Gifts in Will

Once you have taken care of those closest to you, including St Peter’s College in your Will will be an investment in the future for our students and the quality of their education – a meaningful way to recognise your connection to the School. Since our foundation in 1847, St Peter’s College has been sustained and developed from generation to generation by wonderful, inspiring acts of generosity, large and small. By leaving a bequest, you are recognising the value the School provides to the wider community through the exceptional education of our students. This education inspires them to make their own lasting and positive contribution to society

Specific bequest (pecuniary bequest) is a specific sum of money or specific assets in the form of property, shares or items of value, such as works of art, jewellery or furniture. Please bear in mind that the gift may fail if you have subsequently disposed of the specific assets. A residuary bequest is a percentage or the entirety of what is left of your estate after all of your other wishes have been carried out and expenses in finalising your estate have been met. The School or the Foundation prefers gifts of cash where possible. If you would like to donate a specific asset such as property, shares or items of value, such as works of art, jewellery or furniture, please contact the School or the Foundation (if donating to a specific fund), as consideration may need to be given to whether the School or the Foundation can accept the specific asset.

Your executor will contact the School so that we can start working together to fulfil your wishes. The School will involve any family members, as advised by the Executor, so that they can be involved in your legacy, if they so choose. The School will ensure that ongoing generations are aware of your generosity and the impact you have made through your gift and will let you know how that will be achieved unless you have indicated the gift should remain anonymous.

Depending on the specific terms of your Will, your gift will either be disbursed immediately in keeping with your wishes, or in the absence of any specific direction, it will be held by the School to be expended on the School’s area of highest priority according to the School’s policy at the time. The key financial objective of the Endowment Fund is to provide long-term capital growth as well as a stable annual income stream in perpetuity. To assist with reaching these goals, monies received are invested with professional fund managers by the School’s Investment sub-committee. It is important to note that investment decisions are at the discretion of the School and the performance of the fund is regularly reviewed by the Foundation Board.

If you already have a Will, you may simply add a codicil to include St Peter’s College. A codicil is a document that amends, rather than replaces a previously executed Will – a straightforward and inexpensive procedure. If you do not have a Will, we strongly recommend that you seek professional advice about establishing one. It is never too early to think about estate planning. If I decide to make a Gift in Will, do I need to contact St Peter’s College? By informing the School about your Gift in Will, you enable us to thank you in your lifetime. For those who are interested, we also like to keep you informed and involved in the life of the School. You may also wish to be recognised as a member of the Founders’ Circle.

You can change the amount or cancel your bequest at any time. We strongly recommend that you consult a professional when making changes to your Will to ensure that your amendments are captured correctly.