Founded in 1976 by Charles Gordon-Lennox (latterly the 10th Duke of Richmond), the Goodwood Education Trust, an independent charity, was established with a simple but powerful purpose: to connect children with food, farming and the countryside at the heart of the Goodwood Estate. Rooted in Goodwood’s long-standing commitment to stewardship of the land, the Trust embodies the Estate’s belief that education and sustainability are intrinsically linked.
Five decades on, the Trust provides hands on outdoor learning experiences for thousands of children and young people each year, many of whom would otherwise have limited access to the natural environment and to a meaningful understanding of the fundamental farm to fork philosophy.
The 2026 Revival, the world’s most celebrated historic motor racing event, set against the golden era of the Goodwood Motor Circuit between 1948 and 1966, will shine a spotlight on the Trust’s work throughout the event. The Goodwood Education Trust will have a significant presence across the site, showcasing its programmes and delivering hands-on sessions for children to take part in over the Revival weekend. Fundraising initiatives will also run throughout the event, inviting guests to play their part in supporting the next generation through meaningful engagement and donations.
All donations raised will directly enable the Education Trust to continue its programmes, providing transformative outdoor learning experiences that nurture confidence, curiosity and a deeper understanding of the environment.
The Duke of Richmond CBE DL said:
“The Goodwood Education Trust was founded by my father in 1976 with the belief that children should have the opportunity to learn from the land and understand where their food comes from. As the Trust celebrates its 50th anniversary, as a Trustee I am immensely proud that the Goodwood Revival will support the vital work of the charity in 2026. The Revival has always been about more than motor racing; it is about heritage, community and inspiring future generations. I hope our guests will join us in supporting the Trust and helping us extend its reach to even more children and young people.”
Catherine Cannon, Trust Manager of the Goodwood Education Trust, added:
“For 50 years, the Trust has been welcoming children to the farm and woodlands at Goodwood to experience hands-on learning in our natural environment. Being named the official charity partner of the 2026 Revival is a tremendous honour and an extraordinary opportunity to raise awareness and vital funds. With the support of the Revival community, we can continue to remove barriers to outdoor education and ensure that many more children and young people benefit from meaningful, memorable experiences in nature.”
The Goodwood Education Trust works with schools and community groups primarily in the local area and, in more recent years, increasingly across the wider region as a result of generous support. Being independent, the Trust is adaptable and responsive to local need. The Trust delivers curriculum linked programmes focused on farming and food production, woodland learning including Forest School for young people struggling in mainstream education, and community partnerships supporting children and families facing life challenges. Sessions are carefully designed to be inclusive and accessible, with a strong commitment to supporting children who face social or economic disadvantage.
As the Trust looks to the next 50 years, funds raised through its partnership with the 2026 Revival will help safeguard and grow this vital work, from subsidising school visits and travel for those who need it most, to supporting children and their families in the community, to understanding barriers to accessing the natural environment in order to expand opportunities for future generations.
Guests and supporters will have multiple opportunities to contribute, with further details on fundraising initiatives and special anniversary moments to be announced in due course.
To learn more about the Goodwood Education Trust and to make a donation, please visit Education Trust | Goodwood Estate
