Changing Lives Campaign

The Foundation Office exists to support the development of Reigate Grammar School and to foster the friendship and support of all Reigatians. The Reigatian community includes current and former pupils, parents, staff, governors and friends of the school – all, in fact, for whom the school is, or has been, an important part of their lives. Our future success depends upon the benevolence of the whole Reigatian community and we invite you to contribute with them and help to shape the future of our great School and its pupils.

All gifts received go to The RGS Foundation which operates as a distinct part of the School charity.

Registered Charity number 1081898.

Foundation Office Reigate Grammar School Reigate Road Reigate RH2 0QS Telephone: 01737 222231 rgschanginglives.org reigategrammar.org/foundationhome

@foundationRGS

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1675 BURSARY FUND

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RGS FOUNDATION | 1675 BURSARY FUND

The provision of bursaries enriches our school, raises academic standards and widens educational opportunity for pupils from a wide range of social backgrounds.

THE CHANGING LIVES CAMPAIGN WILL PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES THROUGH OPEN ACCESS TO THOSE WHOSE POTENTIAL IS FAR GREATER THAN THEIR FINANCIAL MEANS.

rgschanginglives.org

A SCHOOL BUILT UPON PHILANTHROPY Reigate Grammar School (RGS) was founded in 1675 as a ‘free school’ on land purchased by the people of Reigate, from a generous gift of £1,000 left by Alderman Henry Smith, for the relief of the poor in the area. The School, which to this day remains upon its original site, has enjoyed a long history of philanthropic support.

Throughout our history, we have endeavoured to reach out to those in greatest need and to provide life-changing opportunities to talented young people.

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rgschanginglives.org

RGS FOUNDATION | 1675 BURSARY FUND

Sir Peter Gershon

TRUE TO OUR FOUNDATION AND CHARITABLE STATUS, WE HAVE A RESPONSIBILITY TO OUR LOCAL COMMUNITIES… In the UK, we are facing a real challenge in our modern day society to tackle the issue of social mobility. A significant number of children in our region are recognised as being disadvantaged and in poverty.

According to the Social Mobility & Child Poverty Commission’s Report of 2013, this is particularly apparent at ward level, where several local communities are at or above the National average of 20.2% (or 1 in 5) of children living in poverty.

SOCIAL MOBILITY IS ONE OF THE KEY CHALLENGES OUR SOCIETY FACES IN THE 21ST CENTURY. REIGATE GRAMMAR SCHOOL HAS A LONG HISTORY OF PLAYING A CATALYTIC ROLE TO SUPPORT THIS IMPORTANT AGENDA IN ITS CATCHMENT AREA. THE 1675 BURSARY FUND, WHICH I’M DELIGHTED TO SUPPORT, WILL HELP THE SCHOOL CONTINUE TO BUILD ON THIS TRACK RECORD. Sir Peter Gershon

RGS 1958 - 1965 Chairman of Tate & Lyle PLC and National Grid PLC and a board member of the Sutton Trust.

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rgschanginglives.org

RGS FOUNDATION | 1675 BURSARY FUND

CHANGING LIVES CAMPAIGN VISION We aim to make RGS an inclusive school, offering as many open-access places, based upon merit, as are financially viable.

The campaign will generate funds to offer talented boys and girls, from families in need, an excellent education full of breadth and experience that will prepare them for society.

I would like to thank everyone involved in making such a huge contribution towards my education. I have been very lucky to receive your support over seven years – it has given me a fantastic start in life.

My achievements at RGS owe a lot to you, and for that I am extremely grateful.

Bursary Recipient

THE CHANGING LIVES CAMPAIGN IS THE MOST FOCUSED DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITY TO TAKE PLACE AT RGS SINCE THE MOVE TO INDEPENDENCE IN THE MID-70s.

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RGS FOUNDATION | 1675 BURSARY FUND

rgschanginglives.org

STUDENTS

WE AIM TO RAISE SUFFICIENT FUNDS TO HAVE A MINIMUM OF TWENTY ‘1675 SCHOLARS’ ATTENDING RGS BY 2016.

