Amanda Middlemost, a special educational needs co-ordinator at QE said: “These licences benefit many of our students who struggle with persistent spelling or reading difficulties.
"They will be used to contribute to literacy interventions that are delivered by our Learning Support Department, but they also can be used to provide additional and ongoing support for students at home.
"Furthermore, we are able to share the benefits of this programme with children in nine of our partner primary schools, thus extending our links throughout the Crediton Learning Community whilst providing continuity between our students primary and secondary education.”
This generous donation was presented by the Provincial Grand Master of Devonshire on behalf of the WAKE (William Alexander Kneel Endowment) Fund, a trust conceived by the Right Worshipful Brother William Alexander Kneel, Provincial Grand Master of Devonshire from 1970 to 1984, the late owner of Kneels laundry and dry cleaners (now Johnsons). This fund now stands at £1.88 million and the interest earned is given annually to local non masonic organisations who are in need of help.
Since the first disbursement in 2001 more than £600,000 has been given to more than 700 worthy causes selected by members of the 137 Masonic lodges based in the county. Dave Morey, a Governor at Queen Elizabeth’s, said: “We are extremely grateful to our local masonic lodge, who nominated us for this award.”