A LASTING IMPACT
Remembering Bishop’s Stortford College in your will
REMEMBERING BISHOP’S STORTFORD COLLEGE
When I reflect on the College’s long history, my overwhelming impression is one of solid and lasting integrity and support. Since 1868 when our founding Headmaster, The Reverend Richard Alliott, boldly established a new school to welcome pupils of all religions and of none, we have always strived for progression and inclusivity. Our inspirational founder set the tone for what is now a thriving academic and pastoral community, and his fresh thinking remains central to our ethos.
As Old Stortfordians (OS), parents, staff, and governors, we are all invested in delivering excellent education and are unified by our shared experience of the College, which takes huge pride in preparing the thinkers and leaders of tomorrow. We do this by supporting our pupils with access to a breadth of outstanding learning opportunities and extensive facilities capable of meeting the demands of a modern and forward-looking education.
So far in our journey, legacies have played an important and growing role in supporting the College, albeit to a far lesser extent than for many of our competitors. But we wouldn’t have the Ferguson Lecture Theatre, used extensively by the school community, or part of the modern Prep estate, without the generosity of others. However, in today’s economic climate—with inflation, high cost of living, and our susceptibility to fiscal changes such as the introduction of VAT on school fees—we face significant challenges ahead. With a robust 10-year financial plan already in place, I am confident that we can respond to some of these challenges, but we need to do more to limit our vulnerability to market forces. As a registered charity we target a sector standard surplus of 10% (~£2M to £3M) of our annual income. We invest all our surplus back into teaching, learning, and infrastructure—but—with such a large and aging estate, this only enables us to maintain the status quo. We could do so much more with our beautiful estate than simply standing still. We want to maintain our enduring commitment to keeping fees as low as possible, to ensure that even more children can access our excellent education. We provide bursarial support for bright children from low-income households who might not otherwise benefit from our wonderful education, but we would like to be able to provide more places.
Leaving a gift in your will is a wonderful way to make a positive, lasting, and transformative impact on generations to come. There are opportunities to support our general funds, which can support immediate priorities or help the College grow a sustainable and permanent income stream. Or you can direct your gift to a specific area of College life such as bursaries and new buildings.
In the spirit of our founder and in recognition of the inspirational contribution made by those leaving a legacy, the College has established the 1868 Legacy Society. The Society is a wonderful source of strength and comfort for Bishop’s Stortford College, and its members are invited to a special annual lunch in the College library.
Whatever you feel able to spare when making your will, be it large or small, your bequest will help the College to build on the strong foundations developed since 1868. It will at the same time enable future generations of Stortfordians to take their unique insight out into the world.
Guy Baker CHAIR OF GOVERNORS, OS (MJH, AH, 76–83) AND FORMER COLLEGE PARENT
LEGACY GIFTS OF ALL SIZES HAVE A TRANSFORMATIVE EFFECT.
LEAVING A LASTING LEGACY
A legacy to the College can help to sustain our educational mission in perpetuity. As a result of your generosity, we can collectively support future generations of Stortfordians, keeping our doors open to all those with the talent to study and thrive here. Many benefactors decide to leave money to specific areas of the College, and gifts in wills help us to develop our academic, sporting, and co-curricular facilities so we can provide an inspiring and effective learning environment. It is also crucial that we preserve our beautiful grounds for both future generations and our local community.
As you might expect, Bishop’s Stortford College is in good financial shape; we are growing commercial income and reinvesting a sector-standard surplus into strategic projects and College infrastructure. As mentioned overleaf, each year we aim for an operating surplus of 10% of our total income— approximately £2—£3 million.
As demonstrated in the chart, our income is driven by school fees with less than 1% of our income currently being generated by grants and donations. Once we have factored in staff costs, maintenance expenses, and student financial support, we call on our surplus to cover everything else. Our priority is to keep fees as low as possible through increased fundraising and commercial activity.
By building this financial resilience together as a community, we can confidently plan for a future which is less exposed to political and economic instability.
