The William Laxton Society

Oundle is a school built largely on bequests and the philanthropy of its alumni and friends. Many of the buildings you see around the School today, such as the Chapel, the Workshops, the Stahl Theatre and the Cricket Pavilion, have been funded by gifts from OOs and parents.

The financial seed from which the School has grown and flourished over the centuries was the legacy bequeathed by its founder, Sir William Laxton. He was an Oundle boy who went on to become Lord Mayor of London. When he died in 1556 he left a gift in his will to The Worshipful Company of Grocers directing that the interest accrued should endow a Free Grammar School in the town where he grew up.

Legacies play a vital part in helping the School to provide the highest quality of education. If you have appreciated the excellence of an Oundle education, we encourage you to consider leaving a legacy to ensure that future generations continue to benefit.

Although your testamentary intentions are of course personal and private, if you intend to remember Oundle in your will we should be delighted if you would notify us (ideally by completing our Legacy Intention Form) so that we may recognise your generosity. All legators become members of the William Laxton Society, set up to encourage the making of bequests and to provide an opportunity for the School to show its appreciation of its testamentary benefactors. The Society’s membership currently stands at over 200 and is steadily increasing. It holds an annual event for members.

Making a bequest is simple: it can be included in a new will or added as a Codicil to your existing will. It will be free from inheritance tax. You may, if you wish, direct your gift to be used for a particular purpose within the School. If no such purpose is specified, your donation will be added to the Scholarships and Bursaries Fund.

For further information about making a bequest, please refer to our publication, Remembering Oundle. If you would like to be sent a copy in the post, together with the Legacy Intention Form and Codicil Form, please contact:

Richard Owen
Development Director
Tel: 01832 277291