Expanding Access to Education: Investing in People, Places, and Potential
Education has long been a central pillar of Simon’s philanthropic work, rooted in a belief that access to high‑quality learning environments can shape confidence, ambition and opportunity beyond the classroom. His approach reflects a wider commitment to giving back to the communities and institutions that have played a formative role in his own life, and to widening access for young people who might otherwise face barriers to progression.
At the University of Manchester – where Simon studied and was the first in his family to attend university – he established the Sadler Bursary, which provides funding for up to 36 undergraduates each year across two programmes. One offers care‑experienced students £10,000 per year for the full duration of their degree, while the other supports graduates of the University’s Manchester Access Programme (MAP), its flagship widening‑participation initiative for high‑achieving students from Greater Manchester.
Outside of higher education, Simon has made significant contributions to a number of leading educational institutions. At St Edward’s School, he has supported the development of the school’s Fields of Dreams project – an ambitious plan for a new sports centre and outdoor facilities designed not only for pupils, but also for the wider local community. The proposed development will deliver modern, multi‑use sporting infrastructure, with a strong emphasis on shared access, wellbeing and long‑term community benefit.
Simon has also supported the Dragon School, where his contribution helped fund a new music and performing arts centre that opened in 2024. The centre includes a purpose‑built recital hall, Sadler Hall, named in recognition of his generosity. Designed as an intimate performance space for concerts, workshops and outreach activities, the hall plays a central role in nurturing creativity and confidence in young performers, while also supporting engagement with local schools and the wider community.
Alongside investment in facilities, Simon has funded bursaries at both schools, helping to widen access to education and ensure that talented pupils are not excluded by financial barriers. Supporting access and opportunity is an area Simon feels particularly strongly about, and one that continues to shape his broader approach to his giving.
Collectively, this work reflects a consistent focus on long‑term impact: investing in environments, programmes and people that expand access to education and help young people realise their potential.
