Legacy gift set to transform futures for Loughborough school pupils
An incredibly generous gift of £2.2 million has been left to prospective pupils of both Loughborough Grammar School and Loughborough High School in the Will of Loughborough Grammar Alum (1956) Derek Greasley.
Derek, who joined Year 7 at Loughborough Grammar School in 1948, left the life-changing donation to fund ‘The Greasley Bursaries.’ Open to pupils from the Charnwood District, the bursaries will provide financial support, enabling access to exceptional educational opportunities at Loughborough Grammar School or Loughborough High School.
Derek’s remarkable gift ensures that deserving pupils from diverse backgrounds will have the chance to benefit from an outstanding education. The bursaries will cover tuition fees and potentially other associated costs, meaning that recipients can fully immerse themselves in the academic and co-curricular opportunities on offer from Year 7 through to Year 13.
Bursaries are crucial in breaking down financial barriers that might prevent talented young people from reaching their full potential. By easing the financial burden on families, they allow pupils to access fantastic educational experiences and thrive throughout their studies, enabling them to focus on their academic and personal journeys without the constant worry about finance.
This support is particularly impactful for pupils from less affluent backgrounds, who might otherwise be unable to access independent education. By providing bursaries to children from different socioeconomic groups, the Schools continue to cultivate a more inclusive and dynamic school environment.
Derek’s donation reflects his lifelong dedication to education and his desire to give back to the community that shaped him. Even as a young boy, Derek’s industrious nature set him apart. He was an active member of the Air Training Corps (ATC), the Chess Club, and the Choir, where his love for classical music blossomed.
Throughout his life, Derek maintained a strong bond with his classmates and Loughborough Grammar School, with his impeccable organisational skills being the glue that held together his year group for nearly 40 years after they left. Derek meticulously logged and updated the contact details of his classmates, organising reunions, sending Christmas cards, and later, keeping in touch via email. His efforts culminated in forming the Loughborough Grammar School “Class of ’48”, reflecting his dedication to his peers and school.
Both Loughborough Grammar School and Loughborough High School have long been known for their commitment to nurturing future leaders, with the Schools’ robust academic programmes and extensive co-curricular activities providing a well-rounded educational experience. Pupils who receive Greasley Bursaries will have the opportunity engage in sports, music, drama, and various clubs alongside their academic studies.
Head of Loughborough Grammar School, Mrs Helen Foster, highlighted the significance of Derek’s gift: “This wonderful gift will have a truly transformational impact on our School. We are delighted that Derek chose to support us in this way, ensuring that his legacy lives on with us here at LGS. Our vision is to ensure that all of our boys are ‘world ready’ by the time they leave us, and the Greasley Bursaries will help us considerably in achieving this. We are truly grateful to Derek for his remarkable generosity.”
Dr Fiona Miles, Head of Loughborough High School, echoed this sentiment: “We are deeply moved by Derek Greasley’s generosity. His donation will profoundly impact our ability to offer bursaries and will be instrumental in shaping the futures of countless pupils at LHS.”
Derek’s life was marked by his dedication to education and community service, and his final act of generosity will continue his legacy. By funding these bursaries, he has ensured that future generations of children can thrive at Loughborough Grammar School and Loughborough High School, regardless of their financial circumstances.
The benefits of these bursaries extend far beyond the immediate educational opportunities they provide. Through access to the Foundation’s offering, they will equip these pupils with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their future careers, thereby contributing to the economic and social development of our community.
Derek’s gift is much more than a generous donation; it will transform lives and enrich the Schools and the broader community for years to come. His legacy will be felt not just in our classrooms and hallways, but through the positive impact that well-educated, empowered individuals have on the world when they leave us.