Produced by the Development Office, The Loughborough Schools Foundation
Managing Editor
Stuart Swan
Editor Laura Woodhouse
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Emma Fraser, Katherine Lang, Sarah Musgrave
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Welcome
Contact the Team
Stuart Swan Director of Development and Alumni Engagement
s.swan@lsf.org 01509 638922
Emma Fraser Research and Insight Manager
e.l.fraser@lsf.org 01509 278097
Laura Woodhouse
Alumni Engagement and Events Manager
l.woodhouse@lsf.org 01509 638920
Sarah Musgrave Supporter Engagement Manager
s.musgrave@lsf.org 01509 638921
Stuart Swan
s the newly appointed Director of Development and Alumni Engagement, I am pleased to introduce the latest edition – your exclusive alumni magazine. In these pages, we celebrate the vibrant spirit of our alumni community, showcasing the remarkable achievements, significant milestones, and cherished memories that have united alumni through the decades. From innovations to inspiring stories, each article highlights the profound impact alumni have, both within their
I am excited to have joined The Loughborough Schools Foundation following an 11-year career at Swansea University, where I led on all aspects of development and alumni relations. This experience has given me a true appreciation for the transformative power of education, and I feel privileged to have worked alongside supporters who share this passion. I look forward to embarking on this new chapter, working with an award-winning Development and Alumni Engagement Team to create transformative educational experiences that will shape the next
Our Schools play a pivotal role in the local community and, more importantly, in the lives of each of you – not only serving as a foundation for academic and personal growth, but where lifelong friendships and memories have been made. It truly is a relationship that lasts a lifetime, and I’m excited to talk to you about how you can reconnect. I invite you to share your memories, reunite with old friends, and make new connections that will enrich your personal and professional lives.
Let’s reflect on the past, embrace the present, and work together to deliver a prosperous future for our
Stuart Swan Director of Development and Alumni Engagement
Loughburians’ Alumni Association Committee
It is a pleasure to write to you once again as we look back on life at Loughborough Schools Foundation (LSF) over the past year and look forward to what is to come. The School Hymn, written by George Wallace Briggs, is 100 years old this year, and as we mark this occasion, I continue to be moved by the message from within; “one family unbroken”. As members of the Loughburians’ Alumni Association, you are all part of a very special family where the community, support and relationships are lifelong. It has been wonderful to see so many of you at events over the past year, and I am grateful for all the time that has been volunteered to support current pupils and members of our alumni community – you are helping to build the next generation of Loughburians.
The LSF family has seen a number of changes over the past year as we have said goodbye to members of staff and welcomed new faces. Some of these changes have been significant for the Schools, including the first female Headmaster of LGS in its 529year history. Whilst the histories of the High School and Amherst,
formerly Our Lady’s Convent School, are not quite as long – 2025 will mark 175 years since both Schools were established, making LHS the oldest girls’ grammar school in the country. The High School will also celebrate 100 years of Tableaux and 100 years of the School Houses.
Loughburians’ Alumni Association Committee Members
Richard Bailey (FFD 1989; LGS 1996)
Serena Fathers (LAS 2019)
Dr Clare Burnett (née Wynn, LHS 1997) Welcome from the Chair
Sam Ferraby (LGS 2011)
Ruth Garner (OLCS 1997)
Jill Johnson (LHS 1958)
Tony Johnson (LGS 1958)
Bobby Peach (LHS 1963)
John Weitzel (LGS Archivist)
Jenny Woods (FFD 1967; LHS 1974)
There will undoubtedly be lots that our whole alumni community can get involved with, but it will be a particularly special year for LHS, LAS and OLCS alumni and I encourage you to take part in as much as possible, using this opportunity to meet up with friends you have stayed in touch with, and reconnecting with those you haven’t!
The Loughburians’ Alumni Association is supported by an award-winning Development and Alumni Engagement Team, and I would like to thank the whole team for ensuring alumni and friends have such a fantastic programme to engage with. I would also like to welcome Stuart Swan, the new Director of Development and Alumni Engagement to The Foundation, whom I look forward to working with over the coming year.
I am also grateful to the Loughburians’ Alumni Association Committee and its members for their continued support of the alumni community. This year has seen a number of members step down from the Committee, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank them for their long-standing support. If joining the Committee as a new member is something you are interested in, then we would love to hear from you!
Finally, I hope you enjoy reading this edition of Beyond the Barrier and catching up on all the news.
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Welcome from the Chair of the
OLCS Alumni Association Committee
It is an absolute pleasure to write to you again as Chair of the OLCS Alumni Association Committee. The past year has been one of change and growth, both at Amherst and within the OLCS alumni community, and I am excited to see what 2024 has in store for us all.
As I am sure you are aware, Amherst now has a new Headmaster, James Neville. It has been truly wonderful to meet and get to know James over the last few months, and I was astonished by his knowledge of the School’s history, even during his first few weeks in the role. From our first meeting, it was clear that he deeply respects the School’s past and wants to ensure that it is preserved and celebrated. I am thrilled to be working with James on our long-running archive project and would be delighted to hear from any alumni who would like to help us organise the OLCS archives to ensure the preservation of our rich history.
I am incredibly passionate about supporting young people and their transition from school into the wider world, whether that be off to university or into the world of work. One of the projects the Committee will be working on this year is encouraging alumni to offer some of their time to speak with Year 12 and Year 13 students at Amherst about their career path, to inspire pupils and provide them with an opportunity to ask questions. I believe Sixth Form is such a crucial time in a pupil’s life, and witnessing an inspiring talk or receiving advice from a highly successful alum can be truly life-changing. Therefore, I would like to ask any OLCS alumni who are interested in inspiring our next generation to get in touch with the Development and Alumni Engagement Team so we can build a supportive community who are able to give some of their time to speak with pupils.
I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Mary Hopkins, who decided to step down from the Committee this year, for her dedication and service to the OLCS Alumni Association Committee. Mary was Chair of the Committee for many years, and her determination and perseverance was pivotal in keeping it going through difficult times and periods of change. We are incredibly lucky to have had Mary’s support for so many years, and she will be missed.
OLCS Alumni Association Committee Members
Rachel Healey (OLCS 1999)
Stephanie Henshaw (OLCS 2019)
Liz Marshall (OLCS 1974)
Karen Richards (née Monk, OLCS 1988)
Amanda Greaves (née Swann, OLCS 2004)
I wish you all the very best for the year ahead and hope to hear from many of you very soon.
Dr Grace Hutchinson (née Smalley, OLCS 2005)
Izzy Tilson (OLCS 2005)
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Headlines
Helen Foster
Do you remember the first time you walked into the Grammar School Quad? My first time was after being appointed Deputy Head Pastoral five years ago. With its cherry trees, smooth grass and historic buildings, it is an aweinspiring setting. I felt very proud to have become part of the story of LGS. I am even prouder now to be writing to you as Head.
The boys amused me when I first took up the job by calling me ‘Headmaster’. You might be wondering what another Head will bring. I am grateful to have this opportunity to write to our alumni.
Our ethos, is simple: championing the boys. This means giving them our relentless support, providing the best for them and expecting the best from them. There are three key parts to this.
First, we assess everything we do in the light of excellence. Academic teaching, pastoral care – now delivered through the House system which is the backbone of the School – and co-curricular provision: all we do is for the boys whom we are championing. It must be excellent.
If you think back to being here as a boy, I am sure you will quickly remember the teachers you warmed to the most. Boys thrive when they experience relationships with staff who they can tell are ‘for’ them. I am asking our staff to view themselves not just as communicators of knowledge or providers of opportunity, but also as builders of relationships. Relationships build confidence, resilience and self-belief which are the foundation of success. This is especially true in the complex world young people face today.
Our ethos, is simple: championing the boys. This means giving them our relentless support, providing the best for them and expecting the best from them.
