Foundation

Foundation

Foundation

The St Albans School Foundation was established in 2008 with the aim of raising funds in support of the School in three main areas:

– Capital Developments, which include a number of building projects on the School site

– The Bursary Fund, which aims to provide access to St Albans School for young people who would be unable to take up their place here without financial assistance

– Special Projects, which provide School departments with additional resources that can make a real and immediate benefit to School life. For example, new equipment for the fitness suite, graticules for the Biology department, and 3D printers for the DT department

The Foundation is run from the School’s Development Office, and has raised almost £10m since its launch in 2008.

Neil Osborn, Chairman of Governors says:

"St Albans School opened the windows to a wider world I would not have known otherwise. I have had a more varied and satisfying life as a result of my time there – and, 50 years on, I still draw on what I learned. I have been a committed supporter of the School’s Bursary Fund for a number of years and would encourage others to do the same. Those of us who have benefitted from the Direct Grant system can help to create the same life-changing opportunities for future generations of St Albans School pupils."

WHY SHOULD I SUPPORT?

We have been able to fund the School’s most recent developments thanks to a windfall from the disposal of a unique asset – the remainder of our lease in the King Harry Lane site.

The unexpected appearance on the market of Aquis Court was also a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and though the timing wasn’t ideal, it presented a unique chance for the School to enhance its facilities. The purchase and the conversion of that and the former gym have been funded largely by prudent borrowing, beyond which it would certainly not be prudent to stretch the School’s credit.

The School’s developing needs cannot be funded from fee surplus alone or from disjointed one-off appeals. To ensure that current and future pupils can benefit from the richness, quality and opportunities of the education that previous generations have enjoyed, we have launched the Building Futures Campaign. For more information on this Campaign, please email development@st-albans.herts.sch.uk.

A SUMMARY OF RECENT DEVELOPMENTS:

  • The Woollam Playing Fields were funded from proceeds of the sale of the former Belmont Hill playing fields, which were a gift in 1890 from Charles Woollam OA.
  • New Place Drama Department was purchased in 2002.
  • The Sports Centre and Swimming Pool was built entirely from the proceeds of sale of our remaining leasehold on former playing fields at King Harry Lane.
  • Aquis Court was affordable only due to low commercial property prices and shrewd negotiations by our Governors and Bursar.
  • The Refectory built on the site of the old gym has been funded from internal resources.

The Bursary Fund

St Albans School is strongly committed to the provision of Bursary places for those students who could benefit from the outstanding education on offer, but whose parents are unable to afford the fees. Our long-term ambition is to replicate the spirit of the Direct Grant Scheme which played an important role in the School’s recent history. With this in mind, the School has launched a new Bursary fundraising campaign and is inviting the wider community, including Old Albanians and current and former parents and staff, to offer vital support to help us to achieve this aim.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

HOW YOU CAN HELP

DONATIONS

As a charity, donations to the School are worth an extra 25% at no cost to the donor, as we are able to reclaim Gift Aid on donations from UK taxpayers. there are also further tax benefits for higher-rate taxpayers.

A GIFT IN YOUR WILL

A gift in your will can be a simple and tax-effective way of making a significant gift to the Foundation, that many would be unable to afford during their lifetime. Any gift to a registered charity made in your will, whether in the form of cash, shares, property or other items, is exempt from inheritance tax. Legacy giving enables many people who are ‘asset-rich' rather than ‘cash-rich' to make a meaningful contribution to future generations of pupils at St Albans School.

The Gateway Society has been established as a means by which we can thank during their lifetime Old Albanians and other supporters who have chosen to make a gift to St Albans School in their will. By informing the Development Office that you have made a bequest to the School, you will automatically become a member of the Gateway Society - there is no obligation to disclose the size or nature of your gift. Members receive a specially designed silk tie and they receive invitations to School and Foundation functions and the Society's annual dinner. A wish for anonymity will of course be respected.

There are many different ways in which you can make a bequest, and a brochure with more detailed information and suggested wordings for your will is available from the Development Office.

As everyone's estate is different, it is important that you seek independent legal advice before drawing up or making any changes to your will.

For more information on donations click here

WHO'S WHO

Rebecca van der Westhuizen

Development Director

Development Director. Rebecca runs the St Albans School Foundation and is your best contact for queries regarding supporting the Foundation or how funds are used.

E: rdvanderwesthuizen@st-albans.herts.sch.uk

T: 01727 515177

Louise Barnes

Alumni Relations & Development Manager

Louise organises alumni and Foundation events and communications.

E: lcbarnes@st-albans.herts.sch.uk

T: 01727 515184

Sarah Osborne

Alumni Relations & Development Officer

Sarah supports the department across general fundraising and alumni enquiries.

E: slosborne@st-albans.herts.sch.uk

T: 01727 224540

Sue Gregory

Archivist

Sue looks after the museum and archives and is your best contact for queries regarding the history of the School.

E: sgregory@St-Albans.herts.sch.uk

T: 01727 515178

DEVELOPMENT OFFICE

St Albans School, Abbey Gateway, St Albans AL3 4HB
01727 515187
development@st-albans.herts.sch.uk

The Foundation’s Parent Working Group is formed of parents who have volunteered to help with raising awareness of the Foundation. If you would be interested in getting involved, please email development@st-albans.herts.sch.uk

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