JAGS is celebrating a generous legacy from former Head of Music, Barbara Kley, whose gift will continue to inspire and support young musicians for years to come. Her legacy has both funded a bursary programme for the provision of music lessons for JAGS students and provided a state-of-the-art digital organ. Barbara, who was Head of Music at JAGS for many years, was a passionate teacher who dedicated her career to encouraging a love of the arts among her students.  

Mr Tommy Foster, Director of Music, emphasised the significance of her contribution:  

“Music at JAGS owes a great deal to Barbara Kley. She was Head of Music for 20 years and devoted a huge amount of her time to music at the school, inspiring generations of former students. Thanks to her generous legacy, current and future students will benefit from Barbara’s dedication to music. Through her gift to JAGS Music, a new bursary fund for music lessons has been started. Additionally, and something that has had an immediate impact on all JAGS students, has been the purchase of a new digital organ for the Vaughan Williams Auditorium. Thanks to Barbara, the tradition and support of whole school hymn singing, that she so valued, has been secured for generations to come.” 

Head of JAGS, Mrs Alex Hutchinson, said of Barbara’s impact:

"Barbara Kley's generous legacy will ensure that her passion for music continues to inspire future generations of JAGS students. Her gift is a precious reminder of how one person’s dedication to education continues to change lives for the better, long after their time at the school." 

The school will pay tribute to Barbara at the annual Autumn Concert, where her friends, family, and former colleagues will hear music performed in her memory and words by Elinor Corp, Teacher of Music at JAGS.

Barbara’s generous gift is a reminder of how legacy gifts can shape the future of the school and make a lasting impact by ensuring financial support for aspiring musicians. A gift like Barbara’s has the power to change lives by supporting future generations of students, enhancing educational opportunities, and maintaining facilities.  

If you are interested in learning more about leaving a gift to JAGS in your will, please contact the Head of Development and Alumnae Relations, Karen Doyle, at Karen.Doyle@jags.org.uk. Thank you.