Relationships are my priority too. I spend as much time as possible talking with and listening to the boys. This might be over lunch or in meetings, informally on the Walks at break, or mingling at School occasions. It has included seeing each Upper Sixth Form and their parents at Number Two for afternoon tea, reminiscing on the highlights of their time at LGS.
At LGS I hope you had great fun. From the smallest of touches such as the senior prefects shining the boys’ shoes for them, to the camaraderie of the House Competition which now includes House Darts, fun must be the golden thread running through everything we offer.
I am aiming to bring stability and a vision for the future to LGS. I want our boys to be ‘world-ready’ by the time they leave. But for the day-in, day-out running of the School, this is my simple checking mechanism: excellence, relationships and fun.
The School is thriving. High numbers of boys are achieving places at Oxbridge and prestigious universities. Our First XV have brought a fine season to a close. We have a calm and focused atmosphere for learning and a new ethos for academic success, the ‘LGS Learner’. There is so much I would love to tell you about, but I am approaching my word limit.
As an LGS alum, would you consider visiting the School, maybe with friends from your time here? Perhaps you have reflections and ideas or would like to be involved in some way with the boys who have become part of our ‘one family unbroken’?
Let the Development and Alumni Engagement Team know if you can call in as I would be delighted to meet you. I hope to welcome you back to the Quad and our School very soon.
Welcome from Loughborough High School Head
Dr Fiona Miles
It really is the most enormous privilege to be Head of LHS and to work with such talented – and unfailingly modest –young people.
As I write, I wonder how to do justice to a year that has seen outstanding pupil achievement, growing excitement about a forthcoming anniversary and vigorous celebration of the King’s Coronation. Pupils continue to excel in every sphere, from academia to sport and everything in between: in the spring, we cheered on Etty, who was part of the gold-medal-winning GB U20 athletics team, and more recently, I accompanied Year 7 pupils on a trip to see their classmate, Estella, star in the West End production of Matilda. It really is the most enormous privilege to be Head of LHS and to work with such talented – and unfailingly modest – young people.
In the summer, we were thrilled to be the top performing independent school in the region at GCSE and were especially proud that Harvinder achieved one of the highest marks in Latin in the country. In December, we hosted our annual Year 12 celebration morning and were delighted to welcome alum, Jualani Palmer (LHS 2017), to present certificates and prizes. Along with a group of her peers, Jualani has been a great friend and source of wisdom to LHS as we have reflected upon our approach to equality, diversity and inclusion and it was a pleasure to welcome her as our guest of honour.
Our Year 13s had their first experience of conventional public examinations since the pandemic and so it is remarkable that over half of the grades achieved were A* or A. What matters most, of course, is that our students leave us as confident, caring and resilient young people who are ready for life beyond LHS. They are extremely fortunate to be able to tap into an extensive alumni network and we always welcome offers of careers support from alumni.
While our reputation for academic excellence is well-known, it is the richness, breadth and variety of opportunity on our campus that really sets us apart. This summer’s CCF Annual Review saw girls in Year 10 participating for the first time, a move made possible by the determination of the pupils and the support of our friends at LGS. We were delighted to see Charlie in Year 10 receive the trophy for Best New Recruit and equally proud to see the girls participating in the town parade on Remembrance Sunday.
It has been an exciting year for our Music Department, which has been shortlisted for a national award and, under the direction of Nicky Bouckley, continues to support pupils from their first steps in music to performing in our flagship concerts. Earlier in the year, the department played host to the Music Teachers’ Association Conference, and alongside keynote speakers Dr Kadiatu KannehMason and Kris Halpin, we were pleased to welcome, Ellie Slorach (LHS 2012), who shared her experiences of becoming a professional conductor.
We now look ahead to a special year in 2025, when we will celebrate our 175th anniversary, as well as 100 years of Tableaux and Houses. Donna Tolley (LHS 2003), a member of my leadership team, is overseeing planning and has been working with key stakeholders to develop the theme of ‘heritage alongside innovation’. There will be more to share with you in the coming months so watch out for some exciting new events, as well as some twists on existing LHS traditions!
Welcome from Loughborough Amherst School Headmaster
James Neville
Reflecting on my time as Headmaster so far, it’s a privilege to lead this remarkably nurturing, close-knit community. Together with my colleagues, we are committed to a collective vision for Amherst rooted in the words of our founder, Blessed Antonio Rosmini, who said ‘a pupil must be allowed to grow and develop as an integrated human person’. This belief in educating the whole person is at the heart of our commitment to academic excellence, personal development, co-curricular opportunity and faith in action.
To ensure that our curriculum prepares every child for the next stage of learning, we have thoroughly evaluated what we teach, the order in which it’s taught and why we teach it. A new teaching and learning programme, based on the latest educational research, ensures that lessons are sharp, engaging and motivating. A highlight of the year for some of our pupils was the annual High Academic Potential Pupils (HAPPs) Dinner and Presentation Evening, featuring inspiring presentations from the Prep and Senior Schools. The diverse topics chosen included the history of fashion, cellular mechanisms of senescence and The Windrush Scandal, to name but a few. My thanks to our guest speaker, Dr Grace Hutchinson (OLCS 2005), who spoke of the value of deep friendship which characterised her time at OLCS and is still very much alive at Amherst. As part of our commitment to academic excellence, we have also broadened our curriculum offer, introducing Drama GCSE, Higher Project Qualification (HPQ) and Sociology A Level.
Our new personal development programme seamlessly integrates careers, personal, social, health and citizenship education in one coherent curriculum. Amherst pupils are therefore equipped to navigate a changing world and contribute to their community. Strengthened co-curricular opportunity provides stretch and
At lunchtimes and after school, Amherst is a hive of activity as pupils engage in a whole host of fulfilling pursuits which extend learning beyond the classroom.
challenge for all, and focuses on leadership, creativity, teamwork, wellbeing and exercise. At lunchtimes and after school, Amherst is a hive of activity as pupils engage in a whole host of fulfilling pursuits which extend learning beyond the classroom.
As a Catholic school, we are committed to ‘faith in action’, with practical application of Gospel values to our School culture, charitable acts, care for others and the environment. In October, we held a retreat day focused on climate justice in which pupils produced artworks, several of which were displayed in an exhibition in the House of Commons. Amherst Chapel remains the spiritual centre of our community and has played host to the LSF Burton Evensong and Carols by Candlelight services, as well as Masses, assemblies and performances.
In the summer, elite tennis boarders, Ranah, Mika and Henry, reached the later stages of Wimbledon, with Henry gaining global fame when he became the first British junior to win the boys’ title at Wimbledon since 1962! In Sport, we have enjoyed wide-ranging team and individual success, including the ISA Indoor Ski Championships and British Schools Shooting Championships, netball victories in the Leicestershire Schools (U14) and ISA tournaments (U16), success in ISA Dance Awards and the ISA Midlands Swimming Competition and selection for Gothia World Cup football trials. Amherst actors secured leading roles in the LSF Drama production of Spamalot and a highlight of the musical calendar was Ayeka’s performance of Rachmaninov Piano Concerto No. 2 at the LSF De Montfort Hall Concert.
In January, we were all shocked by the tragic loss of our LAS Head of Mathematics, Rachel Jones. The community has united in mourning a much-loved teacher and colleague and a tree will be planted in her memory in the School grounds.
Welcome from Fairfield Prep School Headmaster
Andrew Earnshaw
... putting myself back into the position of ‘learner’... has given me a newfound respect for anyone, especially the children, who endeavour to play a musical instrument.
Icannot begin to imagine how many assemblies I have led since my appointment as Headmaster here at Fairfield, way back in January 2013! Having had the privilege of presenting literally thousands of awards such as The Courtesy Cup, Book of Achievement certificates and the highly prized Merit badges over the years, I have spoken at length as to how proud I am of the children in achieving such impressive accomplishments.
