1541 BURSARY FUND

King's Ely School Information

1541 Bursary Fund 

Named after the year King’s Ely received its Royal Charter in 1541, marking nearly five centuries of education and opportunity.

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£15.41

Small gift, life-changing impact. 

Each year, circumstances such as illness, redundancy, or changes in family situations can disrupt a child's ability to continue their education.

Additionally, there are gifted children in the local community who would thrive at King's Ely but whose families cannot afford the full fees.

By contributing £15.41 a month to the 1541 Club, you make an immediate and lasting difference in the lives of these children, offering support during times of crisis and enabling transformational scholarships that shape their futures. 

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Molly

Molly's Story 

“My mother became seriously ill when I was in Year 9. By this point, I had been at King's since nursery, and my parents didn’t want to disrupt my education by moving me during my crucial GCSE years. Thanks to the bursary, I was able to stay in an environment that was familiar to me and continue my studies alongside friends who had known me and my family for years.
Unfortunately, after completing my GCSEs, I had to leave King's because the bursary was not extended for my A-Level studies. Had it been possible to continue, I would have loved to stay and complete my A-Levels. This experience is exactly why I support the 1541 Bursary campaign. You never know when your family circumstances might change, and this bursary has the power to provide vital support to King's Ely families when they need it most.
I will be forever grateful for the bursary I received. It gave me the stability and opportunity to thrive during a difficult time, and it shows how important such support can be for students facing unexpected challenges.”

Frequently asked questions 

What is the 1541 Club?

The 1541 Club is a community of supporters who commit to giving £15.41 a month (or more) to the King’s Ely Bursary Fund. The club was launched to ensure that talented children can access, and families can continue to access, a King’s Ely education regardless of financial circumstances.
Why “1541”?

The name reflects the year King’s Ely was re-founded by Henry VIII in 1541. Just as the school has a long history of resilience and renewal, the 1541 Club builds a strong foundation for the future through bursary support.
What does my donation support?

All contributions go directly to the Bursary Fund. This Fund provides financial assistance to families in hardship and creates opportunities for children who would thrive at King’s Ely but would otherwise be unable to attend.
How much should I give?

We ask members to consider donating £15.41 a month. Many donors choose to give more, either monthly or as a one-off gift. Every contribution helps build a sustained and robust Bursary Fund.
Is my donation tax-efficient?

Yes. If you are a UK taxpayer, your gift can be boosted by 25% at no extra cost through Gift Aid.
How can I join?

You can join the 1541 Club by completing a pledge form online or by contacting the Development Office.

SUPPORT 1541 CLUB
Can I make a one-off donation instead of joining monthly?

Yes. Many supporters choose to give a single gift, and these contributions are just as valuable.
Will my name be recognised?

All 1541 Club members are recognised unless they prefer to remain anonymous.
Can I increase or change my donation later?

Absolutely. You can adjust your level of giving at any time by contacting the Development Office.

 

How to Support 

If you would like to support the 1541 Bursary Fund, there are several ways you can make a difference:

  • Donate by monthly Direct Debit
  • Make a single gift by donating online
  • Include King's Ely in your Will

FIND OUT MORE

 

We offer various ways to acknowledge your generosity.

For more information, please contact the Development Office.
Tax Relief on Donations 

Donations to charity from individuals are tax free.  You can get tax relief if you donate: 

  • Through Gift Aid
  • Straight from your wages or pension, through Payroll Giving
  • Leave charitable donations in your Will (reduce inheritance tax) 
  • King's Ely are HMRC Registered and can claim back the tax already paid on your donation
Gift Aid

Donating through Gift Aid means charities and community amateur sports clubs (CASCs) can claim an extra 25p for every £1 you give. It does not cost you any extra.

As long as you are a UK taxpayer and sign a Gift Aid declaration, King's Ely is able to reclaim basic rate tax, which currently equates to 25p for every £1 donated.

If you pay tax above the 20% basic rate you can claim back the difference between the tax you have paid on the donation and what the charity got back when you fill in your self-assessment tax return.

Examples:
 
  • £10,000 Gift

You donate £10,000 to King's Ely - King's Ely claim Gift Aid to make your donation £12,500. You pay 40% tax so you can personally claim back £2500.00 (£12,500 x 20%).

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A JOURNEY THAT IS

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King's Ely Sixth Form Pupils doing the hoop trundle outside Ely Cathedral

King's Ely Sixth Form Pupils doing the hoop trundle outside Ely Cathedral

  • PURPOSE
  • PRACTICE
  • PLACE
  • PEOPLE

To prepare each individual to live positive, productive, successful and fulfilled lives, for the betterment of themselves and the world around them.

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To ensure every child feels that they are known, and receives an excellent academic education that inspires curiosity and intellectual adventure. 

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To give a sense of place and belonging to all our pupils, and to celebrate our unique environment and make the most of its ecological, historical, artistic, spiritual and economic resources.

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To create a genuinely diverse community, outward and forward-looking and with a shared purpose. To bring into this community the best teachers, pastoral and support staff and students, and to be a source of friends for life. 

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