Horsley Society

Writing a Will is one of the most personal and powerful ways to care for the people and causes you love.
After providing for your loved ones, many people choose to leave a gift to a charity close to their heart, a legacy that continues to make a difference long after their lifetime.

Pledging a legacy to RGS is the most tremendous gift to our community, and an investment in the young people and future of the North East.

It honours what your education has meant to you and will have a substantial, long lasting and profound impact on the lives and education of generations of young people to come, making you part of both the transformative philanthropic history of the School and the future of RGS and its pupils.

If you have already chosen to include RGS in your will, thank you-we are truly grateful. Please do get in touch, as we would love the opportunity to thank you personally.

There is more detail below but if you would like to discuss legacy giving in more detail then please contact Elaine Flynn, Head of Development: e.flynn@rgs.newcastle.sch.uk

John Christopher Dean (ON 45-53)

I support a range of charities – I am more philanthropic than I ever imagined I would be – but RGS holds a special place in my heart.

Giving to the bursary fund is my way of honouring the past, investing in the future, and keeping the spirit of opportunity alive.

Learn how leaving a gift in your will can make a difference

RGS Legacy_Leaving a gift in your will (PDF)

Legacy Pledges FAQs

Why is it important to write a Will?

A Will can ensure that when you pass away, your loved ones are taken care of and that your wishes are clear to all. It can also make things simpler for those you've left behind.

A Will covers everything from what you leave to family and friends, to whether you'd like to remember a charity such as RGS and even your funeral arrangements.

What's more, problems can arise if you don't make a Will. Not least, in the absence of a Will, the government will decide how to share your estate. They may not do so in a way you feel is fair, or in line with your values and beliefs.

What type of gift can I leave?

We're hugely grateful for every gift and there are three main types of gift you can leave:

A residuary legacy is a percentage of whatever is left over from an estate after debts, funeral expenses, administration costs, and all other gifts have been paid. This can be any percentage you like. Many people choose this type of gift as it ensures their loved ones are taken care of first.
A pecuniary legacy is a fixed sum of money that can be any amount, big or small. When it comes to supporting RGS, every gift counts.
A specific legacy is a gift of a particular item, such as property or an item of jewellery.

What is the official name and registered charity number?

How can I express my wishes?

In terms of the wording there are two routes:

It’s possible to leave an unrestricted gift which essentially means that the Trustees can apply it to anything within the agreed charitable objectives (we prioritise bursaries and partnerships but technically an unrestricted legacy could also be applied to School capital projects), whatever the Trustees deem ‘the greatest area of need’ at the time.

Alternatively, it’s possible to direct a restricted gift, which means you dictate the use of the fund. Some people are very prescriptive about their wishes e.g. ‘to fund school trips for bursary students from Kenton…’ or it can be a broader restriction e.g. ‘to fund means-tested bursaries’. Please contact us if you'd like to discuss your specific wishes.

Do you have specific suggested wording?

Unrestricted Gift
“I give the sum of £ (or specify percentage of estate) to The Royal Grammar School Educational Trust (CIO), Eskdale Terrace, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE2 4DX (Registered charity number 1214641) for its general purposes and I declare that the receipt of the honorary treasurer or other proper officer of the said RGSET for the time being shall be a full and sufficient discharge for the said legacy.”

Restricted Gift
“I give the sum of £ (or specify percentage of estate) to The Royal Grammar School Educational Trust (RGSET), Eskdale Terrace, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE2 4DX (Registered charity number 1214641) for its general purpose and I express the wish that this legacy be used in for (insert your wish) and I declare that the receipt of the honorary treasurer or other proper officer of the said RGSET for the time being shall be a full and sufficient discharge for the said legacy.”

How much does it cost to write a Will?

The cost of legal services can vary, but is unlikely to be more than around £130 for a simple Will. We recommend you seek legal advice to ensure your Will carries out your wishes and all the legal formalities are complied with.

In certain circumstances some legal advisers offer a reduced rate for the preparation of a Will or Codicil, a legally binding document used to amend or update a Will.

Find a local adviser using either the Law Society or STEP websites.