However, I came to the sudden realisation that I was beginning to sound like a stuck record when the children received their music grading certificates in our end of term ‘assemblyathons’. Upon obtaining their musical certificates, I often uttered the following words to the children… ‘One of my biggest regrets is not being able to play a musical instrument’. This nagging doubt, combined with reading an article on how scientists had observed that playing a musical instrument or engaging in singing could help keep the brain healthy in older age and is most efficacious in those who began playing as a child, spurred me on to take the plunge!
And so, I am somewhat pleased, and relieved, to report that I am learning to play the trombone, benefitting tremendously from the guidance of Mr Rutter, whose patience has ensured that I continue to make slow, but steady progress.
It is, however, the sense of putting myself back into the position of ‘learner’ that I have found most beneficial. It has given me a newfound respect for anyone, especially the children, who endeavour to play a musical instrument.
Fairfield pupils are fortunate enough to have the opportunity to learn to play the cello or the violin in Year 2, whilst in Year 4 the children learn to play the trombone, trumpet and percussion instruments. Indeed, we as a School have benefitted enormously from the generous donations from alumni who have contributed to funding the schemes in the past.
Other instruments are available from Year 3 onwards, but it is probably the fact that research has confirmed the positive link between general school attainment and active engagement with music. Not surprising therefore, that we place so much emphasis on this important area of a child’s development.
With this in mind, I confessed to the children in our first assembly in January about how disappointed I was in myself by not finding the time to practise my trombone over the Christmas holidays. I had every good intention to do so, but unfortunately there was always something else that needed to be done. I shall leave you to imagine how well my first lesson went with Mr Rutter!
However, I went on to say that I was inspired to get back on course to achieve my Grade 1 certificate from a scene of a film I watched (instead of doing my trombone practice!) with my eldest son – ‘The Empire Strikes Back’. The scene involved Master Yoda uttering the immortal words, ‘Do, or do not, there is no try’ whilst training Luke Skywalker in the ways of the Jedi, urging him to take action rather than simply attempting something half-heartedly.
Hopefully my performance in recent assemblies has reinforced Yoda’s mantra, by demonstrating how undertaking regular practice has paid off, as improvements have certainly been made since my last public recital!
Loughborough Amhert School Head Prefect
Sofia
Genco-Billington
The Loughborough School Foundation community is a surprisingly hard concept to explain to my new fellow students, as it seems to escape all typical descriptions of Sixth Form life. However, I will always remain vocal upon the opportunities afforded to me by all my teachers throughout my final years, as they are ones I will be eternally grateful for. I never felt safer than when I was given the opportunity to create, whether through writing, theatre, or art – my final years at Amherst instilled within me a newfound self-assurance.
I don’t think I shall ever lose my fondness for lingering around the LSF drama studios, angling to be given more jobs to do, and more shows to be a part of. Or coming in on Saturdays to battle with costume racks and glue guns for imminent productions with people whom I wish to never leave my life.
Adopting the role of Head Prefect in my final year was expectedly demanding. But what I hope I showed was that being Head Prefect does not require a certain sort of person, and while I felt unconventional at the best of times, I like to think I proved that one does not have to conform to lead.
Now, studying Art History at the Courtauld Institute of Art, I am taught to see art in an entirely different way, and it is a learning process I am enjoying immensely. In addition, I have taken the post of Literary Writer for the Courtauldian, the institute’s student led arts publication, writing monthly short horror fiction. A fact I am sure will surprise nobody. In the near future I hope to use the alumni programme either to find more alumni like me, or to one day be that past student for somebody else.
Yla Lloyd
Iloved my time at the High School, which has always had a family, community feel to it. Our final year was particularly special, witnessing my classmates grow into strong and capable women.
Some of my most treasured memories are the Spring Concert — the culmination of hours of practice the teamwork of the CCF Inspection Day, public speaking and Leavers Day where memories, laughter and tears were shared.
I had the privilege of being Head Girl, and wanted to continue the lively family feel, which made me feel so at home, so naturally this involved some dodgy dancing with glitter microphones to Justin Bieber or singing ‘I want it that way’ at House events with the Prefects, who brought light and enthusiasm everywhere they went.
‘Proud moments’ and ‘Inspirational Women’ initiatives were important to me in helping pupils leave the confines of their comfort zones by celebrating the little victories in life, and to discover what they could achieve.
I am now on a gap year: I have completed my Royal Yachting Association Day Skipper qualification, solo travelled in France for seven weeks, studied French, eaten many baguettes outside boulangeries with my book and volunteered in Calais refugee camps. I am on my next adventure in South East Asia, travelling and learning Muay Thai. I have met many incredible people with inspiring stories and this year has been a gift in showing me where I want to go, who I want to be and what I am capable of. From September, I hope to study biology, and continue to pursue my passion for music, sailing and martial arts.
I treasure the bonds formed during my time at school and want to stay in touch with friends to see what they achieve and share stories and knowledge with other alumni.
Dillon
Reminiscing on my final year at the Grammar School, I have memories that will stay with me for life. Memories of joy and happiness from the time spent among peers and mentors from the lunch hall to the Sixth Form Centre and beyond. Despite the academic challenges encountered, we ensured that our final year was one to remember. Events such as Snowball and Founders’ Dinner made all the hard work worthwhile, with the eagerly anticipated ‘Creme Egg Awards’ recognising the exceptional achievements of our cohort. As Head Boy, I had the privilege of leading a rendition of the School Hymn that will stay with me forever.
In retrospect, the one thing I’ll miss the most is experiencing my brothers pushing themselves beyond their limits, often succeeding but also learning through failure. Beyond all the qualities instilled within us throughout our time here, I believe humility, discipline and respect define the men of LGS.
Since completing my time at LGS, studying Electrical Engineering at Newcastle University has never failed to be mentally stimulating, further growing my passion for electronics. With life in the working world only a short distance away, the principles learnt from engineering continue to expand my curiosity into what I will pursue in life.
As I have spent most of my life at The Foundation, the thought of a new challenge in life was both daunting and exciting. However, throughout the mixed emotions produced by such a change, the relationships nurtured while at LGS comforted the leap into a new chapter of life. As a cohort, we have too many fond memories to allow this network to dwindle as there is a brotherhood that shall never be broken. Friend or foe, we are the people we are today because of the time we have spent in each other’s company.
Loughborough Grammar School Head Boy
Kalyan
Loughborough High School Head Girl
LSF School News
Wimbledon Success
A Level pupil Henry has made history after being crowned the Junior Wimbledon Boys’ singles champion, following a 6-4, 6-4 victory over world No.7 Yaroslav Demin – ending Britain’s 61 year wait for a boy’s singles champion.
Loughborough Amherst School
Henry is only the 12th British boy to win a boys’ Grand Slam title and the first since Oliver Golding won the US Open in 2011. He is the first Briton to win a junior Wimbledon title since Laura Robson in 2008 and, most impressively, the first boy to lift the trophy in more than half a century.
Fellow pupils Ranah and Mika also reached the Wimbledon quarter finals. It must be a first to have three pupils from the same school all reach the later stages of the same tournament!
Celebrating Gifted Pupils
Amherst held their second HAPPs (High Academic Potential Pupils) Dinner and Presentation Evening which recognises and showcases the independent research of pupils in the programme.
This year’s event proved to be even more special than the last featuring presentations from both the Prep and Senior Schools which were truly inspiring, and covered a wide range of topics. The evening also featured a dinner for Prep and Senior School pupils, as well as a talk from Dr Grace Hutchinson (OLCS 2005), who spoke about her time at the School.
Tennis Players Acing their GCSEs
Amherst boarders, Mimi and Daniella, each achieved three grade 8s, and four grade 9s, at GCSE and are on the cusp of professional tennis careers.
