Search this Site:

Gift of Education News

How legacies change lives

Sixteen young people from disadvantaged backgrounds will be able to study at The Leys on full bursaries thanks to the generous legacies of three Old Leysians.

The far-sighted generosity of Richard Rothwell-Jackson (North B 1943-48), John Long (School 1938-42, right) and Keith Fairweather (North A 1944-48) will give these young people a wonderful chance not only to receive an outstanding education, but also to enjoy the special Leysian experience in the round.

With the support of the School Governors, these three outstanding gifts have enabled the creation of a nine-year programme starting at The Leys in 2022. Combined with funds already raised and gifts from regular donors, their legacies will allow the School to welcome sixteen pupils on 110% bursaries, ten attending for the Sixth Form and six from Year 7 through to the Upper Sixth. This will bring transformational opportunity to young people who will benefit from it the most, those struggling with challenging circumstances but eager to fulfil their potential.

Martin Brown, Governor and former Housemaster & parent, says, “as a Governor, I am delighted that more young people will soon be joining The Leys as part of the Gift of Education. It is marvellous that we can use these legacy gifts to make a real difference to girls and boys now, rather than having a long lead-in time before more can benefit from this opportunity. The School community is very grateful to everyone whose generosity is making it possible.”

A gift in a will, to change a child’s life, is a way to do something everlasting. Every future gift to the Gift of Education is a stepping stone to another young person setting their aspirations high, as we work to expand the programme beyond the initial sixteen places. For many of us, a legacy gift is the largest donation we will make, and brings the contentment of knowing that, even after death, the work we believe in continues long into the future.

Stephen Long (School 1968-72), son of Dr John Long, recalls why his father was so enthused by the possibility of helping more young people study at The Leys:

“My father held a life-long love of The Leys from his own days as a schoolboy scholar to becoming Chair of Governors.  He was passionate about encouraging following generations to fulfil human potential and helping to open opportunities similar to those that he enjoyed during his long and varied career.

He would be pleased and proud that his legacy supports the Gift of Education programme, allowing more young people to have the opportunity to enjoy an outstanding Leysian education.”

Rebeccah Rothwell-Jackson (Granta 1987-89) knows that her uncle Richard Rothwell-Jackson felt the same:

“My grandfather, Major Harry Rothwell-Jackson, was one of the earliest pupils, which is why my uncle, Richard ‘Rex’ Rothwell- Jackson, attended The Leys. Rex remembered his time there at Pitlochry with fondness. He would be happy to know that his legacy will help young people who may otherwise not have had the chance, to attend the school.”

These gifts are having a real impact in changing children’s lives through the Gift of Education’s strong start. If you would like to explore how you could make a difference to a child’s life through a gift in your will, please contact Millie at [email protected]. Members of the community who leave a gift in their will are thanked in their lifetime as members of the 1875 Society.