Welcoming our New Saddlers’ Scholars

To celebrate 50 years of the Worshipful Company of Saddlers' support to Alleyn’s scholars, on Friday 16 September we welcomed the Prime Warden of The Worshipful Company of Saddlers to meet the 37 current Alleyn’s Saddlers’ Scholars and celebrate our long-standing relationship.

The afternoon’s events began with a presentation ceremony in which the Prime Warden, Mrs Lucy Atherton, and Past Master, Mr Charles Barclay, introduced the six new Year 7 Saddlers’ Scholars. The scholarships are awarded annually to those pupils who show exceptional academic potential when they enter the Senior School. In the company of their parents, Alleyn's staff and representatives from their former schools, Mrs Atherton praised the scholars and their achievements and presented each with a special commemorative Saddlers' tie.

The presentation was followed by a beautiful recital of the Andante from Bottesini’s – Concerto No.2 in A minor by Scholar Laurence on the double bass.

To recognise the continuing relationship between The Saddlers and Alleyn’s, the five Year 12 Saddlers’ Scholars were then presented with brooches and cufflinks before a vote of thanks was given by Year 13 Scholar Molly and a prayer from Alleyn’s Assistant Chaplain, Mrs Gilly Bailey-Smith.

The Year 7 Scholars were then invited to put on their ties and to sign the Saddlers’ Book which contains the names of more than 300 Alleyn’s pupils who have received the award since its inception in 1971.

The Scholars and their families enjoyed an afternoon tea in the Great Hall before Mr Sproat-Clements, Alleyn’s Assistant Head (Director of Studies), took the Prime Warden on a tour of The School. Speaking of the event, Mr Sproat-Clements outlined the significance of the school’s long-standing connection to the Saddlers’ Company and of the scholarships themselves. He said:

“Through their generosity – both in terms of the funds supplied and also through their generosity of time and spirit – the Worshipful Company of Saddlers has had a profound effect on our school over the last 50 years. I hope that they are as proud as we are of the tremendous achievements of our Saddlers’ Scholars and can only repeat our enormous gratitude for their deep and lasting kindness to us.”

The day concluded with a reunion dinner involving former Saddlers’ Scholars and their guests, Alleyn’s Governors and current Upper School Saddlers’ scholars and their parents.