Excellent results have been achieved across the School, and we are particularly delighted for the Religious Studies and English departments which achieved 22% and 32% grades 8-9 respectively, and for the Music Department which achieved 100% grade 9s.
Celebrating the King’s Coronation
Amherst pupils had a wonderful couple of days of celebration to mark the King’s Coronation with fun and feasting taking place across the School. A number of events were hosted including a celebration picnic lunch and a photograph which saw the whole School come together in the formation of a crown!
Officially a ‘Problem-Solving School’
An organisation set up by the University of Cambridge called NRICH, has awarded Fairfield with an official ‘Problem-Solving School’ accreditation.
Fairfield is one of the first prep schools to be awarded with this accreditation. It provides recognition of the School’s current practice in supporting the development of confidence and skills in its pupils to tackle new and familiar problems, as well as problemsolving beyond the classroom.
Fairfield Prep School
Pupils Learn Mandarin
Miss Emily Hartley, Head of Maths at Fairfield, said: “Being recognised as a ‘Problem-Solving School’ is not just validation of our academic excellence in Mathematics; it is a testament to our ongoing commitment to providing a nurturing environment where young minds are cultivated and empowered.”
Highly Commended in School Awards
The awards, which had over 400 entries across 13 categories, provide an opportunity for schools to showcase what makes them unique, and how they truly deliver for the children in their care.
The approach at Fairfield ensures that pupils have fun while learning, which is not only vital for their wellbeing, but it lays the foundations for building lifelong skills. By providing handson, creative experiences through play, children learn important skills required to become confident, empathetic and empowered leaders and team players.
few of the products that Fairfield pupils pitched in an outstanding business enterprise competition in STEAM week.
Year 5 was a hive of activity as they focused on utilising skills in the areas of science, technology, engineering, arts and maths, whilst developing some incredible business ideas. The pupils were competing for the Eadon Enterprise Trophy, which saw the competition culminating in an exciting ‘Dragon’s Den’ style finale.
Fairfield has become one of only a handful of preparatory schools in the UK to teach Mandarin as part of its Modern Foreign Languages curriculum.
All Year 5 pupils have been learning Mandarin since September 2023 and undertook an assessment, which counts towards around 15% of a GCSE in Mandarin. This unique offering provided around 80 pupils with a half hour class each week where they started learning basic greetings, names of food and how to count.
Following the assessment, which is accredited by the Independent Schools Examinations Board, pupils were delighted with their results! Fairfield will continue to offer Mandarin lessons for the next Year 5 cohort in September 2024.
NACE Challenge Award
Fairfield has been awarded with the NACE (National Association for Able Children in Education) Challenge Award for a second time in recognition of its school-wide commitment to high-quality provision for more able learners, within the context of challenge for all.
Throughout the assessment NACE observed that the depth and breadth of Fairfield’s curriculum is reflected in each child’s impressive level of knowledge and understanding. Pupils at Fairfield speak confidently but with humility about their abilities, strengths, and knowledge, whether academic, sporting, musical or artistic.
Headmaster, Andrew Earnshaw remarked, “I am incredibly proud that we have attained the NACE Award for a second time, evidencing a sustained commitment from Fairfield’s academic and leadership team to support and develop our more able learners. Achieving this award demonstrates our whole-school commitment to each pupil, to support them in reaching their full potential and ensuring they are well prepared for their onward journey to senior school.”
Fairfield was ‘Highly Commended’ in the Most Creative Learning Through Play category by the judges at the Muddy Stilettos Best Schools Awards 2023!
Slime, glitter tattoos, and 3D printed frogs were just a
The Grammar School was awarded a spot in the top 10 independent schools in the East Midlands, by The Sunday Times Parent Power Guide 2023.
Recognised for its academic performance in what has been labelled ‘the first true set of post-pandemic examination results,’ 59% of pupils achieved 9-7 at GCSE whilst 74% were awarded grades from A*- B at A Level.
Teacher Becomes First Times Higher Education Accredited Counsellor
Sarra Jenkins, Director of Future Pathways for the Grammar School, was nominated as one of only 70 university counsellors worldwide to attend a pilot training event in London.
Sarra has been providing guidance and advice to boys on their next steps after leaving LGS for many years. With her support and counselling expertise, boys from the Grammar School have been accepted on a variety of different programmes including undergraduate degrees in everything from TV and Film Production to Medicine, degree apprenticeships with UBS and the Government Economic Service, overseas applications to the US, Australia, Hong Kong, Canada, and much more.
Loughborough Grammar School
Glowing Review from The Good Schools Guide
The UK’s number one school guide provides independent and unbiased reviews of over 1,300 schools across the UK, helping parents choose the best education for their children. LGS was described as ‘down to earth yet shooting for the stars, the School provides a genuinely inclusive approach to education.’
Experienced consultants visit each school, tour the facilities, and meet with pupils and teachers, as well as speaking with parents. The review is completely independent, with schools having no influence over what is written.
Just some of the other highlights from the review include:
● Everything is done to help boys be and do their best
● Teachers go the extra mile; pupils say they are passionate about their subjects
● A big school, but with small class sizes
● Small Year 6 entry, something of a unique offering
● Sixth Form professional development programme gives boys skills to stand out at interview and in workplace
● Smart, self-assured yet humble young men
Helen Foster, LGS Head said: “We are thrilled with this independent review of our School. Not only for the obvious reason that it is wonderfully positive, but because it completely captures who we are and what we offer our boys; a place where ambitious boys belong.”
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National Royal Air Squadron Trophy
In March, 14 CCF RAF cadets took part in the National Royal Air Squadron Trophy at RAF Halton, a competition which tests their individual ability in disciplines such as air recognition, first aid, general knowledge, and teamwork.
With months of preparation and weekly practices, the pupils’ determination and commitment was rewarded with cadets at Loughborough Grammar School achieving the outstanding result of 2nd place in the UK!
Top-performing Independent School in the East Midlands for GCSEs
LHS pupils achieved the strongest GCSE results across all independent schools in the East Midlands in 2023.
● 39% of girls were awarded grade 9, the equivalent of A**
● 62% of girls were awarded 9/8, the equivalent of A** and A*
● The average grade was an 8, the equivalent of an A*
● 20% of girls were awarded at least eight grade 9s, the equivalent of eight A**
Fiona Miles, LHS Head said: “I’m incredibly proud of these fantastic results. Our pupils routinely achieve some of the best outcomes in the region; however these outstanding grades are most certainly a happy by-product of a rich, varied and wellrounded education at our School.”
Show Racism the Red Card Competition
Four girls from the High School were awarded first prize in the School Competition for the Show Racism the Red Card initiative in the clothing design category, beating around 25,000 other entries from across the UK.
Ella, Zini, Deeya, and Anika, all in Year 8, were invited to an awards ceremony at Anfield Stadium where they were presented with their award by former footballer and anti-racism campaigner, John Barnes.
The girls started their design during their Personal, Social, Health, Citizenship Education lessons where they worked together to create a design that would show how, despite differences, everybody is equal.
The girls explained: “We brainstormed a number of different ideas, and decided we wanted to show the word HUMAN down the middle using different colours. This was to represent that although we all have a number of different skin tones, we are all human. We then added the rainbow to represent LGBTQ+ groups, again to show that we are all equal.”
Loughborough High School
Football Talent Pathway
A potential future Lioness, currently studying at the High School, has been scouted for an exclusive football talent programme.
Bea, who is in Year 9, trains with the Aston Villa girls’ academy twice a week, with matches at weekends. She was invited to a Future Lioness Talent ID event following a referral to the Football Association’s ‘Discover My Talent’ initiative in September.
The referral proved to be successful, and Bea will now be monitored and supported for progression onto the FA Women’s England Talent Pathway, being trained with the potential to be a future Lioness!