WHY IS THERE A NEED FOR A BURSARY CAMPAIGN? Reigate Grammar School, unlike many other charitable institutions, does not have any major endowed funds to call upon. Currently, RGS offers financial support through means-tested bursaries to only a small percentage of the school population. The School receives a high demand for financial assistance each year. Sadly, we are unable to help a number of eligible children and if a network of support is not established RGS risks losing many gifted pupils.

We now look to our wider community and ask you to help RGS preserve its rich academic and philanthropic tradition by supporting the Changing Lives campaign.

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RGS FOUNDATION | 1675 BURSARY FUND

rgschanginglives.org

IF THERE’S SOMETHING MORE MEANINGFUL AND REWARDING TO DO WITH YOUR MONEY, I DON’T KNOW WHAT IT IS. Reigate Grammar gave me the superb education my parents could not have afforded. I have never forgotten that - nor the fact that many bright, young children no longer have the opportunity I had. So I decided to do something about it and have given a bursary to a first year student, and hope it gives her some of the immense opportunities RGS gave to me.

Andrew Sullivan

RGS 1974 - 1981 Philosopher, political theorist, political commentator Campaign Ambassador

@foundationRGS

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RGS FOUNDATION | 1675 BURSARY FUND

rgschanginglives.org

CHANGING LIVES CAMPAIGN TARGET £4m

The immediate campaign goal is to raise £1 million for the 1675 Bursary Fund by 2016, with a longer term aim to build up this fund to £4 million by 2025 to mark the school’s 350th anniversary.

The ‘Gift of Education’, as provided by the 1675 Bursary Fund, aims to provide sustainable opportunities to transform lives and raise aspirations. Any donation we receive from you will go directly to help children.

Both your individual and collective generosity will ensure that talented and financially disadvantaged children gain a first-class education at Reigate Grammar School and have an opportunity to fulfil their potential.

Help us hit this target by 2025 OUR VISION CAN ONLY BE REALISED THROUGH THE HELP OF OUR FRIENDS AND SUPPORTERS.

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rgschanginglives.org

RGS FOUNDATION | 1675 BURSARY FUND

Michael Lloyd, President AFRGS

REAL LIFE CHANGES MICHAEL LLOYD BURSARY DONOR

Michael is one of the success stories for the Bursary Fund. He received his education at RGS through an assisted place, and has since contributed to the fund and given his recipient, Ellis Clarke, the opportunity of a lifetime...

I am delighted to be able to continue my relationship with the School through the Foundation Office. I count myself blessed to have received an assisted place when I was at RGS. I came from a modest background, and although both my parents worked extremely hard, I would not have received my extraordinary RGS education without the generosity of a former pupil. I experienced and enjoyed great times and made friends that have lasted half a lifetime. Feeling so grateful for the opportunities which came my way, a few years ago I made contact with the School and discussed how I might attempt to return the many benefits that the School afforded me.

I was surprised to find out that the bursary I was granted was the only one that existed at that time, and that the School, despite centuries of history and excellence, had an extremely small foundation to help pupils in a similar situation to me.

It seemed only appropriate to me to try to repay my debt to the school by helping a student of similar means to enjoy the many gifts an institution like RGS can bestow…

…and so I started to fund a bursary which was awarded to Ellis Clarke.

She has taken full advantage of the opportunity and has really blossomed, achieving outstanding results at GCSE and A Level and has now gone on to study English Literature at Cambridge.

It has been the most rewarding thing I’ve done to watch her progress and I fully intend to continue my support with the bursary now that Ellis has left RGS. I’m also grateful to the Foundation team which works hard to raise awareness of the Changing Lives campaign and the need to grow the bursary fund given that very large endowments support similar programmes at other schools in the area.

I hope some of you will join me in supporting the Foundation through your charitable giving.

Michael Lloyd

RGS 1981 - 1986 Executive Vice-President, FBR & Co President of the American Friends of RGS

IT SOUNDS DAUNTING TO CONSIDER THE COST OF A BURSARY, BUT MANY PEOPLE ACTING TOGETHER CAN HAVE A TREMENDOUS EFFECT IN ALLOWING A DESERVING YOUNG PERSON THE BENEFIT OF THE EDUCATION WE ALL RECEIVED. Read about Ellis’ experience

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RGS FOUNDATION | 1675 BURSARY FUND

rgschanginglives.org

REAL LIFE CHANGES ELLIS CLARKE

BURSARY RECIPIENT RGS 2006 - 2013

There is no gift for me that could have inspired as much gratitude as the bursary I received to study at RGS. My education at RGS has provided me with the skills to pursue my ambitions and an environment where questions and challenges are always welcome.

