Leave a legacy

Legacy gifts have always played an important part at Marlborough. These are deeply personal donations and have provided bursaries, restored historic buildings, and funded sports. A gift to Marlborough in your will plays a significant role in shaping our school and to recognise your generosity, you’ll be invited to join the 1843 Society.

Whether you have decided to leave a gift in your will or would like more information about legacy giving, we would love to hear from you. Please contact Jan Perrins by email at jperrins@marlboroughcollege.org or call 01672 892439.

There are several ways that you can include a gift to Marlborough in your will. Your legacy may be in the form of money or financial assets, such as shares or property. Many people choose to give a residual gift because it maintains its value with inflation

We understand that family and loved ones come first but leaving a gift in your will to a charity may reduce the inheritance tax due on your estate with little impact to your family . The Marlborough College Foundation is a registered charity, therefore legacy gifts are exempt from Inheritance Tax.

It is important to consult your legal adviser before drafting a new will, updating an existing one, or making other plans for your estate.

Under current law, if your estate is worth more than £325,000, your beneficiaries will have to pay 40% of the part of it that’s over the threshold to HMRC. By leaving at least 10% of the ‘net value’ of your estate to charity, you can cut the Inheritance Tax (IHT) rate of your estate from 40% to 36%.

Please speak to your solicitor who will be able to provide you with advice specific to your circumstances.

Anyone who has pledged a legacy gift to Marlborough is welcome to join the 1843 society. Every year, members are invited to special events at the College hosted by the Master and the 1843 society president, Rupert Mullins (CO 1967-70). Rupert is happy to have an informal conversation about leaving a legacy to Marlborough and the activities of the 1843 Society.

To become a member, please let us know that you have left a gift in your will. You are also very welcome to attend an event, without committal, to find out more about how your gift, no matter the size, can really make a positive difference to the future of your school. We look forward to welcoming you as a member of the 1843 society and joining us at the next event.

Most people leave their legacy gifts for ‘the general charitable purposes’ of the College. This means that the donation can be used for the areas of greatest need.

You can also leave a gift for a specific purpose or for a particular fundraising priority or fund. If you would like to leave a specific gift, please let us know so that we can ensure that we are able to accommodate your wishes.

The important information that you will need when writing your will is:

  • Charity Name: Marlborough College Foundation
  • Charity Number: Registered Charity 1061798