Girl Scoops British Maths Olympiad Merit Award
Year 13 pupil, Amanda, showcased her mathematical prowess at the UK Maths Trust Senior Maths Challenge; a 90-minute, 25 multiple choice question challenge consisting of stimulating problems designed to make students think and problem-solve.
Those who do exceptionally well are invited to take part in the even more challenging British Mathematical Olympiad, which involves sitting a 3.5 hour paper, with full written solutions. The invite to participate in this challenge is an incredible achievement alone, but for Amanda to be awarded a merit meant that her score was above the median and mean score of the entire elite cohort!
Top Slot in Chemistry Competition
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The annual competition, which has been running for over 20 years, is designed to inspire excitement about chemistry, and fuel students’ curiosity around the subject.
The number of schools entering the Competition has almost tripled since last year, meaning that the competition was extremely tight. However, despite this, the High School finished as the highest independent school team in Leicestershire, narrowly losing out by one point on the opportunity to compete in the Regional Finals at Derby University.
Five teams
Year 9, 10 and 11 girls took part in the Royal Society of Chemistry’s Top of the Bench Competition at the end of 2023.
Over a Century of Dedication
Five teachers have racked up over a century of dedication and teaching within our Schools and are now enjoying retired life! They might have taught you, or even your children, so we hope you join us in wishing them, and all the teachers that have retired or moved onto new adventures the best of luck!
Alison Justice –Loughborough High School
Having worked within the Religious Studies Department at the High School for 18 years Alison decided to retire in the summer of 2023. Alison said, “I have many fond memories of the past 18 years. The girls have always been a pleasure to teach and the RS Department has been great fun to be a part of – with a special mention to Jane Lewis, Head of Department before I took over the reins! I thoroughly enjoyed my time managing the High School cross country teams and the brilliant results they achieved over the years. I accompanied numerous academic and sporting trips overseas with both LHS and the Grammar; highlights including Poland, Rome and South Africa.
My connection and gratitude to The Foundation extends beyond my own teaching career, as all three of our boys spent time here. My husband, Philip and myself are immensely proud of Edwin, Henry and George and are indebted to the Grammar School, and Fairfield in George’s case, for supporting us in helping them to become the wonderful young men they are today.”
Dr Emma Eadie –Loughborough High School
We said farewell to Dr Eadie, who retired after almost 30 years of service to Loughborough Schools Foundation. Originally appointed in 1994 as a teacher of History at LGS and subsequently becoming LGS Head of Politics, Emma then joined the High School as Head of History in 1999.
She inspired, enthused and entertained generations of girls with her blend of wit and intellectual rigour. Dr Eadie has always been generous with her time beyond the classroom, as a Form Tutor to Year 10, 11 and Sixth Form, as well as Head of House, EPQ Lead and a member of the Careers Department, supporting all the university applicants and providing specialist support to those applying to Oxbridge. More recently, she took a turn in House Drama and the staff panto and, for several years took on the role of ‘Chief Bearder’ for Tableaux. Emma was a muchloved colleague, teacher, mentor, philosopher and friend, she will be greatly missed by us all who had the pleasure of working with her and being taught by her.
“Dr Eadie inspired me, encouraged me, recognised my full potential and believed in me whenever I doubted myself. Her legendary history lessons were iconic to say the least - learning was a true joy!”
Emma Davies (FFD 2010; LHS 2017)
“Dr Eadie, thank you. Thank you for being one of those teachers who view students as individuals; thank you for encouraging me to be myself and see my strengths; thank you for continuing to inspire my own teaching practice.”
Heather Korm (née Topham, LHS 2003)
Helen Waldron (FFD 1979; LHS 1986) –Fairfield Prep School
Helen Waldron will be ending her career at Fairfield after an impressive 26 years. Having worked for three headmasters, Helen has worked as Head of Year and Pre-Prep English Coordinator and her commitment has been unconditional. Andrew Earnshaw said, “Helen’s departure will truly mark the end of an era at Fairfield. She is a ray of sunshine, embodying the spirit of Fairfield.”
Helen adds: “Having loved my education at Fairfield, once I qualified as a teacher, it was my ambition to return to teach there. When I wrote to the Headmaster Mr Eadon in 1997, he welcomed me onto his staff and my career at Fairfield began. I feel very privileged to have worked with such dedicated and inspirational staff, wonderful children and supportive parents. However, when a past pupil of mine became the Deputy Head and I began to teach the children of children I had taught, it was time to go! Leaving alongside my colleague and friend, Hilary Baxter, seemed perfect as we started on the same day. Taking early retirement means I now have more time to spend with family and friends and to cover classes from time to time!”
Hilary Baxter –Fairfield Prep School
Hilary Baxter is looking forward to rediscovering former pastimes and glories on the golf course as she announced her retirement after 26 years at Fairfield.
Andrew Earnshaw said: “She has been an absolute superstar in the classroom and has undoubtedly had a significant impact on the generations of pupils she has nurtured over the years including my youngest son Edan when he started Fairfield in Year 1. I am certain that all staff and parents will share in offering her my heartfelt thanks for everything she has done for the children, and of course, Fairfield over the years.”
Steve Hatfield (FFD 1973; LGS 1980)Loughborough Grammar School
Following a career change in his early 40s, Steve started teaching in September 2003, joining his sons Thomas and Oliver who had just completed their first year at LGS. He said: “I quickly felt at home with tremendous support from John Weitzel and John Fernandez who both taught me when I was a pupil, as well as Alan Dossett as Head of Maths. There were plenty of familiar faces even though I’d left the school 23 years earlier.”
Whilst Steve was a Maths Teacher, he also got involved with sport and enjoyed several years in charge of U15B and U13 rugby teams. He became Head of Tennis at the same time as a talented crop of tennis players joined the School. He recalls; “Without any meaningful input from me we managed to win a national title in 2004 and regularly competed in national finals over the next few years.”
During his retirement Steve plans to travel with his wife. He said: “Six months in, we are already wondering how we had the time to work but are enjoying not being governed by school timetables and embracing being new grandparents.”
Alumni News
February
Alumni came together in Hong Kong for a drinks reception to meet and hear from the LGS Head.
Felix Buxton (LGS 1988), one half of Basement Jaxx, returned to campus for the Musician of the Year Concert and was keen to see our new Recording Studio.
September July
Our most recent alumni joined us for the Homecoming BBQ on what felt like the hottest day of the year!
Alumni joined us for our first Alumni Garden Party, before enjoying the musical talents of pupils at Al Fresco.
LGS alumni and former staff came together to celebrate a century of rugby at the Grammar School.
November
Alumni from across the Schools came together to celebrate their 10 Year Reunion with the merriment continuing well into the night.
April
May
Alumni and donors enjoyed our first ever 1495 Society Dinner.
June
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December
Alumni joined us to watch the Loughburians Alumni Cricket Team take on the LGS 1st XI for the Sam Yaxley Trophy, whilst looking at cricket archive material.
High School pupils continued the tradition of Tableaux much to the delight of our alumni.
Alumni who left OLCS 50 years ago came back to School for a trip down memory lane.
One
the many regular Concert, Cake and Company events that take place throughout the year.
Alumni Events
It has been a year full of events with over 1,000 alumni and friends coming together to reminisce and re-live their school days – here are just a few highlights!
Concert, Cake and Company
Introduced in 2023, our Concert, Cake and Company event series has proved to be a hit with local and musical alumni! Taking place three times a year, these events are an informal opportunity for alumni and friends to come together for a couple of hours in the afternoon. Alumni get to hear the varied musical talents of pupils from across the Schools as part of The Foundation’s weekly Lunchtime Live concerts and then enjoy coffee, tea, cake and lots of chatting in a warm and friendly space!
