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The LTC not only helps licensees in hardship, it also invests in the education of its members' children. The MA reports

As the profile of the Licensed Trade Charity (LTC) has grown within the industry, so have the number of people it has helped. But the charity admits there is still a job to be done to spread its message right across the licensed retail sector and remind the trade that it is there to offer assistance and information in times of need.

Among the most important work is running its two independent schools where it helps educate children of parents employed in the trade. Not only do the schools achieve top grades, they also offer significant discounts on fees, scholarships and means-tested bursaries to those working within the licensed drinks trade.

The two Berkshire-based schools, the Licensed Victuallers School (LVS) in Ascot and the Elvian School in Reading are both co-educational and non-selective. Elvian is a day school for nursery, junior and senior pupils and the LVS caters for children aged four and a half through to 18, both day and boarding pupils. Both schools have links with the licensed trade sector.

The Elvian School was acquired by the LTC in 2004 after the old school wasn't meeting its academic targets. Now, the school is working hard to ensure that it matches the LVS's outstanding results.

Modern facilities

Built in the late 1980s, the purpose-built LVS complex offers excellent facilities for both academic and extra-curricular activities. An indoor swimming pool, a purpose-built performing arts centre, incorporating a theatre with state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems, and a newly-opened library resource and sixth-form centre are just some of the amenities available to students. The school also has the honour of having the Queen as its patron.

In fact, for Kathy Pegrum, licensee of the Kings Head in Little Marlow, Buckinghamshire, the facilities were a major factor in sending her daughter, Alice, to the LVS. "Having worked in the trade for 34 years, I was aware of the school and the charity," she says. "We looked at the LVS for our eldest daughter, but she wanted to be schooled locally, so when it was Alice's turn to look for a secondary school, our first stop was the LVS and it's a decision that we have never looked back on. Alice absolutely loves the school.

"The most important aspect of sending

Alice to the school was the smaller class sizes, which we felt would enable her to reach her full potential, and that certainly has been the case. The school is excellent in bringing out the children's characters and allows them to develop their personalities."

The LVS achieves well above the national average for exam results. The overall GCSE A*-C 2006 pass rate for all UK entries is 62%, whereas the students studying at the LVS achieved a pass rate of 95.4% for 2006. In terms of A levels, the UK 2006 pass rate was 96.6% with the LVS achieving 100%.

Parents' perspective

One couple that is no stranger to the workings of the LVS is Karen and Tony Philippou. Both of their sons, George and Henry, attended the school and Karen worked at the LVS as a nurse in the medical centre before relocating to open their bistro, the First & Last in Plymouth, Devon. George left the school three years ago and has just finished a graphic design course at Plymouth College of Art & Design. Henry still boards at the school and hopes to become an architect.

"What I like about sending the children to the school is the friendships that they make," says Karen Philippou.

"The school is set in lovely grounds and the support from everyone is amazing. We get regular updates on Henry's progress and it really has been great to see him develop from a fun-loving boy into a young gentlemen."

Colin Wheeler, chief executive of the LTC, says: "We want to ensure that everyone in the trade, who has children and is considering sending them to independent school, is aware of the benefits we offer.

"With their above-national-average results, the schools really are something that we are proud of."

To receive a 20% discount on school fees, one parent should be a member of the charity, which costs just £30 per year. To qualify for membership, you need to be working within the trade; this includes brewery staff, bar staff, office staff at drinks companies and so forth. For full membership details please call membership on 01344 884440.

Sky's the limit

For Ben Lion, a Year 13 student and senior prefect at the LVS, the assistance that the school provides is playing an integral role towards helping him achieve his aim of studying aeronautical engineering and becoming a commercial pilot.

Ben's father, Paul, is the proprietor of a hotel in Maidenhead, Berkshire. Ben joined the LVS at 12 years of age and chose the school himself after looking at other schools within the Maidenhead area.

Ben explains: "I have dyslexia so through the school's learning support unit, I receive extra tutoring in certain subjects, and that's helping me towards achieving my goal.

"The teachers at the school are really dedicated and take the time to go over subjects that need that extra focus and that has been valuable for me.

"This year is my last year at the school and I have really enjoyed my time here. The school encourages you to develop self confidence and because there is a range of ages, a sense of responsibility for the younger students is nurtured."

Open days and saturday tours at the LVS

The LVS runs a series of open days throughout the year when parents and children can visit to take a look around the school. The next open day is on Tuesday, 1 May, between 10am and 4pm.

The school also runs Saturday tours. These are by appointment only and take in all aspects of the school, including boarding and teaching facilities. The next tour day is on Saturday, 12 May, starting at 10am. If you are interested in attending either an open day or a Saturday tour, please contact Margaret Dickinson, the school's registrar on registrar@lvs.ascot.sch.uk.

If you would like to make an appointment to visit the Elvian School in Reading, please contact Sue Smith on 0118 957 2861.

For a free prospectus on either school, please call Linda or Lucy on 01344 884440.