It was a privilege to engage with fellow pupils who shared an enthusiasm for learning, particularly through participating in extra-curricular activities such as the Debating Society and as editor of The Pilgrim magazine. Receiving a bursary has enabled me to reap the rewards of the superior quality of teaching available, for which I have immense admiration.

At RGS, teachers are always available and positive, encouraging the independent learning which has nurtured my strengths, generated confidence, and provided the expert guidance that has led to me fulfilling my ambition to study English Literature at Cambridge.

I HAVE ONLY MY SINCERE THANKS TO OFFER TO MICHAEL IN RETURN FOR THE GIFT OF EDUCATION, AND THE PROMISE THAT I WILL ALWAYS STRIVE TO MAKE THE MOST OF THE OPPORTUNITIES THAT HAVE ARISEN AS A RESULT.

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RGS FOUNDATION | 1675 BURSARY FUND

rgschanginglives.org

MUCH MORE THAN A SUM OF MONEY: A BURSARY IS THE MOST INCREDIBLE AND LIFE-CHANGING GIFT‌

Without doubt my time at RGS did change my life.

Coming from a very poor but loving family, the 1944 Education Act granted me entrance, giving me an excellent and rounded education, developing my potential and stimulating my ambition.

My support of the Foundation is given with the hope of enabling promising young people with modest means to benefit in the way that I have. It is a cause dear to my heart and that of my wife.

Peter Clarke

RGS 1945 - 1950 Member of the 1675 Society

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rgschanginglives.org

RGS FOUNDATION | 1675 BURSARY FUND

REAL LIFE CHANGES MATT BURNS

BURSARY RECIPIENT RGS 2004 - 2011

The bursaries that RGS have provided for me and my two brothers throughout our time at the School have undoubtedly changed our lives for the better.

The range of opportunities that the School provides to its students is hard to come by at other schools (the fact that my older brother is a Mechanical Engineer, I’m an actor and my younger brother is an aspiring doctor is testament to this) and these would never have been available to us without the generosity of these bursaries.

I think that this level of varied education should be available to everyone, not just to those that can afford it, so it is vital that this incredible support is continued and developed at RGS. Matt Burns

I THINK THAT THIS LEVEL OF VARIED EDUCATION SHOULD BE AVAILABLE TO EVERYONE, NOT JUST TO THOSE THAT CAN AFFORD IT.

In Matt’s mum’s words...

Without the financial support from Reigate Grammar School, my three boys would not have been able to attend the School and benefit from the diverse range of extracurricular activities as well as the superb teaching and pastoral care. They have been allowed to explore and extend their differing talents to their benefit and to that of the RGS community as a whole. They have shown their gratitude by working hard and achieving their goals. This has given them a solid foundation on which they can now build their careers and I am certain that they will be high achievers. I will be eternally grateful to RGS and their generous supporters, who ensure that such life-changing opportunities are available.

Jo Burns

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RGS FOUNDATION | 1675 BURSARY FUND

rgschanginglives.org

I will always be grateful to Reigate Grammar School for giving me the opportunity and freedom to explore my passion for English and Drama.

I was very fortunate to have some inspirational teachers who provided me with wonderful support and encouragement. Having returned to RGS on several occasions recently, I realise that I have much to be thankful for, and am fortunate to have received such an excellent education.

I am confident that together the Reigatian community will make a huge difference to the lives of many deserving children.

David Walliams

RGS 1981 - 1989 Actor, writer, comedian and BAFTA winner Ambassador for the RGS Foundation

THAT’S WHY I’VE BECOME AN AMBASSADOR FOR THE RGS FOUNDATION – THE CHANGING LIVES CAMPAIGN REALLY WILL PROVIDE LIFE-CHANGING OPPORTUNITIES TO DISADVANTAGED CHILDREN FROM THE LOCAL AREA.

