Heritage Bursary Fund Appeal

As we look back over our first 17 years, the generosity of those who have been in a position to help has made a decisive contribution. This was true when the school was founded in 2007, and it was especially true when we were seeking to purchase 17-19 Brookside in 2020. As we turn the corner into 2025, our school community is facing another serious challenge. That is why, today, we are asking those who are able to consider helping our community by contributing to our Bursary Fund.

The Challenge We Face
Following the general election that took place in July, the new Labour government has introduced three taxes that directly affect us, all of which are being implemented between January and April. They are:

  1. VAT on independent school fees at 20% from January
  2. higher business rates for schools that are charities from April
  3. higher employer National Insurance contributions from April

The impact of these new taxes upon the independent sector and the communities they serve will be severe. In our case, they amount to a claim worth approximately £650,000 – about 25% of total revenue in 2023-24. Smaller and newer independent schools, like Heritage, make up the majority of the sector. 65% of all independent schools have 200 or fewer pupils and over 50% were founded since 1990. It is these communities which are at particular risk. Without support, fewer middle income families will be able to access the education they believe best meets the needs of their children. This includes families seeking an education that accords with their faith tradition.

A Balanced Strategy
Our story is a remarkable one and we have much to be thankful for. Over our first 17 years, Heritage has overcome many challenges and exceeded expectations. Throughout, Trustees have been attentive in ensuring that the work of the school rests on a secure financial footing. Regular cost-benefit analysis of expenditure, together with detailed long term modelling and cash flow projections, have ensured good value for money for parents and careful stewardship of the school’s resources.

With respect to the current challenge, Trustees have agreed a balanced strategy: (1) increasing fees gradually to help parents adapt to VAT (see our unique Five Year Plan for Fees for more information), (2) pursuing cost savings without compromising our core offering, and (3) seeking to build a Bursary Fund to support families who need help, so that as many children as possible can benefit from a Heritage education.

Our Fundraising Goal
Today, therefore, we are launching our Bursary Fund Appeal. We know that it will take time for our community to adapt, and we see the next three years as a particularly important transitional phase.

Our goal is to raise £60,000 – £100,000 per year for our Bursary Fund, and to achieve this in 2025, 2026 and 2027. As we look beyond the next three years, we would love to see our Bursary Fund established for the long term through regular and occasional giving, including legacy gifts.

The Uniqueness of a Heritage Education
We believe that a Heritage education is good for children. Our emphasis upon a knowledge-rich curriculum, the habit of attention, and living books, for example, together with the care and dedication of our wonderful staff team, is making a significant difference in the lives of our pupils. In a context of mounting concern over the mental health and academic development of children and young people, our model is attracting attention.

This term there have been national, local, and international stories in the media about Heritage School.

Two Ways to Give
In view of the uniqueness of a Heritage education and the challenge our community is facing, will you consider contributing to our Bursary Fund? Or, do you know others, perhaps in your extended family, who might be willing and able to help?

If you are in a position to help, there are two ways to do so:

  1. You could make a one-off contribution to our Bursary Fund.
  2. You could commit to giving regularly to our Bursary Fund.

Regular giving can make a significant impact over time. For example, five people giving £20 per month can enable a substantial bursary for a family facing difficulties or who might otherwise not be able to access a Heritage education. In order to make a one-off contribution or to find out how to give regularly, please go to our new Support Us page. There you will also find instructions for how to give tax efficiently from the USA.

Thank you for considering how you might help our community meet the challenges ahead.

Wishing you a Happy Christmas,

Jason Fletcher, Headmaster