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.

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.

The Royal Grammar School Newcastle Educational Trust

Eskdale Terrace

Newcastle Upon Tyne

NE2 4DX

Registered charity number 508285

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.

Unrestricted gift

“I give the sum of £ (or specify percentage of estate) to The Royal Grammar School Newcastle Educational Trust (RGSNET), Eskdale Terrace, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE2 4DX (Registered charity number 508285) for its general purposes and I declare that the receipt of the honorary treasurer or other proper officer of the said RGSNET 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 Newcastle Educational Trust (RGSNET), Eskdale Terrace, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE2 4DX (Registered charity number 508285) 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 RGSNET for the time being shall be a full and sufficient discharge for the said legacy.”

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.