Cheshunt Foundation sabbaticals in Cambridge at Westminster College are funded for ministers and lay people in ministry and teaching.

Priority is normally given to those engaged in active ministry in churches in partnership with the Council for World Mission; the United Reformed Church; the Congregational Federation; the Countess of Huntingdon’s Connexion; the Evangelical Fellowship of Congregational Churches; and unaffiliated Congregational Churches.

However, the Foundation also warmly welcomes applicants from the wider Christian community who wish to pursue serious study to help them in their work.

What is on offer?
The Cheshunt Foundation will meet the cost of fees, lodging, and meals for an academic term in Cambridge, but no meals are provided by the college at weekends. A small book grant is available. The Foundation can help with travel costs within Britain, but travel costs from overseas are your responsibility. Accommodation is normally in a single study ensuite room in the college. However, each term one small self-contained flat is available for a sabbatical visitor accompanied by their spouse – a small weekly charge is normally made for this. (You should check with your home institution, denomination, or church whether financial help is available to cover any expenses which are incurred by you due to your absence from duty).

When can I come?
The normal sabbatical period funded by the Foundation is one academic term, i.e., 8-10 weeks. In certain circumstances, and in liaison with the Council for World Mission, a longer period may be funded, to a maximum of one academic year, where this enables a person from within the CWM partnership to pursue a course of study which would not otherwise be possible. The Michaelmas (late Sept-Dec) and Lent (Jan-Mar) terms are more suitable times for those who wish to participate in academic courses. Fewer courses are offered in the Easter term (Apr-Jun), which might be a better time of year for those whose interests lie mainly in private study. Overseas applicants should note that Cambridge can be cold in winter, especially in Lent Term: warm clothing is essential.

How and when do I apply?
The Foundation is currently revising its programmes at Westminster with a view to expanding their scope and deepening the Foundation’s impact. Therefore Cheshunt governors are not actively seeking sabbatical applications for future years.

Any changes to the sabbatical programme and application process will be posted here in due course.

If you have any questions, please telephone our Tutorial Office on +44 (0) 1223 33 06 49 and ask for the Director of the Cheshunt Foundation. Or email your enquiry marked for the attention the Director via the Tutorial Office.