DISADVANTAGED boys are today being offered a place at one of Oxford's public schools with the creation of a bursary in memory of an "inspiratonal and exceptional" teacher.

Today marks the first anniversary of the death of Magdalen College School teacher Dr David Brunton, who fell from the top of the University Church of St Mary the Virgin, in Radcliffe Square, aged 39.

His widow, Jenny Liddiard, who has been raising money to set up a scholarship in her husband's memory, has announced the first David Brunton scholar will start at the school in September.

She called on families of boys from the county, who would not normally consider the school for financial reasons, to apply.

Ms Liddiard, who lives with the couple's daughter Isabel in Hinton Waldrist, near Wantage, said: "We wanted to announce something around the anniversary.

"It will be a difficult week, but there is so much that is positive to remember about David."

Ms Liddiard said her husband, who worked at the school for 12 years, was passionate about giving boys from less privileged backgrounds access to the advantages the school could offer.

She said "I couldn't think of anything better to do than this.

"Talent shouldn't depend on being wealthy, and places ideally should be awarded on merit. We're looking for someone who has real potential."

More than £40,000 has been donated to the fund, and £150,000 is needed to allow the interest to pay for the fees in the long term.

The school is providing about 25 per cent of the £11,000 school fees for the award.

School usher Steffan Griffiths said: "We all knew that David was a good teacher but it was the warmth of the tribute from the boys that made it clear to everyone how inspirational he was."

To contribute to the fund, email davidbruntonbursary@mcsoxford.org

  • For details of how to apply for a scholarship, call 01865 242191.