Making a Bequest

A bequest to Wycombe Abbey is a very special and meaningful gift.  In the past Wycombe has benefited from the generosity of benefactors who, by including us in their will, have left a permanent reminder of their connections to School and helped us to continue to realise Dame Frances Dove’s vision.

By making a bequest to the Bursary Endowment Fund, you will be giving the gift of a Wycombe education to able girls whose parental income would otherwise prevent this from being possible.  These girls will go out into the world and, in turn, empower future generations to follow in their, and your, footsteps.

Benefactors may prefer to see their gifts used more immediately and direct their bequest towards the enhancement of the School’s facilities.  Many of our capital projects, such as the Archer Recital Hall, have been made possible thanks to legacies. 

For those who hold Wycombe in their affections, a legacy is a means of giving something back in a way that may not be possible during their lifetime and as a charity, a legacy is exempt from inheritance tax.

Making a will is a sensitive task and, of course, provision for your family must take priority.  However, we hope that you will consider Wycombe and join those who have helped us to ensure that Wycombe Abbey remains one of the world’s leading girls’ schools.

Please talk to your legal advisor about including Wycombe Abbey in your will.  Some suggested wording:

Suggested wording for a legacy to Wycombe Abbey:

‘I give (£…..)  …….pounds/my house/my Steinway piano to Wycombe Abbey School Foundation.  I request that it be used   for the benefit of the Bursary Endowment Fund/ for…………………/for such purposes in connection with Wycombe Abbey School as the Trustees in their absolute discretion think fit.'

 A simple way of amending an existing will is by means of a codicil upon which your legal advisor will also advise you.

The 1896 Society

Making a will is a personal matter:  we understand that and, of course, would guarantee anonymity and respect privacy.  However, we should very much like to show our appreciation and thank benefactors during their lifetime.  So that we may be able to do this we have established The 1896 Society and all who have indicated they intend to leave Wycombe a legacy are invited to become members.

An 1896 Society luncheon will be held regularly for members and their spouses and these pleasant, social occasions will be an ideal opportunity for the Headmistress to update everyone on Wycombe’s progress and our future plans.