“The event is wonderful in providing a lovely way of returning to the Schools to see current generations performing, and then having time to chat. And of course, anyone you talk to is interesting because we have the Schools in common.”
Shirley Magilton (LHS 1975)
Alumni Garden Party
On Sunday 30 June we were delighted to be joined by almost 100 alumni for our first Alumni Garden Party – which proved to be so popular we had to change the location of the event to make sure we had enough space for everyone!
Alumni from across the decades came back to campus to catch-up with friends, show their families where they went to school and celebrate an all-important reunion year, whether they left the Schools 20 years ago or 60 years ago.
The day began with school tours led by the Heads, where alumni were able to find themselves in school photos and look around old classrooms. This was then followed by a drinks reception and food in the LHS Quad, where guests were able to reminisce and enjoy the afternoon before heading to Al Fresco, a musical extravaganza where musicians from across The Foundation perform. From small ensembles to larger choirs, bands and orchestras - all music genres are covered – and luckily the weather stayed dry!
Homecoming BBQ
A highlight in our events calendar for our most recent alumni is the Homecoming BBQ, a great opportunity for alumni who have left the Schools in the last four years. We were joined by almost 250 alumni at the start of September on what felt like the hottest day of the year!
The evening was filled with laughing, reminiscing and lots of catching up on university, early career journeys and travelling the world whilst enjoying a burger and drink. The merriment continued into Loughborough where familiar local pubs and bars were visited!
LGS in 70 Images
In February 2023 we hosted one of several online events – LGS in 70 Images. It was a great opportunity for alumni to delve into the history of LGS and hear from John Weitzel, LGS Archivist, from the comfort of their own homes. John talked about the process of creating the Loughborough Grammar School in 70 Images publication which was created to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee of the late Queen Elizabeth II. He shared how he chose the images and why they were picked from countless other photos, and answered questions from alumni as part of a Q&A.
This proved to be another popular event with 100 alumni joining us from all over the world and from across the Schools!
Organising your own reunion?
Get in touch and we can share some top tips and help reconnect you with your former classmates and teachers! Email us at alumni@lsf.org
Look out for more information!
As we approach 175 years of the High School and Amherst, 2025 will host lots of celebratory events to mark the occasion. Keep an eye out for more information!
Carols by Candlelight
Batting for Your Dreams –World Cup Cricket Triumph
Congratulations are in order for Richard Merriman (LGS 1977), who represented England in the Over 60s cricket team, and Martyn Gidley (LGS 1987), who represented England in the Over 50s team. Not only did they represent their country, but both were successful in winning their tournaments. In February 2023, Richard and the Over 60s won by 70 runs against Australia, whilst in March 2023, Martyn and the Over 50s won by seven wickets against Australia.
Richard’s competition took place in Barbados, where he captained the team as they competed in the Caribbean World Cup. They won all their games except one!
Although Richard’s team faced challenges such as adjusting to different wickets and a lack of game time and training prior to the tournament, their first few games allowed them to settle into their stride as the tournament progressed.
Richard said: “Winning was definitely the highlight of the tournament, but to top it all off, I got to meet some cricketing legends, including Sir Charlie Griffith, Sir Wes Hall, Sir Gordon Greenidge and Joel Garner!”
Richard’s passion for cricket is lifelong, and his skills were honed at the Grammar School, where he was Captain of the cricket team. Although Richard played cricket for both Leicestershire and Derbyshire when he was younger, he never quite reached his goal of playing for England, which kept his passion for the sport growing. That determination was rewarded in 2019 when he was first selected for the England team.
Following his success in Barbados, Richard had the honour of leading the squad again in the Seniors World Cup in Chennai, India, earlier this year. Sadly, the team narrowly missed out to Australia by eight wickets. He said: “They were worthy winners. Our score of 217 off our 45 overs was 30 runs short of par. They bowled superbly and fielded brilliantly. Despite our best efforts, we could not make the necessary breakthrough, and the Aussies came home with three overs to spare. It was a disappointing end to a fine campaign.”
He adds: “To wait until you are 60 to make your England debut requires a good degree of patience. To then be asked to captain your England side is a dream come true and a huge privilege and honour.”
With the Over 50s England cricket team, Martyn’s World Cup win in March 2023 took place in Cape Town, South Africa, where again they won all but one of their games. Martyn said: “To win the World Cup has been amazing, and the whole tournament was fantastic. Cape Town is a fantastic city, and the facilities at the schools and clubs were outstanding. It was also great to beat South Africa twice after having lived there for 11 years. In both games, I was delighted to contribute to the winning cause – I bowled nine overs 2-26 and then hit the winning runs in scoring 22 off 19 balls, including a six to win the game. In the World Cup final at the iconic Newlands cricket ground, I took three important wickets to help us win by 65 runs. To play at Newlands, with the backdrop of Table Mountain, was very special. To top it off, the England side regained the ‘Ashes’ by beating Australia in two games after the World Cup.”
Martyn, who also teaches cricket at LGS, is grateful for the support he has received, which has allowed him to make lifelong memories and realise his dream!
Martyn has since been selected for the inaugural Over 50s International against Ireland in Dublin in May 2024. The cricket calendar is jam-packed, with Martyn attending training camps to prepare for games against Australia, India and Wales in the summer in three ‘Ashes’ matches and the Marlborough Cup. Martyn hopes to be involved in some of these matches and the next Over 50s World Cup in Sri Lanka in February 2025.
Cricket has been a huge part of both Richard and Martyn’s lives and they are linked by Richard’s late father, Peter Merriman, who not only coached Richard, but was also Martyn’s first cricket coach at primary school.
Want to read more?
Loughburians’ Cricket
Written by John Weitzel (LGS Archivist)
For the first time ever, the Loughburian Cricketers entered the Cricketer Trophy travelling to Cambridge for their first-round tie against the Old Leysians. With heavy rain forecast, it was decided to reduce the game from 50 to 30 overs aside, hoping to get a full game completed. Unfortunately, the rain came first and the Loughburians were defeated by 7 runs.
The game against the School for the Sam Yaxley Trophy followed a familiar pattern with the Loughburians arriving with a strong side. Batting first, after the early loss of Charlie Royle (LGS 2017), Aryan Patel (FFD 2015; LGS 2022) and Rikhil Vivekanand (LGS 2020) soon restored normal service, but it was James O’Kelly (FFD 2011; LGS 2018) with 130 not out, that got the team to an imposing 313-6 – possibly the first time that an alumni side has scored successive centuries in the School fixture. It was then time for the pupils to bat who lost 3 early wickets thanks to the bowling of Tom Fraser (FFD 2013: LGS 2020) and then late wickets thanks to Paul Kelly (LGS 1991). Paul had come to spectate, but was forced into action after lunch – thankfully he had his kit in his car! The pupils provided real resistance with the School reaching 233, but the Loughburians won by 80 runs.
The traditional fixture against Elvaston Park CC in the picturesque Country Park got off to an explosive start when Jonty Reading (LGS 2022) took two early wickets, bowling the fastest seen recently by an alumni bowler ending up with figures of 3-25. He was well supported by Danny Hemmings (LGS 1996), Martin Ladkin (LGS 2004) and Mark Ashcroft (LGS 2004), who
ended with 4-30. As is often the way, the Loughburians ran out of bowlers, so the 10 overs they had to find went for 94 runs, enabling Elvaston to post a demanding 234. In reply, the alumni side were 12-3 when torrential rain, thunder and lightning brought the game to an early close.
