Sedbergh School Foundation - 1525 Society

Launched in 2002 to recognise those Sedberghians and Friends who wish to help with the work of the Foundation by leaving a gift to the School in their will, the Society has grown to a membership of over 250. It is now the largest legacy society of any independent school in the UK. Although the role of the 1525 Society is primarily to support the long term financial security and development of Sedbergh School the vibrant nature of the membership, regular events and ongoing communication with and between members have ensured that the Society is becoming increasingly influential in short and medium term projects.

Provision for family and friends is naturally a priority in financial planning but any OS, Friend or parent indicating that they also intend to leave a gift to the School in their will is offered membership of the 1525 Society which comes with a number of benefits. Leaving a gift to charity as part of a will can also offer the opportunity to reduce inheritance tax.

This extends to gifts of shares and other assets.

Endowment Factsheet.

To assist with the important process of making and updating their will, Sedbergh School is able to offer alumni and parents in the north of England the opportunity to have their will written, reviewed or updated free of charge through one of a number of law firms across the north of England. For further information on this Free Wills Service click here. For supporters who are happy with their existing financial and legal advisors but would appreciate further guidance on Wills and Bequests click here.

LIst of Members

The Society elects a President who hosts a number of events each year.  Presidents that have served since 2001 are listed below:

Robert Napier

ROBERT NAPIER CBE

(2023 – PRESENT)

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HIS HON. JUDGE JOHN WALFORD

(2020 – 2023)

Sedbergh Senior School - 1525 Society

Mr AO Robertson OBE

(2013-2019)

Sedbergh Senior School - 1525 Society

Mr EW (Tim) Hoult

(2010-2013)

Sedbergh Senior School - 1525 Society

Lord Bingham of Cornhill KG PC

(2009-2010)

Sedbergh Senior School - 1525 Society

Major General Michael Walsh CBE CB DSO DL

(2004-2009)

Sedbergh Senior School - 1525 Society

Lord Shaw of Northstead JP DL

(2001-2004)

Click here to see a list of current members who have given permission to publish their names. Some members prefer to remain anonymous.

How to become a member

Any OS, Friend or parent indicating that they intend to leave a gift to the School in their will is offered membership of the 1525 Society (with the option of remaining anonymous).

Provision for family and friends is naturally a priority in financial planning but it is then easy to include a gift to the Sedbergh School Foundation, a charitable trust, either in the text of a will or as a simple codicil. Some OS, Friends and parents will be confident of their plans and in a position to wish to commit some support to the School. The 1525 Guide to wills and bequests may help in this process as may information about how to donate shares or other assets to the Foundation.

Free wills service

For those alumni who wish for some help with the important process of making or updating their will, Sedbergh and a number of other independent schools have come together to offer a Free Wills Service through a number of law firms across the north of England. For further information and to take up this offer click here.

Membership Benefits

The 1525 Society offers members access to a group of similarly committed OS, parents and Friends of the School with whom they share memories of a unique educational experience. The opportunity to attend the President’s lunches has proved extremely popular. These occasions allow the Headmaster to update members on the latest developments at the School and the attendees to maintain and develop acquaintances and friendships.

Every member bequeathing a minimum of £1,000 to the School will have their name, House and years at Sedbergh featured on a plaque in ‘The 1525 Wood’ should they wish. ‘The 1525 Wood’ is a 2 acre site adjacent to Bruce Lock where around 500 indigenous broadleaf trees have been planted to protect and enhance the natural beauty of the countryside so integral to the Sedbergh experience. It serves as a lasting tribute to the generosity of 1525 members and as a memorial garden for OS.

Around 20 beech and oak trees have also been planted to create ‘The 1525 Avenue’ which offers a superb frame for a view of the main School building from Busk Lane with the Cloisters below and Winder above. Each of these major specimens should have a lifespan of at least 100 years and offer the opportunity for OS to mark their legacy to the School in a particularly significant setting. This honour is given to every 1525 member bequeathing a minimum of £25,000 and is open to non-members wishing to make an equivalent donation. A plaque will feature the name, House and years at Sedbergh of the donor.

Every member automatically receives a 1525 tie or scarf.

To complete a 1525 Society Membership Form click here.