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RGS FOUNDATION | 1675 BURSARY FUND

rgschanginglives.org

BY PULLING TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE A REAL DIFFERENCE...

GIVING IN

NUMBERS

500

people giving a donation of £25 each

= a full bursary for one academic year

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rgschanginglives.org

RGS FOUNDATION | 1675 BURSARY FUND

50

people giving a donation of £250 each

= a full bursary for one academic year

GENEROSITY TOWARDS THE FUTURE OF OTHERS STARTS WITH GIVING WHAT YOU CAN IN THE PRESENT...

300

8

people giving a donation of £1,675 each

= a full bursary for one academic year plus membership of the Henry Smith Club

people giving a donation of £42 each

= a full bursary for one academic year

100

people giving a donation of £125 each

= a full bursary for one academic year

Please join us and support the Changing Lives campaign and together, through the gift of education, we can transform young peoples’ lives.

@foundationRGS All figures based on school fees as of January 2014 and with Gift Aid applied

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rgschanginglives.org

RGS FOUNDATION | 1675 BURSARY FUND

REAL LIFE CHANGES ISOBEL TILLEY

BURSARY RECIPIENT RGS 2009 - 2013

I come from a single-parent family with financial difficulties, unlike the majority of students at RGS, and my bursary opened so many doors to me that would otherwise have remained closed.

It has given me the opportunity to go on incredible trips and to explore the subjects that I am passionate about, particularly languages. I received so much support, not only throughout my academic career at Reigate Grammar School, but also during the (very daunting!) application process to study French and Italian at Cambridge, a university which I have wanted to go to for years. I felt it would provide me with the opportunities I needed to be successful and to improve my family’s situation.

And I did it!

MY AMAZING EDUCATION AT RGS WAS ONLY POSSIBLE DUE TO THE BURSARY I RECEIVED – WITHOUT IT, I WOULD NEVER HAVE BEEN ABLE TO ATTEND THE SCHOOL.

The small class sizes and excellent teaching, as well as the fact that the teachers were always so willing to help and provide extra support and extra work, allowed me to stretch myself. It has also improved my confidence as I was always encouraged to contribute my ideas, to research and to ask questions.

I am so grateful that I have had this opportunity.

It has helped me achieve my dream of studying languages at one of the world’s best universities, something not possible for most young people from my background, and I have also made some incredible friends along the way. I will always be extremely thankful for the wonderful gift that I have received.

I was very fortunate to receive bursary support for my education at Reigate Grammar School (RGS) through the seven years that I studied there. Without this funding, there was no possible way that I would have been able to study at RGS, or attend a school with comparable levels of opportunities.

Above the excellent quality of education at RGS, what stood out for me during my time there was the number of opportunities to engage in activities outside of the curriculum – whether it be sport, the Combined Cadet Force or the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme. These opportunities allowed me to gain a vast array of skills that are translatable to a number of situations that come about in later life.

The strong educational foundation, in addition to the multitude of skills gained through engaging in different activities, has enabled me to gain entry to Imperial College London to study medicine with an intercalated Bachelor’s degree in neuroscience.

I am in the 5th year of my studies here, and have found that I have been able to lead groups and set up initiatives that go beyond my curriculum, and hopefully bring benefit to my community and society. This includes founding a charity that aims to improve medical education. Reflecting upon my journey, what I learnt at RGS is very much central to giving me the confidence and skills necessary to pursue the difficult ventures I am involved in today.

SAYINTHEN VIVEKANANTHAM BURSARY RECIPIENT RGS 2002 - 2009

REFLECTING UPON MY JOURNEY, WHAT I LEARNT AT RGS IS VERY MUCH CENTRAL TO GIVING ME THE CONFIDENCE AND SKILLS NECESSARY TO PURSUE THE DIFFICULT VENTURES I AM INVOLVED IN TODAY.