Rain yet again threatened the annual fixture against Leicestershire Gentlemen when, after just one over, the players fled due to a heavy downpour. Fortunately, play resumed, and what followed was a spectacular game of cricket. Despite a fine 98 by opener Ben Sercombe, Rikhil Vivekanand with 2-29 and then Tom Ingle (FFD 2016; LGS 2023) with 3-43 restricted Leicestershire Gents to 255 all out. In reply, Joe Purvis (FFD 2003; LGS 2010) with a quick fire 45, Ed Collins (FFD 2001; LGS 2008) with 42 and Martin Ladkin with 39 all aided Savan Desai (LGS 2012) to challenge the target. The last over started with Savan on 68 and the Loughburians requiring 4 for victory. Off the first ball Savan was clean bowled, and it was left to Alex Blackhall (LGS 2010) and Tom Ingle to scramble three runs off the next four balls to bring the scores level. Off the final ball, Alex missed it and as the batsmen tried to complete the required run, the wicket keeper tried to throw down the stumps but missed and the bowler then threw down his set of stumps. Leicestershire Gents thought they had won, but by the finest of margins Alex had got home to win the game by two wickets. Unusually, the Leicestershire Gents side contained six recent alumni, and so the game was played in magnificent spirit.
Did you know there is a cricket Facebook group?
Scan the QR code to join the group!
Next up was the Spring Meeting at Stanton-on-the-Wolds Golf Club on a beautiful spring day with clear skies! Having not won the trophy for 20 years, Dave Barnett pipped Will Scrivins (LGS 1979) and Jon Soars (LGS 1980) on a back nine count back.
Alumni then came together for the annual Quincentennial Trophy in July and although the competition winner was a Rothley member, the leading Loughburian was Ian Agar (LGS 1975) with 40 points.
Roger Bayes (FFD 1973; LGS 1980) then led an alumni side against LGS pupils in September and it was fantastic to be joined by Honorary Loughburian’s Life Member Robert Hallam
(LGS 1954), who met all the players before they tee’d off. After a closely fought contest, the Loughburians retained the annual trophy by a match score of 3-1.
As the end of the year approached, there were still three fixtures left including the Autumn Meeting at Charnwood Forest Golf Club, and whilst it has no bunkers, it has challenging holes and some tricky slopes on the greens. It was great to welcome back Malcolm Carrington (LGS 1966), Chris Drane (LGS 1976), Ben Keast (LGS 1996) and Ian Anderson (LGS 1973), along with Robert Hallam. The scores on the day were very good, with several scores of 30 points or more, but taking first place was Pippa Arkle (née Stephens, LHS 1999) – the first woman to win the trophy!
The Graffton Morish Finals was the penultimate fixture with the talented teams of Dave Saul (LGS 2007) and Phil Saul (LGS 2005); Scott Hamilton (LGS 2014) and George Griffiths (LGS 2011); and Avraj Ghaly (LGS 2007) and Joe Halfpenny (LGS 2016) taking part across the weekend. Their first-round match was against Felstead, who they beat earlier in the year – so hopes were high! Scott and George won their match on the 12th hole but unfortunately, the other pairs found it difficult with Felstead eventually winning. The next day brought the plate competition and the team did brilliantly to finish 4th – securing a place for the Bowl knockout plate competition semi-final. This was also a nailbiting affair with all but one match finishing on the 18th hole.
The Bowl Final then took an unexpected turn when a Repton player retired injured, meaning we won the match by default –we only needed to win one of the other matches, or halve them both, to win the Bowl for the second time in three years. Despite
the matches being close, Loughborough were always ahead and the Bowl was eventually won! So, despite the disappointment of losing in the first round of the competition, the team fought back.
The golf season ended with friendly competition against the Nottinghamians and hopes that the expected rain would stay away, which it did! Unfortunately for Nottingham, they were a player down meaning one of their players single handedly took on Pippa Arkle and Richard Graham (LGS 1994), who won comfortably. Loughborough won the last match on the 18th hole meaning that the overall match was a draw however, Nottingham retained the trophies.
We are looking forward to hosting next year’s match where we hope to win back the trophies for Loughborough!
Par-take in the golf!
Dates for upcoming fixtures can be found by scanning the QR code.
A First for the Autumn Trophy
In September 2023, Pippa Arkle (née Stephens, LHS 1999) was the first female winner of the Autumn Trophy as she dominated the golf course when the Loughburians played at Charnwood Forest Golf Club. As one of only a few female members of the Loughburians’ Golf Society, Pippa is keen for more female players to join.
She said, “The Loughburians are not alone in this. Other alumni golf groups that we play against don’t have many female members either and that is something I want to change.”
Pippa was keen to join the group to network with the other Loughburians and alumni from other schools in a relaxed environment. She explained, “I felt sure I would meet people who would have insights, experience and recommendations that would
benefit my business – Cathy Stephens Jewellery. I always prefer to use companies that I have personal knowledge of or people that I know and trust, use themselves or recommend.”
Pippa adds, “The Loughburians team is a great group, and I would encourage any ladies who play golf to come along. I would equally encourage other younger Loughburian golfers to join in. Whether you are looking to just play more golf at more courses or if you are looking for networking opportunities, I can’t recommend it enough.”
She said, “I’ve hacked it around knocking up a cricket score, thrashed the opposition, been thrashed, and finally won a trophy. It took longer than I had hoped, but I’m delighted to have my name engraved on this impressive trophy.”
The Loughburians’ Golf Society is open to all alumni whether you are a LGS, LHS, LAS or an OLCS alum!
From Golf Scholarship to Professional Golfer!
Having completed a five-year golf scholarship and graduated with a degree in Environmental Science and a postgraduate certificate from the University of Kansas, Esme Hamilton (LHS 2018) is excited to have returned home to play golf professionally on the Ladies European Access Tour.
The Ladies European Access Tour is a professional golf tour for the 2024 season, and Esme will be working to finish at the top of the order of merit to gain a place to play on the Ladies European Tour from 2025 onwards. She said: “I am excited to compete for wins among the top players on this tour to work onto the top LET tour. The LETAS tour will involve playing in just under 20 tournaments across Europe and the UK throughout the year.”
During her time at Loughborough High School, she developed a work ethic and time management skill set that allowed her to balance schoolwork with junior golf.
Esme was helped by the introduction of the School’s Elite Athlete programme and said “Thankfully, the School was very supportive in Sixth Form and let me use the CCF afternoons and PE time to devote to golf practice. I’m very grateful that the academic expectations at LHS prepared me to graduate with both Magna Cum Laude honours and achieve golfing success.”
She adds, “Being a female, new to professional golf, does have its challenges. I am currently looking for potential sponsors who would be interested in collaborating and financially supporting me to play on tour across Europe.”
Want to read more?
You can read the full golf report online by scanning the QR code.
Did you know there is a Golf Facebook group? Scan the QR code to join the group.
A Century on the Pitch: The History of LGS Rugby
Written by John Weitzel (LGS Archivist)
In 2023, Loughborough Grammar School celebrated 100 years of rugby, marking a significant chapter in its history.
LGS has a long-standing record of producing top-tier players, coaches, and memorable performances over the decades. Wearing the School’s navy, or historically, the pink and navy shirt, has been a mark of honour for hundreds of individuals over the years. The success of LGS rugby owes much to the dedication of players, coaches, support staff, and volunteers who have contributed to its legacy.
Reflecting on the journey from the first rugby match in 1922, where enthusiasm abounded despite challenges in grasping the game’s rules, to the establishment of the first official team 26 years later, LGS’s rugby tradition has grown immensely. Today, the 1st XV embark on major international tours biennially, with destinations including South Africa, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, and Japan, showcasing the global reach of its rugby programme.
The Loughburian of February 1922 reports the following: ‘An innovation has been made this term in the sporting activities of the School. The ‘Soccer’ fixture list having been completed, Hockey and Rugby football practices have been held. Great enthusiasm was shown for both games, and, though the rules of ‘Rugger’ presented many difficulties to those who had not played before, and, indeed, had in some cases never witnessed a match, the games have been keenly contested, and a considerable amount of talent has been discovered in both games. Indeed, with further practice, it should be possible to build up teams which will uphold the reputation of the School in these directions as well as in ‘Soccer’ and Cricket.’
