In 1592 (or there abouts), Sir Wolstan Dixie created the Dixie Educational Foundation (DEF). Originally founded as a school it gained its present name when it was re-founded in 1601 under the will of an Elizabethan merchant and Lord Mayor of London, Sir Wolstan Dixie.

The aim of the foundation was to provide education, learning and development for children in the Market Bosworth area. The best known of its teachers is undoubtedly Dr Johnson, moralist, poet, and author of the famous dictionary, who taught at the School in the mid-eighteenth century.

The main building of today’s school was built in 1828 and faces the historic market square of Market Bosworth, making a distinctive landmark. The site also includes the old bank building on Market Square and the Headmasters Cottage on Back Lane.

However, in 1969 the School run by the foundation was closed, as new, much larger comprehensive schools found favour.

The old school site was retained by the foundation and in 1987 the buildings on the school site were leased by a charitable trust, Leicestershire Independent Education Trust (LIET), created in 1986. LIET continue to rent the school site, using the name ‘Dixie Grammar School’.

DEF utilise income from the lease of the school site and residual investments to fund our grants.

Note; Dixie Grammar School (LIET) is not to be confused with Dixie Educational Foundation (DEF), they are not associated in any way.