What are you looking for?

Leaving a legacy allows you to do lasting good in the world. Whether you would like to support an area of College life close to your heart, or to remember someone important with a gift in their memory, by giving a bequest you can play your part in Worcester’s future.

Worcester was founded in 1714 thanks to a legacy of £10,000 from Sir Thomas Cookes. Since then, generous Old Members have continued this tradition. We are immensely grateful to everyone who remembers their ‘home from home’ like this.

Legacy gifts to Worcester are exempt from Inheritance Tax in the UK. In addition, if you leave charitable gifts in your Will that amount to 10% or more of your chargeable net estate, the inheritance tax rate on your estate may be reduced from 40% to 36%. We recommend speaking to your financial adviser who will be able to discuss your personal situation. We also advise that you take legal advice when drawing up your Will.

Old Members in the USA may be able to leave a tax-deductible gift through Americans for Oxford.

If you are interested in leaving a bequest to Worcester, or would like more information, please contact Millie Papworth at millie.papworth@worc.ox.ac.uk or 01865 278335.

Garden party in the Provost's Garden

The 1714 Society

The 1714 Society celebrates everyone we know of who has left a gift to Worcester College in their Will, or who intends to remember us in their estate planning. We hold an annual 1714 Society event to thank you for your far-sighted generosity, to share our plans for the College’s future with you, and to hear your feedback.

Suggested wording for Your Will

A legacy to Worcester should refer to the College by its full official title.

The correct wording to make a bequest is:

I give to the Provost, Fellows, and Scholars of Worcester College in the University of Oxford, commonly called Worcester College, Oxford…

A Pecuniary Bequest

I give the sum of £ _____________ (in figures and words) to the Provost, Fellows, and Scholars of Worcester College in the University of Oxford, commonly called Worcester College, Oxford (Registered Charity No. 1143479). I direct that the receipt of the Estates Bursar for the time being of the College shall be a sufficient discharge to my executors.

A Residuary Gift

I give the whole (or a _______________ share) of the residue of my estate to the Provost, Fellows, and Scholars of Worcester College in the University of Oxford, commonly called Worcester College, Oxford (Registered Charity No. 1143479). I direct that the receipt of the Bursar for the time being of the College shall be a sufficient discharge to my executors.