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RGS FOUNDATION | 1675 BURSARY FUND

THERE ARE SEVERAL WAYS YOU CAN SUPPORT THE CAMPAIGN, INCLUDING SINGLE OR REGULAR TAX-EFFICIENT DONATIONS, LEGACY PLEDGES, GIFTS OF STOCKS & SHARES AND COMPANY SPONSORSHIP.

rgschanginglives.org

RECOGNISING YOUR SUPPORT RGS Foundation Friend All those individuals who donate to the 1675 Bursary Fund. Acknowledgement of all donors, unless requested to remain anonymous, will be included in the Campaign’s Annual Giving report.

All friends will receive regular updates on the progress of the Fund.

1675 Society A recognition group for all legacy donors.

Membership to the Society is open to anyone who feels the time is right to remember RGS in their Will. An annual luncheon is held to thank Society members and to inform them of news and developments at RGS. Henry Smith Club Named after our founder, Henry Smith. This group recognises those who make an annual donation of £1,675 to the 1675 Bursary Fund.

Members of the club are invited to the annual dinner in honour of Henry Smith.

RGS Foundation Patron Patron level is awarded to any individual, family, group, company or organisation that makes a single or cumulative gift of £10,000 to the 1675 Bursary Fund. Patrons will

receive an invitation to the Chairman’s Amicable Dinner along with a complimentary family ticket (5 tickets) to any RGS drama or music production throughout the school term.

RGS Foundation Fellow Awarded to any individual, family, group, company or organisation that sponsors a talented child throughout their Sixth Form education at RGS. The Foundation will acknowledge this generosity through naming rights for the 2 year bursary.

Fellows will receive an invitation to the Chairman’s Amicable Dinner along with a complimentary family ticket (5 tickets) to any RGS drama or music production throughout the school term.

RGS Foundation Benefactor – A Gift for a lifetime In recognition of any individual, family, group, company or organisation that makes a single gift or pledge to the 1675 Bursary Fund to sponsor a talented child throughout their educational lifetime at RGS. The Foundation will acknowledge such generosity on the Honours Board within the main school and naming rights can be discussed for the funded bursary along with other benefits.

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rgschanginglives.org

RGS FOUNDATION | 1675 BURSARY FUND

Easy, simple and safe

SINGLE GIFT

BY CREDIT CARD

IN PERSON

Visit our website: rgschanginglives.org

Please feel free to bring your donation along to the School.

BY CHEQUE

BY BANK TRANSFER

Make payable to: Reigate Grammar School Foundation Post to: Foundation Office Reigate Grammar School Reigate Road Reigate Surrey RH2 0QS

Reigate Grammar School Foundation.

Account No: 70443166 Sort Code: 20-23-97 Reference: Your full name

REGULAR GIFT

SPECIAL GIFT

BY DIRECT DEBIT

If you would like to leave a special, nonmonetary, gift to RGS we would love to hear from you. Such gifts may include assets, works of art, auction gifts, or anything else you wish the school to have and be able to utilise for the campaign.

Visit our website: rgschanginglives.org Regular gifts allow us to plan for the future, safe in the knowledge that we have your support along the way.

LEGACY GIFT By remembering RGS in your will, you can make a very special contribution to our charitable aims and the long-term sustainable impact we strive for through this campaign. It is one of the greatest gifts you can make and attests to your support for the School and our values.

GIFT AID Don’t forget to opt in for Gift Aid (if applicable) as this allows us to get an extra 25% on top of your donation from the Government at no cost to you, plus if you are a higher rate tax payer, you can also claim the difference between the higher rate of tax and the current basic rate of tax of 20%.

OVERSEAS GIVING The RGS Foundation welcomes the support of its global community. We currently receive donations from many regions including, Europe, North America, Asia and Australasia.

rgschanginglives.org

For more information on how you can support the 1675 Bursary Fund, or to discuss any potential gift please contact the Foundation Office on 01737 222231 or email: foundation@reigategrammar.org

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rgschanginglives.org

RGS FOUNDATION | 1675 BURSARY FUND

Sir Colin Chandler, Our Campaign Chairman

THANK YOU

I support the campaign because of the strong conviction I have that the very high standards of Reigate Grammar School in academic achievement, in cultural activities and sports, should be available to gifted children whose families cannot aord the fees which those standards command. This campaign deserves your support and all gifts are welcome, no matter what their size.

Sir Colin Chandler RGS Governor

@foundationRGS