Bernard Heathcote had a long and illustrious association with the Dixie Grammar School. Whilst a pupil at the Dixie in the 1930s he was appointed Head Boy, was captain of both the football and cricket teams and won the Victor Ludorum on two occasions. Having served with the Royal Signals during the war and following teacher training at Saltley College in Birmingham, he returned to Market Bosworth where he taught until his retirement in 1985. Remembered as a ‘splendid disciplinarian’ who worked tirelessly to ensure every child had the opportunity to succeed, he was passionate about the welfare of his students. Mr Heathcote had that rare perfect balance of firmness and kindliness that every teacher strives for. Even after his retirement, he maintained contact with the Dixie and other local schools giving generously of his time to teach the next generation chess.
In an outstanding act of generosity Bernard Heathcote left his estate to the Dixie Grammar School – to be used to ensure that other children got the educational advantage he always understood himself to have had. The Bernard Heathcote Foundation was established to honour his legacy and to offer future students who would benefit from the education the Dixie offers, but whose families require financial assistance – the educational opportunity of a lifetime.
Choosing to make a donation to the Heathcote Foundation will help us in achieving our aim that any child for whom the Dixie is the right school is able to benefit from what we have to offer and will also preserve Mr Heathcote’s legacy. Whether you would like to make a one-off donation or feel you can commit to a regular contribution, you will help to set a child along a path towards an exciting and fulfilling educational career.
The Foundation ensures that every penny donated will go towards ensuring another child is given the chance to shine as part of the Dixie family.