The 1480 Society helps ensure that Magdalen College School continues to flourish and remains true to our founding ideals. It is a 21st-century effort to protect forever the school’s ability to attract pupils who would flourish here, regardless of their social and economic backgrounds.

JOIN THE 1480 SOCIETY

Former Master Bob Stanier (1944-67) referred to the diverse mix of pupils from all backgrounds as “the soul of the school.” He was passionate about maintaining this inclusive ethos at MCS and was a dedicated supporter of the awarding of bursaries.

During the grammar school (direct grant) era from 1945-76, the 11 boys who came highest in the 11+ exam in Oxford came to MCS. At any given point, there would have been at least 77 pupils at MCS whose full fees were paid by the City of Oxford.  We are delighted that some of these ‘direct grant boys’ are among our most enthusiastic and involved Old Waynfletes. They speak about why that connection matters so much in this video.

Once this era ended, assisted places helped for some time, but now funding bursaries is entirely the school’s responsibility.

When granted independence from Magdalen College in the 1980s, MCS was left without the accompanying endowment that many schools of a similar age and standing enjoy.

Our commitment to maintaining Waynflete’s ideals

Inspired by Waynflete’s ideals, the Governing Body is committed to maintaining a broad mix of pupils which drives the unique character and energy of MCS.  As such, Governors have taken the far-sighted decision to build an endowment to fund bursaries in perpetuity, and beginning in 2019, have committed 2.5% of Senior School fee income to the endowment.

This is a significant endeavour for MCS.  Nonetheless, it will take many years for the school’s allocation to build an endowment fund of £15 million – the capital sum needed to secure bursaries at their current level and required bursary funding is sure to escalate. With your help we can reach our goal sooner.

Read some of our inspirational bursary stories.

We would like to do more and with your help, we can

Old Waynfletes, parents of past and current pupils, staff, Governors, and friends of MCS are invited to support our endowment fund for bursaries.

Named after the year we were founded by William Waynflete, the 1480 Society recognises regular donors who are making a donation of £1,480 a year toward bursary endowment.

300 gifts of £1,480 will create and fund in perpetuity one pupil place.

To join the 1480 Society, you may choose to give:

• Monthly – £98.67 (with Gift Aid) or £123.34 (without)
• Quarterly – £296.01 (with Gift Aid) or £370.00 (without)
• Annually – £1,184 (with Gift Aid) or £1,480 (without)

A gift of £50,000 would secure life membership to the Society.

Society members are recognised by having their names handwritten in calligraphy in the Magdalen College School Endowment Book. They are also offered the opportunity to sign the book which is displayed in the school Archive.

Each year, members are invited to the Master’s events and our annual Benefactors Garden Party, in addition to receiving a special lapel pin.

To join the 1480 Society complete the e-form below or contact the Director of the Waynflete Office, Susie Baker.

JOIN THE 1480 SOCIETY

You may also choose to support MCS with a single gift and that can be done by bank transfer or by cheque.

Single gifts

Every donation makes a difference, thank you.