Leaving a legacy to Wells Cathedral School
Help us offer a Wells Cathedral School education to all deserving pupils
Wells Cathedral School has a very long history, established by royal decree to educate the Choristers from the neighbouring Cathedral in 909AD. Over the intervening 1,115 years the School has evolved into the only educational institution in the UK that combines a Specialist Music School with a brilliant all-round education - while still being the place where Wells Cathedral Choristers come to school.
In spite of our rich history, Wells Cathedral School itself is not wealthy. Our richness lies in our diversity - which is where bursaries have and will continue to play a significant part in the future of our School.
The evolution of our School, from a mediaeval school for Choristers to more recent history as a Grammar School for boys and now a Specialist Music School, has been enabled largely thanks to the kindness and generosity of our Wellensian community.
By including a gift to the School in your Will, you are helping shape the lives of future Wellensians.
Our mission
Our mission is simple: to make it possible for more children who could flourish at Wells to come to school here.
Wells is a School that values and encourages individuality and creativity, recognising that diversity among our School community fosters both. There is no such thing as a typical Wellensian, we are proud to have pupils from all walks of life and backgrounds - each of them bringing a unique perspective that enriches the whole School community.
Like many who enjoyed bursaries (or Direct Grant/Assisted Places) here in the past, we want future generations to benefit from those same opportunities.
Our future
A gift to Wells Cathedral School in your Will is an investment in future Wellensians. If you’d like to remember Wells Cathedral School in your Will, simply tell your Solicitor or financial advisor and give them our Registered Charity Number: 1118159 (Wells Cathedral School Foundation).
Wells Cathedral School has always been an inclusive place to live and learn, providing skills that enable young people to grow their talents and fulfil their potential. Protecting the provision of bursaries has never been more important.
We need your help to provide more significant bursaries, so that no child turns down a place to learn at Wells because of their family’s circumstances.
Did you know
£26,000
Legacy frequently asked questions
Wells Cathedral School is not a financial or legal advisor, and we encourage you to seek qualified advice before making or changing your Will.
How do I make sure my loved ones are looked after?
We fully understand that your family and loved ones come first in your Will. Leaving even a small percentage of your estate to Wells Cathedral School can make a real impact - and leaves the majority of your estate for those closest to you. Did you know that if you leave 10% of your estate to charity, inheritance tax due is reduced from 40% to 36%?
Why should I remember Wells Cathedral School in my Will?
For many, leaving a gift in their Will is their way of showing support to the School. A Wells Cathedral School education helped change the trajectory of many OWs’ lives, especially those who benefited from the Direct Grants/Assisted Places schemes. A gift in your Will ensures today’s pupils benefit
from those same opportunities whilst enriching the School’s intellectual and social diversity. It is an investment in future Wellensians and an opportunity to give something back to your old School.
How do I remember Wells Cathedral School in my Will?
Simply tell your Solicitor/Will-maker that you would like to remember Wells Cathedral School in your Will and give them our Registered Charity Number.
I already have a Willhow do I include Wells Cathedral School?
You can add a ‘Letter of Wishes’ or amend your Will. It would help if you include Wells Cathedral School Foundation’s Registered Charity Number (1118159).
Why is it better to leave a percentage of my estate to Wells Cathedral School as opposed to a fixed sum?
Possessions (specific gifts) and fixed sums (pecuniary gifts) are paid out from your estate first. A fixed sum might feel appropriate at the time of making the Will, but (hopefully) many years later, it may not have the intended impact due to rising costs and inflation. Leaving a percentage of your estate to Wells Cathedral School will ensure your gift keeps up with rising costs over time.
What difference will my gift make?
For the 2024-25 academic year, school fees are more than £26,000 a year and a gift of any size towards our bursary fund helps to transform the lives of the recipients. For example:
• A gift of £52,254 could fund one pupil through Sixth Form
• A gift of £315,202 could fund one pupil through seven years of Senior School
• A gift of £500,000 (invested and returning around 5%/£25k per annum) would effectively fund a significant bursary in perpetuity
What happens if I die without a Will?
Current estate law says that the government decides who is going to administer your estate. Can I give now instead of leaving a legacy?
Yes. Many people enjoy seeing how their gift can benefit students at Wells Cathedral School firsthand. Some taxpayers may prefer to make a gift now allowing for tax efficiencies during your lifetime. If you would like to discuss this further, please contact the Development Team on 01749 834251 or email foundation@wells-cathedral-school.com
Do I have to tell Wells Cathedral School if I have remembered the School in my Will?
We understand that making a Will is a deeply personal matter and you are under no obligation to inform us if you have remembered the School in your Will - however we would be delighted should you choose to do so. If the School is aware of your decision, it enables us to share current successes and progress at Wells Cathedral School with you, as well as to thank you during your lifetime. You can inform us discreetly by email or by completing the pledge form.
What are the inheritance tax benefits of leaving a legacy to Wells Cathedral School?
Under current rules (August 2024) if you choose to leave 10% or more of your estate to Wells Cathedral School, then inheritance tax liability reduces from 40% to 36%.
Contact us
You are under no obligation to tell us that you have remembered the School in your Will. But if you choose to do so, we would love to keep you updated on current bursary progress during your lifetime.
You can inform us by email or by completing the enclosed pledge form.
For more information, visit our website or contact the Development Team.
Wells Cathedral School Foundation
The Liberty, Wells, Somerset, BA5 2ST Charity Number 1118159