Charles Burt (MH 67-70) tells us what a Tonbridge education meant to him and why he has chosen to become a member of the Judde Society.
 
My experience as a boarder at Tonbridge had a very real impact to shape me as a young man, to learn independence and trust in others and myself. Academic education was of course a top priority, but the school’s moral structure went far beyond its academic teachings. Sports, theatre, music, clubs etc embraced the same inspiration to excel both as an individual and as a team player. I learned to win and lose with dignity, to learn the value of team spirit and the importance of friends. I grew up at Tonbridge.

Whilst I don’t believe the school directly influenced my career, its impact was immediately felt when I was accepted to a US university just shy of my seventeenth birthday. This was solely due to the quality of my Tonbridge education which would manifest itself over and over, particularly, my love of Latin which shaped my law career.  Not used much in America, I had fun using the language in briefs and annoying my adversaries.

Tonbridge is of course a different school now with programs and opportunities beyond imagination. I now sense a warmer, more personal connection between staff and students. Having spoken to a few boys during my recent visits, there is a spirit not felt when I attended. However, the soul and rich history of this wonderful institution is still there within its walls, if only they could speak.

It’s important for me to leave a legacy to Tonbridge to give back what I owe this blessed place. I want to support the school’s vision to stay ahead and benefit the future boys who will pass through. Very importantly, it’s a way of saying thank you to my parents who worked relentlessly to give me the best education. I thanked them many times but my legacy is ultimately from us all. God bless them and Tonbridge School.

Charles has generously chosen to support Tonbridge with a gift in his Will.

To read stories from David Kemp (PS 42 - 47), Ivan Bilicki (Sc 01-03) and Luke Wallace (MH 04 - 09) see our Judde Society brochure here

Contact our Judde Society manager, Tara Biddle, at tara.biddle@tonbridge-school.org​​​​​​​

Guidance on leaving a legacy gift to the Tonbridge School Foundation (Registered Charity 1099162) can be found here.