TRANSFORMING LIVES
Thanks to the kindness and generosity of our Stortfordian community, legacy gifts combine to help us to deliver significant projects and to support bursaries for children who might otherwise not be able to access this wonderful education. Bursaries have the power to ensure the College remains a diverse community, and we know these shared experiences foster inclusive ways of thinking as we teach our children about the importance of being responsible citizens. The College values diversity of perspective, background, and culture, which helps to advance wider social mobility.
We are passionate about ensuring that students with ability and potential have access to the College, and we offer means-tested fee assistance to children from families with low combined household incomes. All bursary recipients must meet the same academic requirements as other pupils.
Boarding fee financial assistance is available for families residing more than 35 miles from the College except in extenuating circumstances.
Bursaries vary in amount, and in the last year, we have supported 50 pupils, with 30 receiving 80% fees contribution and 15 receiving at least 100%. We have also been able to support five children from Ukrainian families and three pupils through the Royal National Childrens SpringBoard Foundation (RNCSF).
RNCSF widens access to opportunities in state and independent boarding schools for young people facing the greatest barriers to their development.
We have an ambitious bursary campaign to offer a College education—and all the opportunities that come with it—to as many young people as possible. Our initial aim is to raise enough to fully fund two Stortfordian Foundation bursaries every year, one for a Prep School pupil (through to Sixth Form) and one for a Sixth Form student. Our ambition is to raise £210,240 per annum to support 100% of the school fees, uniform, and ancillary costs which are all significant barriers for children from low income households. In the longer term, we would like to build up an endowment to support the College’s bursary programme in perpetuity.
We recognise that our community extends beyond the grounds of the College and interactions through our partnerships and outreach programmes with local schools and community groups are incredibly important. Recent initiatives such as the ‘Invite and Inspire’ academic enrichment programme designed for Year 5 pupils from across the region illustrate our commitment to this important work. These sessions help to deepen knowledge and stimulate educational curiosity in areas extending beyond their classroom experiences. Our long-term vision is to be a force for good in the community, simultaneously instilling a sense of altruism and social responsibility in our pupils. This approach means that your legacy will have wide reaching and lasting benefits for many years to come.
BURSARY IMPACT
Parents’ perspective
We know that bursaries at the College have the power to transform the lives of our pupils and their families. Below, two College parents share their experiences of the bursary scheme.
Bursary parent perspective (Sixth Form)
“We would have struggled to send our daughter to the College without the bursary. The most obvious difference we noticed was a new confidence —a confidence to put herself forward for tasks and challenges that she would have previously felt were too much or beyond her.
She was encouraged to mix with and mentor younger pupils, leading her to feel part of ‘one big family’, helping to develop a feeling of responsibility for herself and for others. I am certain that her experience at Bishop’s Stortford College has developed her into a more well-rounded, mature young adult than she might have been.”
Bursary parent perspective (Fourth Form to Sixth Form)
“I can not tell you how much my child has thrived at Bishop’s Stortford College in every way. I am so very proud. He is the first in our family to go to university. We are so grateful for the opportunities available from the school bursary. What a fantastic start to life.”
THE 1868 LEGACY SOCIETY
Leaving a gift in a will is a simple way to make a significant contribution without compromising on other financial commitments. We appreciate that, for many, the ability to make donations during a lifetime can be more limited.
To show our gratitude for the enormous contributions made by our legators and in celebration of our founding year, we have created the 1868 Legacy Society. Members of this small but growing community come together on an annual basis to hear about College developments and celebrate their shared commitment to supporting future generations of Stortfordians.
If you let us know of your intention to leave a gift to the College in your will, you will be warmly welcomed as a lifetime member of the Society. You and your guest will be invited to the exclusive annual 1868 Legacy Society gathering. This is a convivial day culminating in a delicious lunch in the surroundings of our beautiful College library.
We would love you to become an active member of the 1868 Society, but we do recognise that you may prefer to keep your intentions private. If this is the case, we shall fully respect your anonymity, as membership of the 1868 Legacy Society is entirely optional.
Members are invited to special events and are listed in our Old Stortfordian and Impact Report publications.
