Decades of Friendship

On Saturday, 17 June we were thrilled to welcome back to Alleyn’s alumni and former staff for a special Decades Reunion, filled with memories, laughter, and friendships which have lasted through the years.

This year's reunion brought back the classes of ‘53,'63,'73,'83,'93,'03 and '13. For many, it was the first time they had been back to their school for 10, or even 20 years. And for some, it was a chance to show their families around and share memories from School days which they hold so dear.

Head Jane Lunnon, welcomed alumni back to their school at a drinks reception in the new Lower School building (which was not around in their day having been rebuilt and opened in 2018). Mrs Lunnon spoke about what an Alleyn’s education means today and how we aim to help our pupils to be all they can be - in discovering what they can do, what they love and what will work for them and how we then try to help them pursue and maximise that.

She said:

“It strikes me that you never see the results of our work more vividly than when we have alumni back, because you are living those amazing lives that we hope we’re creating and helping our children to access.”

She continued by saying:

“It’s such a privilege and so moving to see people in this school whose lives have been influenced by the education they’ve had. You are an inspiration whether you know it or not.”

Referring to the physical changes and developments in School in recent years, including the Lower School building, Junior School development and most recently, The Well building, dedicated to wellbeing, Mrs Lunnon said that she hoped guests would see a school that is both familiar and unfamiliar. She said:

“I hope that you see lots of things that are very familiar to you and remind you of the experiences that you had here which I hope were unmitigatedly delightful.”

She thanked everyone for taking the time to join us for the Reunion and for their continued support of the School.

“None of those new buildings and none of the bursaries that we rely on so much could happen without the support of our alumni and we are enormously grateful for that.”

Alumni then had the chance to tour the School with a Year 12 student to see today’s Alleyn’s and gain an insight into the personal experiences of current students before coming together for a delicious lunch and a chance to share memories and rekindle or continue friendships from over the decades.

Thank you to everyone who came back to Alleyn’s, for making it such a special day. We are also grateful to our fantastic Year 12 students for sharing their precious time (and on a weekend, too!) to welcome alumni back.