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St Hugh's College
University of Oxford

Leaving a gift in your will

Your Legacy, Their Future

Without access to a St Hugh’s education, what might your life be like today? For generations, the College has opened doors and empowered students to flourish intellectually, personally, and professionally. By leaving a gift in your will, you can help ensure that future generations enjoy the same transformative experience that you once did.

Why Legacies Matter

St Hugh’s has always been sustained by the generosity of alumni and friends. Since its founding in 1886 by Elizabeth Wordsworth, philanthropy has shaped the College’s identity and values. Today, legacies play a vital role in sustaining tutorial teaching, supporting research, maintaining our beautiful site, and promoting access for all deserving students.

Examples of legacy impact include the refurbishment of our Chapel in 1962, made possible by a legacy from Dr Cecilia M. Ady, and the establishment of a graduate scholarship in honour of Pamela Gradon, funded by Professor Anne Hudson. The much-loved Belcher Visiting Fellowship in Victorian Studies was also established through a legacy left to the college by Dr Margaret Belcher (English Language & Literature, 1958). These and more are lasting tributes to individuals whose generosity continues to make a difference.

The 1886 Society

By letting us know that you intend to leave a legacy, you will be welcomed as a member of the 1886 Society. This special group recognises those who have chosen to support the College in this meaningful way. It is our way of thanking you for your generosity and welcoming you into a community that is helping to shape the future of St Hugh’s.

Of course, we will always respect your wishes regarding anonymity and you are not obligated to join the Society. 

Contact Us

If you would like to discuss making a legacy gift in confidence, please contact Hannah Christie in the Development Office:

Email: hannah.christie@st-hughs.ox.ac.uk 
Telephone: +44 (0)1865 613839

You can also reach the wider team at development.office@st-hughs.ox.ac.uk or by post:
Development Office, St Hugh’s College, St Margaret’s Road, Oxford OX2 6LE

Thank You

Every legacy, whatever the size, helps to shape the future of St Hugh’s. Each gift contributes to sustaining our community, supporting students, and ensuring the College continues to thrive for generations to come. We are profoundly grateful for your generosity and commitment.

Get in touch with Hannah Christie

Learn more about making a gift in your will

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Ways to Give

Common forms of legacy giving include:

  • Pecuniary gift: a fixed sum of money

  • Residuary gift: a percentage of your estate

  • Specific asset: such as property, shares, or belongings

  • Reversionary gift: after the needs of other beneficiaries are met

You may also choose to create an endowment, providing support in perpetuity.
We recommend speaking with a solicitor when making or updating your will.

Suggested Wording

Suggested Wording

  • Residuary Gift:
    “I give ___% of the residue of my estate to The Principal and Fellows of St Hugh’s College in the University of Oxford (Registered Charity Number 1139717) for its general charitable purposes. I declare that the receipt of the Bursar or other authorised officer shall be a full and sufficient discharge to my Executors.”

  • Pecuniary Gift:
    “I give the sum of £___ to The Principal and Fellows of St Hugh’s College in the University of Oxford (Registered Charity Number 1139717) for its general charitable purposes. I declare that the receipt of the Bursar or other authorised officer shall be a full and sufficient discharge to my Executors.”

Please note that while we are happy to provide guidance, St Hugh’s is not able to offer legal or financial advice. We recommend speaking with a qualified solicitor when making or updating your will.

Tax Benefits of Giving

As a registered charity, St Hugh’s College benefits from charitable status. Gifts to the College are exempt from Inheritance Tax. If you leave 10% or more of your estate to charity, your estate may qualify for a reduced rate of tax.

We do recommend speaking to a solicitor for more detailed advice.

Recognising your Legacy

We appreciate how personal and meaningful leaving a gift in your will is. We therefore hope to recognise this act of generosity in the following ways:

  • Membership to the 1886 Society
  • Recognition in college publications, such as annual reports or donor rolls (with permission)
  • Legator Spotlight; with permission we’d love to write about your incredible generosity in our publications to inspire others
  • Legacy society pin
  • 1886 Society gift – notebook, socks, bookmark, pen
  • Invite to our Summer Afternoon of Appreciation
  • Special invite to a talk by the Belcher Visiting Fellow in Victorian Studies with afternoon tea/lunch
  • Advanced bookings to several key events
  • Lunch in College once per term for you and a guest (please contact the Development Office to arrange)
  • You will be remembered in our Legacy Garden donor board
  • Living Legacy – where we can, we will keep you updated on the areas you are most passionate about and interested in supporting with your gift. Whether it be student support, buildings and gardens, teaching and research, or extra curriculars activities, we will strive to let you know what’s happening right now!
  • Naming Opportunities; we are more than happy to acknowledge your contribution to St Hugh’s in whichever way suits you best, with your permission, we’d love to find a suitable naming opportunity to recognise your support
Make your Pledge Today