We have chosen the wisteria plant as a symbol of philanthropy at the College. Blooming every spring on the side aspect of the Memorial Hall, this beautiful vine represents new beginnings and fresh opportunities. It is also associated with overcoming hardships, releasing burdens, and promoting success and longevity.
CAPITAL PROJECTS
Since Victorian times, pupils at Bishop’s Stortford College have been lucky enough to enjoy the beautiful grounds and buildings which are still key to delivering the excellent education on offer here. This impressive site has seen changes and additions over its history, bending with the demands of a growing and modernising school. If you have been back to see us recently, you may have been treated to a tour of School House which now serves as both a teaching and administrative hub for the school.
Our comprehensive estates plan has identified projects that will allow us to extend, modernise, or in some cases replace our facilities so that we can continue delivering the very best for our pupils. We are pleased to highlight three of these projects below.
Performing Arts Centre
The College has a strong track record in the performing arts with several notable alumni in the industry, including screenwriter, director, and producer Dick Clement (SH, 50–55), singer and songwriter Charli Aitchison aka Charli XCX (GH, BH, 99–10), and founding member of Shakatak Bill Sharpe (HH, 66–70).
Our current facility—the Leo Price Theatre—originally began life in 1957 as the Leo Price Gymnasium in memory of the OS who lost their lives in World War II. Known for his all-round sporting talent, Price (SHb 1912–17) later returned to the school to take up the headship between 1932 and 1943. The building has since been used as a busy theatre, home to an exciting range of vibrant performances.
Not just the preserve for budding actors, a rich tapestry of artistic and theatrical development is bestowed on all children at the College. While helping to prepare pupils with speech and communication skills, we build essential confidence, often unearthing hidden talents and a love for theatre, drama, and music.
Ailing and aging, and with increased numbers learning instruments, the current space no longer meets the size or technical requirements for our progressive school and requires significant modernisation and extension.
By combining our music and drama facilities under one roof, a new multi-purpose performing arts centre will see the delivery of music and drama lessons, concerts, plays, musicals, lectures, and assemblies in a wonderfully immersive space. The centre will accommodate audiences of up to 250, offering the flexibility needed for a range of performances. The result will be a transformational space for the College, enabling us to continue offering outstanding drama and music education.
ESTIMATED COST: £7M
Capital Projects
Sixth Form Learning Centre
In 1982 the Sixth Form were presented with a converted boat building hut! At that stage, the Sixth Form Centre’s role within the College was one of a social gathering point and was run on a subscription fee basis. The students initiated a transformation, taking to their brushes and paint to beautify the building. This elevated the social space and gave it a new lease of life, boosting its popularity during the 1990s.
By 2019 there was no longer a dedicated Sixth Form study and learning space, so in April 2021 the facility fondly known as ‘the pumpkin’ re-opened to meet this important need. The success of the centre and demonstrable benefit to our Sixth Formers, has highlighted the need to build a permanent solution, housing more individual and collaborative working spaces, which are necessary for our 280 students.
It is imperative the Sixth Form students have a conducive environment in which to flourish and complete their studies. A high quality and inclusive space will create an environment which provides an improved experience for studying, learning, and research. Providing space for independent study, the learning centre will help prepare the students for higher education.
The new centre will include excellent teaching and learning spaces for quiet study, a common room, and a dedicated Sixth Form café that will serve light snacks and refreshments and provide a valuable social space for our older students. It will also provide essential office accommodation for up to six staff.
ESTIMATED COST: £5M
Capital Projects
Sports Hall
In 1986 building work commenced on the Sports Hall, which officially opened on 17 May 1987. At the time, the building was heralded as ‘a vast capacious monument to modern human endeavour’!
The impressive facility has hosted a range of sports and activities through the years. Many parents will recall sitting in the hall, enjoying the proud and emotional experience of Speech Day. The Sports Hall has witnessed lots of sporting and community successes; you might have been subject to the Alliott House ‘marathon sports session’ or to a throw, lock, or hold in Judo. Perhaps you soaked up the brilliant performance of Richard III there! Whatever your experience, the Sports Hall has been central to College life for 40 years.
