About the Awards
The Charles Hargrave Student Enterprise Awards program started in 2009 and is managed by the Westminster School Foundation. These Awards give Westminster students in Year 10 or Year 11 the opportunity to pursue a passion or personal interest by providing funding for them to undertake a project of their own initiative. A pool of up to $10,000 in grant funding is available each year for distribution to successful applicants. The awards were established thanks to a generous donation by past grandparent and successful business leader, Mr Charles Hargrave. Mr Hargrave, who died in 2013, believed very strongly in giving young people the freedom to explore and develop a wide range of interests in life. Since 2009, these unique Awards have funded an eclectic list of special projects, including a sheep shearing course; providing advanced musical composition software; undertaking drama and hospitality courses; supplying bike racing gear and developing cricket umpiring skills, to name but a few.
Selection Criteria
Awards will go to the applicants who can best demonstrate that:
- they are using initiative and thinking outside the square
- they need financial assistance to undertake the project or fuel their keen interest
- the project will develop their interests and encourage longer-term aspirations
- doing the project would have a positive impact on their development as an individual
- they can demonstrate their commitment as students to make the most of the adventurous opportunities presented by Westminster School.
Tips for a successful application
- Keep the selection criteria in mind when answering all questions.
- Make sure you answer every question clearly, especially relating to cost (funding can’t be provided if you don’t know how much you need).
- Show us you are passionate about your project! Mr Hargrave loved his Award to go to students with a “fire in their belly”.
- You are welcome to submit supporting materials like photographs, a portfolio of work, printed information about an item you wish to purchase or a course you want to enrol in, video or audio files, but don’t go overboard! If the panel wants to know more, they will ask you. There will be plenty of opportunity to go into more detail if you are shortlisted.
- Please speak to or email Mr Peter Trenorden (’77), CHSEA Panel Convenor, if you need assistance with your application.
Key Dates/Information
- Applications open on Wednesday 30 August and close at 11.00 am Monday 8 September 2025.
- Applicants who successfully make it to the next round will be asked to attend a brief panel interview in Week 9, commencing Monday 15 September (details will be advised later).
- Successful applicants will be advised of their funding in Week 10, commencing Monday 22 September and provided with details about how they are to receive their funding, mainly through reimbursement.
- Year 11 students - please note that if you received a Charles Hargrave Student Enterprise award when in Year 10 (2024), you will not be eligible for an Award in Year 11.