Old Witleian News

Knighthood Awarded to Alderman Sir Peter Estlin

Alderman Sir Peter Estlin - former King Edward’s Head Boy, past Treasurer and current Governor - was awarded a knighthood for services to international business, inclusion and skills in the 2020 New Year Honours List. A passionate advocate of King Edward’s, Sir Peter joined the School in 1972 when his father was serving in the Royal Navy. Sir Peter served as the 691 st Lord Mayor of the City of London from 2018 – 2019.

Farewell to Mr Stephen Pugh Pupils and staff bid a fond farewell to Senior Deputy Headmaster, Mr Stephen Pugh, in December. Hanging up his academic gown after 30 years’ service, Mr Pugh hosted a retirement party for 120 in the Selborne Room. Mr Pugh held many roles at King Edward’s including Head of Classics, Director of Studies, Deputy Head and Senior Deputy Headmaster. As a teacher, he inspired many Old Witleians to pursue Latin, Greek and the Classics and, in his role as Master in Charge of Oxbridge, motivated and thoroughly prepared pupils for their interviews. We wish Mr Pugh a very happy retirement!

Mrs Fiona Kirton Retires Bursaries and Charities Officer, Mrs Fiona Kirton retired in October, after 23 years at King Edward’s. During her time at the School, Mrs Kirton helped countless families to secure bursary funding. Speaking on her retirement, she said: “We take on many pupils whose lives have been turned upside down through no fault of their own. They flourish in the security, care and education here. That is what we do well.” We wish Mrs Kirton the very best as she starts the next chapter of her life.

Bridewell Day 2020

On 10 th March 2020 the School celebrated Bridewell Day with a lunch at Guildhall followed by a service at St Bride’s Church in Fleet Street, marking 153 years since King Edward’s moved from Southwark to the Surrey Hills. Pupils were joined by the Right Honourable the Lord Mayor of the City of London, Alderman William Russell. Welcoming the School back to the City, he celebrated King Edward’s legacy as a school to help disadvantaged children. Vice President, Alderman Sir David Wootton, presented five Bridewell Medals to Old Witleians and to The Worshipful Company of Girdlers, thanking them for their generous support of the School and the Bridewell Foundation.

Mr Bob Jenkins Runs his Fortieth Marathon

Mr Bob Jenkins (OW 1955) is training to run his fortieth marathon in the London Marathon which is now scheduled to take place on 4 th October. This is Mr Jenkin's last marathon and he is graciously running once again in support of The Bridewell Foundation. If you would like to support him, please donate by calling the King Edward's Development office or by visiting his donation page: kesw.shortcm.li/BobJenkinsMarathon

Alderman Sir Peter Estlin

Head, Mrs Joanna Wright and Senior Deputy Headmaster, Mr Stephen Pugh

Bursaries & Charities Officer (Ret), Mrs Fiona Kirton