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.

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Unlocking potential, with your support

From its founding in 1480 to becoming an independent school in 1987, Magdalen College School has relied on philanthropy to support its development. Inspired by Waynflete’s ideals, we are committed to maintain a broad mix of pupils which drives the unique character and energy of MCS.

A bursary is life-changing. By supporting families facing financial constraints, our bursary programme ensures that MCS continues to be a place of opportunity for young people who will flourish here, regardless of their family income. Read some of our inspirational bursary stories.

Old Waynfletes, parents of past and current pupils, staff, Governors, and friends of MCS are invited to support our endowment fund for bursaries through membership of the 1480 Society. This secures bursary provision in perpetuity at MCS.

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

Named after the year we were founded by William Waynflete, the 1480 Society recognises regular donors giving £1,480 a year towards the 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. Members are also invited to the Master’s events and our annual Benefactors Reception, in addition to receiving a special lapel pin.

To find out more, please contact Susie Baker, Director of the Waynflete Office.

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

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.