1980
Charity Submission
Trustee G.M. Murray submits Ormiston Trust accounts to the Charity Commission, 1980.
About Ormiston Trust
We believe every young person should have the opportunity to lead a fulfilling life
Our story
Ormiston Trust was founded in memory of Fiona Ormiston Murray, who tragically died with her husband on their honeymoon in 1968.
Fiona loved children and had looked forward to raising a family of her own, so her father, George Ormiston, and her brother, Peter Murray, sought a lasting way to honour her memory.
They created a charitable trust in her name that has been dedicated to supporting children, young people and families to fulfil their potential for over forty years.
Growing our impact
Since our first project in Ipswich in 1980, our work has grown into a wider network of organisations, schools, programmes and partnerships.
We helped establish and support Ormiston Families, Ormiston Academies Trust, Gateway Learning Community and Birmingham Ormiston Academy Group, strengthening support for young people and families across communities in England.
How we work today
Today, we support change through sponsorship, grant-making, partnerships and innovation.
Our investment helps strengthen youth voice and social action, enrich learning, engage families and communities, and support effective practice across education and the voluntary sector.
At the heart of our work is a commitment to partnership, evidence, learning and long-term impact. Through our 2030 strategy, we continue to work towards a world where every young person and their family has opportunities to thrive.
Our Journey
1981
Robert Milne Appeal
Urgent appeal to save Robert Milne nursery as Barnardo's close — Ormiston steps in to rescue it.
1981
First Centre Opens
Ormiston's first family centre — Robert Milne House, Felixstowe Road, Ipswich, in 1981.
1990
Newmarket Opens
Ormiston opens its Newmarket Children and Families Centre, expanding support across East Anglia.
1992
New partnership with Save the Children
The Ormiston Trust and Save the Children begin a landmark partnership to strengthen support for children, young people and families
1993
Royal Visit
HRH The Princess Royal addresses guests at Ormiston's 'Working in Partnership' conference.
1995
Colchester Opens
Trevor Brooking MBE and Lady Tollemache unveil the plaque at the Ormiston Centre, Colchester.
1998
Vision Published
Ormiston publishes 'Putting Children First', setting out its vision and strategy for the future.
2000
Government Visit
Minister Margaret Hodge MBE MP visits Ormiston's Families Matter project in Fenland.
2006
OT founded Gateway Learning Community
OT founded Gateway Learning Community: A commitment made to the Tilbury and Chadwell community
Visit website2006
Jade Story
Nine-year-old Jade's poem about missing her imprisoned dad written at an Ormiston Families prison visitors centre
2008
Ormiston Academies Trust
OT founded Ormiston Academies Trust now one of the largest school chains in the country
Visit website2010
Birmingham Ormiston Academy
OT founded BOA to find and nurture talent in the creative industries in the west midlands
Visit website
2012
PM Visit
Prime Minister David Cameron speaks at Ormiston Bolingbroke Academy, backing the academy trust.
2019
YSA Launch
OT started their YSA programme which has now engaged over 30,000 young people
2023
Celebrating Youth Social Action
Hundreds of young people from across the Ormiston network came together at Millennium Point, Birmingham, to celebrate leadership, volunteering and community action.
2026
Strategy 2026
OT launches its new strategy to make a further difference to young people and families
Vision & Strategy
Strategic Priorities
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Strategic Priorities – Creating opportunities to learn, grow and thrive in and beyond school.
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Community Engagement – Connecting young people and families with stronger local support networks.
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Wellbeing Support – Building confidence, belonging and resilience through trusted, practical support.
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Skills Development – Helping young people develop life skills, agency and future pathways.
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Social Impact – Empowering young people to create positive change in their communities.
Founded Organisations
The organisations Ormiston Trust founded are central to our mission:
working with them extends our reach through family support, education and creative learning, keeping our values rooted in practice locally.
Awards & Recognition
Ormiston Trust is a national charity working to improve the life chances of young people and families, especially where life is toughest.
We help young people build skills, confidence, belonging and agency, so they can shape stronger futures for themselves and their communities.
2026
Shortlisted
GG2 Leadership and Diversity Awards – Embrace Award
Ormiston Trust is shortlisted for efforts in funding and supporting Youth Social Action that encourages citizenship learning.
2025
Shortlisted
ACT Citizenship Teaching Awards – Organisation of the Year
Ormiston Trust is shortlisted for efforts in funding and supporting Youth Social Action that encourages citizenship learning.
2024
Winner
MAT Excellence Awards by Optimus Education – Community Trust of the Year
OAT is recognised for efforts in facilitating the #WeWill Youth Social Action Programme in schools and local communities.
2023
Winner
Children and Young People Now – Early Intervention Award
Ormiston Families is recognised for their Breaking Barriers service for families affected by imprisonment.
SME News’ UK Enterprise Awards – Most Inspiring Youth & Family Support Enterprise
Ormiston Trust is recognised for efforts in funding and supporting youth initiatives including Youth Social Action.
Parent and Baby Awards hosted by LUXlife – Most Impactful Children's Educational Support Trust
Ormiston Trust is recognised for efforts in funding and supporting youth initiatives including Youth Social Action.