How your legacy can help

We hope that your experience at Ratcliffe College had a positive influence on your life, or the life of someone dear to you, and that you will consider making a pledge to support Ratcliffe College in your Will. Doing so would give you the opportunity to:

• Leave something behind you for future generations to benefit from

• Give something back to the College

• Do more than you might be able to do in your lifetime

• Reduce inheritance tax on your estate

The 1847 Society

The 1847 Society acknowledges the date that Ratcliffe was established as a school. It also enables the College to formally recognise those generous and loyal supporters wishing to help ensure Ratcliffe’s continued success, and who have made provision in their Will for the benefit of the College.  Membership of the 1847 Society is conferred on those individuals who indicate that they intend to leave a legacy in their Will for Ratcliffe College.

While we continually seek support for the College in the form of annual and regular gifts, research shows that, in the long term, far larger gifts are often received via legacies.  Gifts left to Ratcliffe College in a bequest can be highly tax effective and help to provide substantial funds to support the College’s aim to continue to provide an outstanding independent Catholic education.  We understand that it is not always practical for many of our supporters to provide significant financial support to the College during their lifetime and the 1847 Society allows us to thank those who have pledged a legacy whilst they are still with us.

Background – Ratcliffe College would not have existed if it had not been for the generosity and dedication of our original benefactors and our founder, Fr Anthony Rosmini. Since the very early days we have received many gifts and bequests and these have made significant contributions helping to make the College what it is today.

Future – We want to make the exceptional learning journey at Ratcliffe accessible to even more students by offering an increasing number of bursaries to assist more students to enjoy the benefits of a high quality education here. We also strive to improve the facilities for students and there are always plans to improve the College’s sports, arts and teaching areas. Legacy gifts can make a significant difference to our provision in these areas.

Tax – As a registered charity, a legacy left to Ratcliffe College (Charity Number 1115975) is free from Inheritance Tax and Capital Gains Tax.

Legacy wording – If you are about to make your Will, or have already done so, we have prepared some suggested wording that you may wish to use. Please do however gain professional advice when making or adjusting your Will. (Contact us by email and we can send you some suggested wording/codicil wording for your Will).

More information – If you would like further information, or a confidential discussion about leaving a gift to Ratcliffe, please call Andrew Yell on 01509 817000 or by sending him an email.

By remembering Ratcliffe in your Will, you can ensure that the College continues to strive forward planning into the future with confidence, continuing to help produce talented, charitable and hard-working students for years to come.

Ratcliffe College is a registered charity (Charity Number 1115975)