A LETTER FROM THE ACTING HEAD
Since my appointment as Acting Head, I have been grateful for the support and encouragement extended to me by the OV community.
I am delighted that the King’s School continues to flourish, and our outstanding academic, co-curricular, and pastoral programmes ensure that interest in our offering, across the Foundation, remains high. We have achieved considerable external recognition from The Sunday Times Parent Power Schools Guide, which recognised us as one of the Top Ten Independent Secondary Schools in the West Midlands, the Independent School Awards where we reached the final in the Co-educational Independent School category, and the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) who found us to be compliant with all required standards in our inspection earlier this year.
I am truly appreciative of the overwhelming generosity and support of our OV community who dedicate their time and expertise at events such as our Careers Extravaganza,
The King’s School Worcester Development Trust Accounts to July 2024
as well as visiting the School and offering personalised support to our Sixth Form students as they transition into the professional world of work. It has been wonderful to meet so many of the Vigornian community at events and to hear your memories of King’s.
I also extend my gratitude to the OVs and Friends of the School who contribute financially to the Bursary Programme ensuring that we can continue to foster an inclusive and supportive educational environment for all our pupils, helping them to achieve their fullest potential and making a lasting impact on our community. My thanks go to The King’s School Worcester Development Trust and the Trustees for their meticulous stewardship of each of these generous donations. Equally, I am grateful to the Alumni Team for their dedication in engaging with our Vigornian community. Through their efforts, our OVs remain connected to their School and to one another.
Independent schools are facing a myriad of challenges, and the path forward is fraught with obstacles. However, King’s has demonstrated remarkable resilience and adaptability and through prudent financial management and the generosity of our supporters, we have maintained a stable financial footing. This stability has allowed us to continue offering a comprehensive and enriching curriculum, whilst also ensuring that we are prepared for any unforeseen challenges that may arise.
Looking ahead, we are filled with optimism and determination and our commitment to providing an exceptional education experience remains resolute.
Dr Alison Oliver
FROM THE CHAIR OF THE DEVELOPMENT TRUST
It is with gratitude that I extend my thanks to each of you for your unwavering support and generous contributions to The King’s School Worcester Development Trust. Your donations and legacies have had a transformative impact on our School, ensuring that we continue to provide the highest standard of education to all deserving pupils, regardless of their financial circumstances.
In these difficult times, where the imposition of VAT on school fees poses significant hurdles to independent schools, your support has never been more critical. The financial landscape for independent education has become increasingly complex, with additional costs threatening to limit our ability to offer the diverse educational experiences that define The King’s School Worcester. However, thanks to your generosity, we can navigate these challenges with resilience and optimism.
Your contributions to the Bursary Programme are not merely financial gifts, they are investments in the future. Each donation and legacy helps to open doors for talented pupils who might otherwise be unable to access the exceptional education and co-curricular opportunities that The King’s School Worcester provides. By alleviating the financial burden on these pupils and their families, you are fostering a more inclusive and dynamic school community, enriched by diversity and driven by a shared commitment to excellence.
We are deeply appreciative of the myriad ways in which you have supported the school, whether through direct financial contributions, by including the Bursary Programme in your Estate planning, or through your involvement in the school’s events and initiatives. Each act of generosity, no matter the size, contributes to a larger tapestry of support that sustains our mission and enhances the experiences of our pupils.
We are exploring new and innovative ways to expand our Bursary Programme, ensuring that it remains robust and capable of meeting the needs of our pupils in a changing world. Your feedback and insights are invaluable to this process, and we welcome your thoughts and suggestions on how we can further enhance our efforts.
Total Cumulative Donations to The King’s School, Worcester Development Trust
I would also like to commend the steadfast efforts of the King’s Alumni and Business Development Team; our Development Trust is far richer for their guidance and unwavering support. Their commitment to fostering and sustaining relationships with OVs and Friends of the School has been invaluable, making these contributions far easier to achieve.
Finally, I would like to express my appreciation to all my fellow Trustees for their unwavering commitment and tireless efforts on behalf of The Trust. The ongoing success of the Development Trust is a testament to the selfless and dedicated stewardship of its Trustees, alongside the generosity and enthusiasm of our donors. We are deeply thankful to each and every one of them.
