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A Lasting Legacy at LGS: The Shepherd Gift and the New Loughborough Grammar School Tower and Sixth Form Centre

A Lasting Legacy at LGS: The Shepherd Gift and the New Loughborough Grammar School Tower and Sixth Form Centre featured image

We are delighted to officially open the newly refurbished Loughborough Grammar School Tower and Sixth Form Centre which has been made possible through the generosity of Arthur Shepherd (LGS 1914), a former pupil whose legacy gift has significantly contributed to the School’s transformation. The grand opening, held on 17 September 2024, was a proud moment for Arthur’s wider family, whose connection to the Loughborough Schools Foundation spans four generations.

The Lasting Impact of Arthur Shepherd’s Legacy

Arthur Shepherd was a visionary businessman whose legacy continues to benefit Loughborough Grammar School decades after his passing. Upon his death in 1984, the School learned of a significant gift left to the Loughborough Schools Foundation, then known as Loughborough Endowed Schools. His estate included several properties and, with the proceeds invested, the donation continued to grow over the years, ultimately supporting the School in many meaningful ways.

The gift, left in Arthur’s Will, has supported a range of areas including scholarships and bursaries, providing educational opportunities for many pupils, and capital developments across the School such as creating and redeveloping essential facilities to ensure that they meet the needs of a growing and diverse student community.

A Visionary Transformation

The latest project funded by the Shepherd legacy gift is the refurbishment of the Loughborough Grammar School Tower and Sixth Form Centre. The renovation has transformed the once functional but dated space into a bright, modern environment designed for study, collaboration, and social interaction, reflecting the independence and academic focus of university life.

Helen Foster, Head of Loughborough Grammar School, shared her enthusiasm for the project: “We are thrilled to unveil the newly refurbished Tower and Sixth Form Centre, a space that embodies our rich heritage and forward-looking approach to education. This transformation will provide our students with the resources and environment they need to thrive academically and personally, thanks to the incredible generosity of Arthur Shepherd.”

The extensive refurbishment includes a new staircase and feature ceiling, adding light and space to the area. The Centre now boasts individual workstations, collaborative meeting rooms, and an enhanced café, providing Sixth Formers with a dynamic space for academic work and social engagement.

Celebrating Arthur’s Legacy and The Future of LGS

The official opening of the Tower and Sixth Form Centre on 17 September 2024 was a very special occasion, celebrating the contribution of Arthur. As the school community gathered to mark this milestone, we reflected on the importance of legacy and look ahead to the opportunities that are made possible by the wonderful actions of our donor community. Members of the wider Shepherd family joined us at the official opening of the Sixth Form Centre, and we are proud to have celebrated the impact of Arthur’s legacy at the event.

We are immensely grateful to Arthur and his family for their enduring support, and we are excited to continue building on the foundation of excellence they have helped to create. The Tower and Sixth Form Centre will serve as a vibrant hub for learning and collaboration, ensuring that Loughborough Grammar School remains at the forefront of educational excellence for years to come.