Sport enhances confidence and resilience through teamwork and leadership, while fostering both physical and mental stimulation.
While the current Sports Hall has served the College well, it no longer sufficiently accommodates our growing school, nor the corresponding appetite for participating in a broader range of sports. A second sports hall will house an indoor netball court, cricket training facilities, badminton courts, and gym facility, combining to support a multitude of other sporting activities. The new space will also provide a solution for the much-needed changing, parking, and visitor improvements that go hand in hand with an increased sports facility of this scale.
ESTIMATED COST: £5M
We are looking to a future full of change, challenge, and excitement; can you help us towards our goals?
WHY I CHOSE TO LEAVE A LEGACY TO BISHOP’S STORTFORD COLLEGE
Below, John Foley and Warwick Morris—OS members of the 1868 Legacy Society, share why they have chosen to remember Bishop’s Stortford College in their will, and explain what motivated them to get involved.
John Foley (AH, 61–67) ACTOR, PRODUCER, WRITER
“Although not very good academically (and certainly not at exams) I learned so much more at Bishop’s Stortford College than I ever realised at the time, and the excellent well-rounded education and experience I gained there has helped me throughout both my personal life and professional career. If by being a legator I can help to enable someone else to enjoy the same opportunity, then I’m delighted to do so.”
Warwick Morris OBE (SH b , 62–67) RETIRED DIPLOMAT; FORMER BRITISH AMBASSADOR TO VIETNAM AND SOUTH KOREA
“There is nothing quite like investing in a good and broad education, from which I believe I was fortunate to benefit at the College in the 1960s. Since then, the College has flourished and expanded greatly, offering today a wealth of valuable new experiences and opportunities. These naturally come at a price. The challenge today for schools like Bishop’s Stortford College is to build financial resilience while at the same time continuing to develop.
If, like me, you value the time you spent at the College, and want to see it continue as an outstanding institution, I urge you to join with those of us who have already arranged to leave a legacy to the College. Make the commitment now, and together we can help make a real difference for the future.”
HOW TO LEAVE A LEGACY TO BISHOP’S STORTFORD COLLEGE
Wording your will
Gifts in wills, large or modest, constitute a vital source of income for Bishop’s Stortford College. They can be directed towards specific areas, but contributions marked for ‘where the need is greatest’ or for general purposes (endowment) are more flexible as they allow the College to respond to changing needs now and in years to come.
Bequests for specific areas are also welcome and we will be glad to discuss the terms of any proposed gift. Conversation about your bequest helps us to ensure that there is a clear understanding by the College of your wishes so that they can be faithfully observed.
Taking care of your family first
We understand that you will want to provide for your loved ones in your will and it is possible to leave a gift to Bishop’s Stortford College while still looking after your family. Your solicitor can advise on the best way to record your intentions, and any change to a will can be made using a codicil.
Tax benefits
Bishop’s Stortford College is a registered charity (Charity Number 311057). Accordingly all legacies made to Bishop’s Stortford College are exempt from UK Inheritance and Capital Gains Taxes. Under current rules (at the time of printing), if you leave 10% or more of your net estate to charity, the Inheritance Tax rate can be reduced from 40% to 36% on some assets. Gifts can be in the form of money, property, or other valuables.
DIFFERENT TYPES OF LEGACY
Residuary legacy
Pecuniary legacy
A gift of the remainder of your estate or a percentage of it, after all other legacies, debts, taxes, and expenses have been paid. The advantage of a residuary legacy is that it will not be eroded in value by inflation.
Specific legacy
A gift of a specific sum of money.
Reversionary legacy
The gift of a specific asset, rather than a monetary amount.
A gift of assets to the College while giving someone the benefit of them during their lifetime.
IMAGES COURTESY OF GREGG BROWN PAUL HARDING, SPLAAT PHOTO, JENNIFER LAW, MERYL HERNIMAN, AND NICHOLA LANZON
From ‘The Charge’ (introduced to Final Assembly of the academic year by Arthur N. Evans, Head 1944–57)