October is the time of year when we begin to look for new sixth form bursary and scholarship applicants.  It is also, coincidentally, Free Wills Month, a time when we talk a little about the power of gifts in wills, and how the generosity of previous generations is continuing to have an impact on pupils today.

Our Burkitt scholarships help many young people from across the region to attend Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation, particularly in the Sixth Form.

Henry Burkitt was a pupil from Bishop Auckland who came to Durham School in 1926. A member of School House, he went on to study at both Cambridge and Oxford Universities. Like many of his generation, he fought in the Second World War. Henry served in India and the Far East. After the war, he returned to Durham before entering the civil service where he had a long and distinguished career in Whitehall. 

Henry was in his early 70s when he died in 1985. In his will, he set up a fund which now provides much-needed bursaries for academic young people without the means to attend Durham School. It also provides further support should they follow Henry’s footsteps and go to Oxford or Cambridge. 

Since 1985, between three to six people each year have been given a Burkitt scholarship. Henry’s legacy, now in its fourth decade, has changed the lives of nearly 200 young people - and will continue to do so for many years to come.

Like Henry, your legacy can make all the difference to those that follow you at Durham School or Chorister School.

And now it’s even easier to make a lasting impact. If you already have a will, next time you update it, please consider adding a gift to Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation (Reg Charity 1023407).

If you don’t yet have a will, why not look at our Free Will Service - in partnership with Octopus Legacy:

Write your will online: You can write your will for free in as little as 15 minutes through their step-by-step process, and each will is checked over by their team of legal experts. Start your will online here today: http://tinyurl.com/DCSFWills2024
 
Book an appointment with a solicitor: You can also write or update your will over the phone or in person with a solicitor. Simply call the team on 0800 773 4014 and quote ‘Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation.’

While many of our supporters choose to leave a special gift in their will, there is no obligation to do so if you wish to use the service. 

If you have any questions or would like to discuss leaving a gift in your will, call 0191 731 9270 or visit http://tinyurl.com/DCSFWills2024