to my peers who had done degrees like biomedical science, clinical degrees, pharmacy and mathematics.”
It’s clear that Victor’s postgraduate studies have been instrumental in shaping his desired career, and he concluded with a glowing review of the Charity’s interest-free education loan, which helped to make it possible.
“It sounds cliché, but I like the idiom that life is like a box of dominoes falling in to place. Being accepted for the loan has given me all of the experiences of my life since graduating and where I am now. In addition, with the loan being interest-free with a long repayment period, you appreciate the altruism the Trustees have in seeing their applicants succeed, over purely monetary gain.”
If you’re considering postgraduate education like Victor and need funds for tuition or living costs, please click here to read more about our interest-free education loans.
Starting and developing a career in acting is no mean feat. It involves a combination of training, networking and perseverance, but when the love for it is there, it can be an incredibly special career to have.
Growing up in Melton Mowbray, Gwilym Roberts always had an interest in acting through his family, and decided to follow this through a less conventional education route.
“I decided against taking A Levels and did a BTEC course in Musical Theatre at Brooksby Melton College,” Gwilym began.
“Then, I went to the University of Cumbria to continue this further. Whilst there, I realised my love was for just acting, so decided to do a Masters in Acting at Guilford School of Acting.”
It was at this point in time when Gwilym discovered The Sir Thomas White Loan Charity – and specifically, the interest-free education loans available through the Charity.
“We were looking for loans, as I couldn’t afford to do my Masters without additional funding, and my Mum found STWLC. After some research about the Charity, we realised this was a perfect fit,” Gwilym reflected.
One of the UK’s leading accredited drama schools, the Guildford School of Acting provides dedicated training within a purpose-built environment on the University of Surrey campus, focusing on practical actor training through a series of workshops and rehearsals.
“The course was amazing,” Gwilym continued.
“I was in classes from 9am till 6pm most days, and it was very hands-on and holistic in its approach. I was excited for most classes, and there was a real sense of collaboration.
“It’s helped me get an agent, and furthered my study as an actor. I’ve since appeared in some Shakespeare shows, and am doing so again, and couldn’t have done that without my Masters.”
“Even now, the repayments are just a monthly expense that I don’t worry about. I would, and have, recommended the Charity to many other people, and will continue to do so.”
Gwilym Roberts
Now a Self-Employed Actor, Gwilym concluded with some kind words about his experience with STWLC and the benefits of receiving an interest-free loan.
“I couldn’t have done my Masters without additional funding, and having the security of knowing I didn’t need to start repayments for three years and it was interest-free made me not worry about it whilst studying. Even now, the repayments are just a monthly expense that I don’t worry about. I would, and have, recommended the Charity to many other people, and will continue to do so.”
If, like Gwilym, you are considering a postgraduate course and require funds for tuition or living costs, please click here for more information about our interest-free education loans, available up to £10,000.
We’re delighted to announce that we approved nine interest-free loans to people within Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland in the second quarter of 2024.
Totalling £112,100, the latest sum in interest-free loans is to be utilised to either fund business start-up or development, or postgraduate education.
Six interest-free business loans totalling £82,100 were approved to support local businesses in a variety of industries, including domiciliary care, property development, a children’s play area and a glamping site.
Meanwhile, three education loans totalling £30,000 were approved to support the studies of a Postgraduate Certificate in Education and Master’s degree in Directing & Producing Science and Natural History Films.
“The worst that can happen is we say no – but the chances are, we’ll say yes!”
Lucy Womack
Established in 1542, STWLC hosts quarterly application windows each year in which people aged over 18 and under 45 can apply for unique interest-free loans of up to £20,000 to aid local businesses, or £10,000 to support students wishing to return to postgraduate education. The Charity’s loans are interest-free for nine years, and become repayable by equal instalments after three years.
Lucy Womack, Chair of STWLC, said: “We set the benchmark high last year with a record-breaking loan approval amount, but the early signs of 2024 show that we’re continuing on the same positive trajectory, with £229,600 approved in the first two quarters already.
“Among other things, this illustrates the commitment and ambition that young people have in our great county. The interest-free loans will help more small businesses to establish or grow, and support with postgraduate tuition and living costs for others. If an interest-free loan could help your business or education aspirations, then please visit our website for more information. The worst that can happen is we say no – but the chances are, we’ll say yes!”
Application packs are available to download upon completion of a contact form on our website.
The next deadline for applications is 3.30pm on Monday 1st July 2024.
‘Find a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life,’ – a famous phrase which seems appropriate as we dive into Maria Terry’s story.
Born in Ealing, London, before moving with her parents and sister to Morocco until secondary school age, Maria moved back to the UK and settled in the East Midlands, later studying a BA at the University of York and most recently a Masters in Performance Design at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School – thanks in part to The Sir Thomas White Loan Charity’s support.
“I have always been a ‘geeky art kid’ – ever since school,” Maria began.
“Hiding in the art classrooms and painting instead of going outside and playing – I’m sure many other art kids can relate! I started off as a portrait artist, before quickly realising I liked painting huge installations and big portraits. It was my art teacher who encouraged me to look at scenic painting and visual effects for theatre, film and TV and I’ve never looked back since.”