Thank you for being an integral part of our journey and for helping us to build a brighter future for The King’s School Worcester.
Together we can open the door to King’s
Nick Clark
FROM THE HEAD OF ALUMNI AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
The academic year 23/24 reinforced the strength of the OV community in various meaningful activities and events. The Alumni Team hosted numerous OVs, from across the generations, who were instrumental in supporting career and mentoring activities for both current pupils and other OVs; their dedication and involvement have been invaluable in providing guidance and inspiration. The second annual Careers Extravaganza built on the success of the first, showcasing a remarkable turnout, with many OVs generously sharing their expertise and experiences.
Events such as the New OV BBQ and the 120th Annual OV Reunion Weekend saw excellent attendance, reinforcing the sense of camaraderie and connection within the OV community. These gatherings not only celebrate past achievements but also foster continued relationships among alumni and staff, creating a vibrant and supportive network.
The King’s School Worcester Development Trust would like to express its gratitude for the steadfast support from OVs, parents/guardians, and the wider Vigornian community.
Their contributions have significantly impacted The Trust’s focus on providing bursaries for deserving pupils. The I the year to July 2024 the Development Trust supported twelve bursaries, including two funded by the Kildare Trust, which offers seven years of fully-funded education. Such generous donations ensure that talented pupils, regardless of their financial background, can benefit from an outstanding education at King’s.
We are delighted to announce that, due to the generosity of OV Michael Pimley (H 61-71), a new bursary has been established: The Trapé Bursary. This will provide a child with seven years of fully-funded education at King’s starting from September 2024. This bursary is specifically designed to offer an educational opportunity at King’s to a child attending a local primary school, who would not otherwise have the means to consider such an education.
Our heartfelt thanks also to OV Ray Franklin (Cl 4349), who, in his passing, kindly remembered The King’s School Worcester Development Trust in his Will. His generous legacy will have a significant impact on the King’s Bursary Programme, ensuring that future generations of pupils receive the financial support they need to thrive academically and personally. We remain deeply grateful for his foresight and generosity. Our thanks also to those who have pledged a legacy gift to The Trust in their Will.
The ongoing support from the OV community not only enriches the present and future of King’s pupils but also strengthens the foundation of our institution. Through career guidance, mentoring, and financial contributions, our alumni continue to play a crucial role in shaping the lives of pupils, fostering a legacy of excellence, and upholding the values of the Vigornian community.
Hannah Sparrey
THE IMPORTANCE OF DONATING TO KING’S
For many who were at King’s before 1997, the “King’s experience” was made possible through the governmentfunded Direct Grant and Assisted Places scheme, which provided support for as many as 50% of King’s pupils. Many benefited from these schemes either directly, through financial support, or indirectly from the lifelong friendships fostered at King’s. These government-funded schemes no longer exist, affecting the diversity of the student body.
Without government support, King’s now relies on the generosity of donors to continue its mission of providing exceptional education to pupils from all backgrounds. The recent introduction of VAT on school fees has posed a significant challenge to King’s and other independent schools, adding a financial burden on local families and the school itself. The combination of the cessation of Direct Grants and the imposition of VAT on school fees has impacted bursary programmes, which help ensure that financial constraints do not hinder access to quality education. Therefore, it is crucial to continue fundraising to ensure eligible pupils benefit from the education at King’s.
Despite these challenges, King’s remains committed to providing exceptional education and maintaining accessibility for students from diverse backgrounds. Given the current economic situation and the challenges within the Independent Schools Sector, we expect that the demand for bursaries will continue to exceed the financial support we can currently provide. We are seeking ways to mitigate the impact of these changes, and your continued support would play a critical role in this effort.
Your contribution can help us ensure that financial constraints do not limit a child’s opportunity to benefit
from a King’s education. By supporting our bursary programmes, you are investing in the future of our pupils and helping to maintain the rich diversity that has always been a hallmark of King’s.
We thank you for your continued support and for being part of the King’s community.
Every donation, no matter the size, makes a difference. Scan the QR code to go to our donation page if you wish to contribute further.
With your help, we can navigate these challenges together.
