More than five centuries ago, King’s founder Sir John Percyvale gifted a chantry school in his hometown of Macclesfield. The school was established shortly after Sir John’s death through his legacy, in 1502, and the school has been underpinned by philanthropy ever since.

Over the last decade, the school has received over £300,000 gifted in the wills of our supporters which has contributed significantly to the school’s Bursary Fund. Over the last year, we have received a further three legacy pledges, as well as an additional three new members to the Percyvale Legacy Society. This society has been formed to recognise during their lifetime those who have pledged to support the school in their wills. Leaving a gift in a will is a simple and tax-efficient way of making a significant donation that many would be unable to afford during their lifetime.

Former pupil William Hancock (1945 leaver) explains to us why he has decided to leave a gift in his will to the School:

“In 1938 at the age of 11, I was awarded a Cheshire County Scholarship to attend King’s, this included my tuition fees, rail fares and books!  After taking the Cambridge School Certificate, then Headmaster TT Shaw, persuaded my parents to allow me to stay at King’s for a further two years to take the Northern Universities Higher School Certificate. I attained good results in all these exams.

During my time at King’s I was awarded rugby colours at age 14, and was a member of the Magnificent Seven (I am now the sole survivor). I was Thorneycroft House captain, a school prefect, fives captain, a member of the school shooting eight, and led the school orchestra as I played violin. These successes were brought about because of the excellent tuition and friendliness of the staff.

I was not a well-off pupil financially. I could never afford a school blazer, played rugby in odd boots and without a jock strap! On one occasion I arrived at school soaked to the skin to take an exam having cycled from Mow Cop in the pouring rain! TT Shaw sent me to his house for his wife to fit me out with some of his clothes. Therefore, I sat the exam in the Head’s attire, and needless to say, I passed!

I owe a great deal to King’s in my development from a young boy to manhood. After leaving King’s, I became a senior lecturer in Structural and Civil Engineering at the College of Building Stoke-on-Trent and took Diplomas in violin teaching and playing.

My retirement has been enhanced due to my background at King’s School, including playing violin in chamber music, attending concerts and the occasional former pupil social event.

I asked myself “What I could do to repay King’s for all it has done for me?” The answer was clear. To leave a legacy in my will to help pupils like I was. I implore Former Pupils to do the same as a thank you for all you have received.”