Having found out about STWLC through Turn2Us.org.uk, and then being successful in her application for the Charity’s interest-free education loan, Maria commenced an MA in Performance Design at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School.
“During this time, I was awarded the John Elvery prize to recognise Excellence in Stage Design in my work towards creative collaboration, inclusion and sustainability. I completed my Masters slap-bang in the middle of the pandemic, so it was the biggest challenge of my career to date, but taught me the resilience and self-belief I carry with me today to continue on the often challenging – but fulfilling – road as an artist.
“I learnt a huge variety of skills such as model making, Computer Aided Design software, textiles, costume drawing, prop making, basic carpentry, lighting design, hair, make up, technical drawings, working in groups, art directing, collaboration, working resourcefully to tight deadlines and lots more.”
Furthermore, in 2021 Maria was shortlisted for the coveted emerging stage design ‘Linbury Prize’ for her integrated design approach towards sustainability, and is now working towards becoming a Carbon Literacy trainer for the East Midlands, accredited and supported by the Society of British Theatre Designers.
“Being able to access and pay for my MA degree, with the help of the STWLC, has had an immeasurable effect on my confidence, contacts and knowledge,” Maria continued.
“The journey post graduation has taken me to every corner of the UK, working on TV sets, giant commercial workshops or backstage on national tours. I have learnt from the many inspiring and skilled people along the way, all dedicated to their craft, and I fit in well with this multi-skilled, hard-working, highly adaptable, aspirational community and it’s an honour to work with the best of their craft.
“I went on to form and become part of East Midlands based collective ‘B Team’, who specialise in creating entertaining and educational theatre about the environment that provokes conversation and change.
“I am a regular guest speaker for Arts students at the University of Derby, Nottingham Trent University, London College of Fashion and for schools, youth theatres and community groups. I am passionate about passing on skills and knowledge to the next generation of budding creatives as each path is so different, and often not linear, and struggle is all part of the lifelong process of discovering your identity as an artist.”
Looking back on her journey to becoming a Performance Designer and Design & Technology Technician through Maria Terry Design, Maria concluded with a word on the impact that STWLC has had along the way.
“STWLC has played a vital role in shaping my career. The fact the loan was interest-free for 3 years before starting monthly repayments allowed me to find good permanent employment before paying it back. I now own a house, have a job I enjoy and have enough monthly income to rent a studio of my own, which has helped my practise to find its next gear. I am excited for the future – thank you STWLC!”
To find out more about Maria Terry Design, please visit www.mariaterrydesign.co.uk or check out @mariaterrydesign on Instagram.
For more information about our interest-free education loans, which are available up to £10,000 to support with post-graduate tuition or living costs, please click here
Studying at the University of Oxford is a dream for many people. It’s one of the oldest and most renowned universities in the world, offering a unique and transformative educational experience which shapes students into critical thinkers, independent learners and future leaders in their respective fields.
For Leona May Irwin, who grew up in Coventry and achieved a First-Class Medical Physiology BSc at the University of Leicester, that dream came true when she received an interest-free education loan from STWLC in order to take a Clinical Embryology MSc at the world-famous university.
“I knew I wanted to pursue a Master’s Degree and specialise within Reproductive Healthcare and Biology,” Leona began.
“During my post-graduate course at the University of Oxford, the course included an intensive array of scientific lectures and practical experiments, alongside opportunities to shadow embryologists and andrologists in real-time. I have no doubt the course shaped me into the scientific researcher I am today. The ability to meet world-renowned researchers, of which I read about and admired in journals before attending, was astounding.”
You are also never prepared for the unique social calendar an Oxford student has!
Leona May Irwin
Known for its incredible standards and demands, studying in Oxford provided a test like no other.
“No-one can really prepare you for the University of Oxford, as it is a parallel life to any academic experience I have ever entailed,” she continued.
“There were moments of tears, stress and despair but I managed to make some amazing memories with friendships and connections with scientists worldwide, of which I never knew were possible. You are also never prepared for the unique social calendar an Oxford student has!”
“Without STWLC, I likely wouldn’t be where I am today, let alone be able to say I am a University of Oxford Alumni”
Leona May Irwin
When searching for funding to cover the Master’s fees, Leona discovered The Sir Thomas White Loan Charity through an internet search.
“The application and interview process were so efficient and highly informative at every stage,” Leona reflected when speaking about the Charity.
“Without STWLC, I likely wouldn’t be where I am today, let alone be able to say I am a University of Oxford Alumni. I am eternally grateful for the opportunity and accomplishments it has provided, and those that are yet to come.”
Currently a studentship PhD candidate at the University of Leicester, Leona concluded with an overview of the present and an outlook on the future: “My Master’s degree from the University of Oxford has hugely influenced where I am now,” she added.
“Not only was the academic training I received impeccable, my course leaders and supervisors at Oxford also went the extra mile to prepare me for the professional world. I was able to attend international conferences such as ESHRE 2022, in Milan, Italy, where I met likeminded scientists from all over the world. This enabled me to make international connections of which I never would have without the University of Oxford, preparing me for my future career.”
If, like Leona, you need funding in order to cover costs of postgraduate education, please click here to learn more about our interest-free education loans.
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![PICTURES COPYRIGHTED TO Beth Walsh [contact Beth on 07888753521]
The faculty of Business and Law at DMU.
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