THANK YOU
We are grateful to everyone who has supported The King’s School Worcester, whether through volunteering their time, expertise, advice or by donating to The King’s School Worcester Development Trust. The following people made a gift to the Trust between 1st August 2023 and 31st July 2024. Several people have asked to remain anonymous. Whilst all care and attention has been taken in drawing up this list, we apologise for any errors or omissions. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you feel that you have been omitted or are recorded incorrectly.
Mr J N Bulman Cl 1944-1951
Mr M C Joyner Cr 1944-1952
Mr D R Mills H 1944-1953
Mr L D Jones Ch 1947-1954
Mr E Rippier Cr 1947-1954
Dr P J Bulman Cl 1948-1955
Mr D C Daniels Cr 1951-1961
Mr M J Potter Cr 1951-1958
Dr D R W Bryer H 1951-1962
Mr D R Head Cl 1952-1960
Mr C B Reynaud S 1952-1958
Mr D S Baker Cr 1953-1961
Mr A M Kemp Cr 1953-1960
Mr D T Howell S 1953-1961
Mr D M Robertson Ca 1954-1962
Dr P Grout Ch 1954-1963
Professor N Boyle Cr 1954-1963
Revd M Loveless Cr 1954-1964
Mr D A Sheffer Ca 1955-1960
His Honour C Hodson S 1955-1965
Mr D E Seabright W 1955-1964
Mr D A C Williams Ca 1956-1960
Mr P W McIntosh W 1956-1965
Mr R A Fry Br 1960-1967
Mr S M Dimmick Ca 1960-1970
Dr G H Harper Cl 1960-1963
Mr M J Page Cr 1960-1965
Mr M St J Pimley H 1961-1971
Mr K Robinson S 1962-1968
The Right Hon Sir S M Tomlinson H 1963-1970
Mr J R Foley Cl 1964-1974
Mr A E Reekes Ch 1964-1969
Mr L D J Connell Cr 1964-1972
Mr P S Smith H 1964-1969
Mr S M Bagnall Br 1968-1975
Mr M J Annable Cl 1968-1978
Mr M K J Hardyman Cl 1968-1975
Mr N J Bayliss Ca 1969-1974
Mr C T O’Donnell Cl 1970-1977
Mr J A G Tyson Ca 1972-1974
Mr P Burgoyne Cr 1972-1977
Mr T Lucas S 1972-1979
Mr I J C Smith Cr 1973-1978
Mr J M Spicer W 1973-1980
Mr M S Bullock W 1974-1981
Mr G M Nicholas Ca 1976-1981
Dr D Rosewarne Cl 1976-1983
Mr J Gordon-Cumming W 1976-1987
Mr N J Stephens Br 1977-1984
Mr A W Underwood S 1977-1987
Dr P J M Thompson Cl 1978-1987
Mr A T Butler Cr 1978-1985
Mr R S McClatchey H 1978-1983
Dr A Green W 1978-1985
Mr S Jevons Ch 1979-1986
Mr J P C Sitch Ch 1979-1981
Mrs K L Brooks Co 1979-1981
Mr D S Jackson Cl 1980-1982
Mrs E J Elliott Co 1982-1984
Mr P R Ratcliffe S 1982-1989
Mr J R Underwood S 1983-1988
Dr C J J Preston W 1983-1992
Mr C J Goodman K 1984-1989
Mr J R Fawcett Br 1985-1994
Mrs J M Annable Co 1985-1987
Mr D W Gibbs W 1986-1993
Mr C T Nelson Cr 1989-1996
Dr T E Wall Cr 1989-1999
Mr M W Checketts W 1989-1994
Mr N J Briggs W 1990-1995
Mrs R J Garrod-Waters Co 1991-1993
Miss C Hackett S 1992-1993
Miss F J Copp Ch 1994-2000
Mrs L Collins Cl 1995-1997
Mrs R D Eizlini Cr 1996-2003
Miss K E Iddon Cl 1998-2005
Mrs E H Heighway S 2006-2008
Mrs M Capell Staff
Mr G E Doodes Staff
Mrs C Furber Staff
Mrs A J Iddon Staff
Mr S Le Marchand Staff
Mr R P Mason Staff
Dr R McLaverty-Head Staff
Mr S J Osmond Staff
Mrs P A Stevens Staff
Mr R N G Stone Staff
Mrs J Best Parent
Dr R Bright-Thomas Parent
Mr G Duncan Parent
Mr I Fleming Parent
Mr J Halford Parent
Mr D King Parent
Mr Maley Parent
Mrs Mitchell Parent
Mr A J Morgan Parent
Mrs Q Morgan Parent
Mrs C Patten Parent
Mr Pountney Parent
Mr J Smith Parent
Mrs S Stevenson Parent
Mr White Parent
Mr W Wilkinson Parent
Mr A Willetts Parent
Mr D Williams Parent
Mr S Winslade Parent
Col H Cunningham Friend of the School
Mrs J Franklin Friend of the School
The Old Vigornian
Club Friend of the School
Mrs A Reynolds Friend of the School
TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR TO JULY 2024
Nick Clark, H 88-90 (OV, Parent, Chair of the Trust)
John Attwater
Bill Ballard (Parent, Governor)
Katie Beever (Staff, Parent)
Lewis Bryer, Cl 78-87 (OV, Parent)
Hugh Carslake (Parent, Former Governor)
Tom Dupernex, Os 89-99 (OV)
Hannah Edwards (Parent)
John Foley, Cl 64-74 (OV, Parent)
Laurie Green, Cl 65 – 70 (OV, Parent, Former Governor)
Donald Howell, S 53-61 (OV, Former Governor)
THE 1541 SOCIETY
The 1541 Society is a special group of people who have supported The King’s School Worcester Development Trust in a major way through volunteering their time and expertise, donating to Trust funds or by making a legacy pledge to the King’s School. We have been delighted to welcome new members to the Society during their year, some of whom have advised us that they have remembered the school in their Will.
Mr C J W Allen
Mrs K Armstrong
Mr R M Atkins
Mr J G Bartholomew
Mrs C S Bawden
Mr D R Bell
Mrs J Best
Mr D W Blundell
Professor N Boyle
Mr I Butterworth
Mrs J Butterworth
Mr M R Chand
The Reverend Prebendary G Chapman
Mr N W Clark
Mr N R Cleobury
Mr J A Comyn
Mrs V Comyn
Mr L D Connell
Mrs L J Crow
Col H Cunningham
Maj R J Cunningham
Dr S M Darlington MBE
Mr K Duddy
Mr M R Dudley
Dr P Dyer
Prof A D Edwards
Mr J R Foley
Mr N C Garland Mr C W Garrad
Mr J S Greenwood
The Reverend Canon Dr M N Gretason
WAYS TO DONATE
Mrs G Halford
Mr T W Halford
Mrs T Harley
Mr G A Harris
Dr P C Hassan
Mr M D Haworth
Mr D R Head
Mr T D R Hickson
Miss P Hope
Mr D T Howell
Mr A L Jameson
Mr S Jevons
Mr R D Jones
Mr A S Kazerooni
Mrs M Keyes
Mr T H Keyes
Mrs D E Long
Mr T E A Mackie
Mr L Matthews
Mr R S McClatchey
Mr D R Mills
Sir G J Mulcahy
Mr J A J Palmer
Mr J Panter
The Revd. D D J Payne
Mr M St J Pimley
Mr S Pitt
Mr J H Points
Mr J L Potter
Mr M J Potter
Mrs E Pountney
Mr M Pountney
Mr J A Preston
Mrs P A Preston
Mr G Probert
Mr A E Reekes
Mr D M Robertson
Mr D Seabright
Miss L M Sheen
Mr D A Sheffer
Mr E J B Simpson
Mr J R Slater
Mr I J C Smith
Mr P S Smith
Mr J J Snewin
Mr R F J Spier
Mrs P Stevens
Mr R F Subiotto
Mr N C Tithecott
Mr G Titmuss
Mrs S J Titmuss
The Right Hon Sir S M Tomlinson
Mr A W Underwood
Mr L G Wadley
Dr S J Walker
Mr S Webb CBE
Mr J P Weston CBE
Mr R J Wilkes
Online – you can set up a regular donation or give a one-off gift by visiting www.ksw.org.uk/donate
By phone or email – if you would like to discuss your giving with us, please call the Alumni Team on 01905 721737 or email alumni@ksw.org.uk