The Loughburian of May 1923 records: ‘The Rugby Teams have not done brilliant things this term as regards scoring, but, considering this is the first season they have played matches, the play has been quite promising.’
1st XV:-
Jan
“Rugby taught all of us about the values of teamwork, a strong ethos and belief that there is no substitute for hard work, that we could all “reach for the stars”, achieve higher goals and ultimately success.”
Andy Stevens (LGS 1977), 1st XV Captain 1976-77
“We didn’t play rugby because it was cute. We played for the rough and tumble of the game, with eyes wide open and an innocent self-belief that, together, we could win. And we did!”
Tim Coburn (LGS 1976), 1st XV Captain 1975–76
Celebrating the Big 100
2nd
It seems to be the general opinion that for either Soccer or Rugger to be any good it would be better to adopt one game entirely, and see whether better results could be obtained.
J.D.Peabody, Football Sec.
It is clear that this final statement was adopted and finally in spring 1948 a small band of enthusiasts marked out a rugby pitch with cricket stumps on the 1st XI soccer field and rugby was re-introduced at the School, initially alongside soccer, with the first match being played that autumn – a 17-3 defeat to Barrow G.S. The School’s first victory came in their third match, 24-3 against Loughborough College, and in that first ‘full season’ eight matches were played of which four were won, three lost and one was drawn. Points for 110; Points against 89.
The following season saw rugby firmly established. The 1st XV won 13 of its 18 matches with ‘It is pleasing to note that several of last season’s 1st XI soccer team have become good rugger players and have played regularly for the 1st XV.’ A 2nd XV was formed which won five of its eight matches and for the first time a series of inter-house matches were played with North House winning on points difference.
The first junior side was formed for the 1951-52 season with the creation of the U15 XV which won seven of its eight matches. Interestingly three of that side also played for the 1st XV, something that could not happen today. That was followed by the U14 XV for the season 1954-55 which won three of its four matches. It then took until the early 1960s for the U13 XV and U12 XV to be created.
As the School grew in size it was possible to reintroduce football alongside rugby and hockey in 2004, whilst the playing fields at Quorn enabled B teams to be put out regularly for the rugby teams. In 2018-2019, the rugby teams played 169 fixtures; the hockey teams 215 and the footballers 51.
In September, a centenary celebration was hosted for rugby. It was a day soaked in nostalgia and pride, bringing together alumni and former staff members spanning decades, from the Classes of 1951 to 2017. From tours and lunch, to witnessing the current 1st XV team compete against Trent College. Despite a loss, the spirit of the event was undiminished, buoyed by the support of over 100 alumni.
LGS Head, Helen Foster, expressed her delight at welcoming back generations of rugby enthusiasts, including past players, captains, and notable coaches like Ced Davies, who coached many players from 1971-2009. This event also served to honour the legacy of those who have contributed significantly to the School’s rugby success but are no longer with us.
The celebration also highlighted the development opportunities available to younger players, with tours to places like Blackpool, Belfast, Edinburgh, and South Wales, and a beneficial partnership with Loughborough University.
Emyr Lewis, Head of Rugby and Performance Sport said: “We are so proud to be celebrating 100 years of rugby here at Loughborough Grammar. The School has witnessed generations of rugby talent pass through its doors, and I genuinely believe that our rugby offering continues to go from strength to strength. With the recent launch of our new Players Pathway Programme funded by Exigent Group, we have been able to take even the most exceptional rugby players to the next level.”
A Medal-ly of Royal Honours and Lifetime Achievements!
For most, receiving a Royal Honour is a distant dream, but for Simon Read BEM (LGS 1983), Lieutenant Colonel Nick Andrew OBE (LGS 1990), Major Hamish Davison MBE (LGS 2006) and George Robinson OBE (LGS 2007) this dream has become a reality having been recognised for their determination and hard work in their respective areas from community work and politics, to the military.
From the CCF to the Military
Lieutenant Colonel Nick Andrew was awarded an OBE in the King’s New Year’s Honours for his efforts in delivering significant change in NATO in how they understand and deliver strategic communications.
Nick chose to go straight into Army training at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, after which he was commissioned into the Royal Regiment of Artillery and has operational experience both as an artillery specialist and an operational planner in Belize, Bosnia, Kosovo, Cyprus and Afghanistan.
Over the last 10 years, he’s become specialised in warfare development with extensive experience in policy, doctrine and concept development, as well as operational lessons. He has been the NATO and UK’s lead for developing operational tradecraft manuals in a variety of areas from strategic communications to military public affairs. He has also been the lead
developer for a new geo-political and audience understanding process to support decision making and the execution of military activities.
Nick is currently serving in Istanbul, as an operatıonal planner within the NATO Rapid Deployable Corps Türkiye and is continuing to train and educate the NATO strategic communications community, but plans to retire in 2027. He will then establish a business to provide consultancy, evaluation and training for the international defence and security sector.
Nick has fond memories of his time at LGS where he was a boarder and in the Army section of the CCF, under the watchful eye of George Beazley, sowing the seeds for a life in the military. Rugby was Nick’s great passion and under the guidance of Ced Davies was one of the very few to make the first team from the fifth form to upper sixth, as well as representing Leicestershire at every year group.
Recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours List, Major Hamish Davison has been awarded an MBE for his work leading the Counter Terrorism and UK Operations Team.
Having been fascinated with the military from a young age, Hamish was drawn to a career in the Army. Whilst at the Grammar School, he was involved in the CCF which gave him a good introduction to military skills such as learning how to fire a rifle. At the age of 16, Hamish was awarded an Army Scholarship which involved a thorough selection process including interviews and physical and academic tests.
After finishing his A Levels he went on to study Architectural Engineering at Leeds University before starting his officer training at the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst. He has now served in the Army for 12 years. Over the past couple of years, Hamish has worked in the Ministry of Defence, as the lead for all Land Operations within the Counter Terrorism and UK Operations team. He was also part of the ceremonial procession for the Queen’s funeral last year.
Lieutenant Colonel Nick Andrew OBE (LGS 1990)
Major Hamish Davison MBE (LGS 2006)
Simon Read BEM (LGS 1983): From Education to Community
In December 2022, Simon was told he was being awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) as part of the King’s New Year’s Honours for his work in the community and with the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme.
Simon said, “It was a huge surprise but also an incredible honour. It was amazing and truly humbling in making me realise that I have made such an impact on people over the years.”
Simon’s time at LGS wasn’t all smooth sailing, but he remembers the support offered by teachers, particularly Mr Thorpe, which
was pivotal in shaping his journey. Becoming a teacher himself, he took on the task of creating a Duke of Edinburgh group, growing the programme with 250 students completing the Bronze Award. The knock-on effect was that 150 students continued to the Silver Award, with a further 56 progressing to the Gold Award.
Simon has also been active in his Cheshire village community, “I’ve been involved in organising and running activities such as concerts, village fetes and litter picks. The money raised is used to improve the community in varying projects, from planting to painting. From this, I was asked to join the Parish Council and became the Chair four years ago.”
His Chairmanship coincided with the start of COVID leading Simon to establish groups to support vulnerable people in his village which are still going today. Over the years, Simon has also supported charity work through completing challenges.
In April 2023, Simon was awarded his BEM by the Lord Lieutenant of Cheshire and attended the Coronation Garden Party at Buckingham Palace the following month.
“Throughout your life you have an opportunity to change people’s lives for the better. LGS is your starting point”
Simon Read BEM (LGS 1983)
George Robinson OBE (LGS 2007): From Humanities to Politics
George Robinson’s ascension to receiving an OBE is a story of academic pursuit and significant public service. George has worked in the Civil Service for just over a decade, joining HM Treasury as a graduate in 2013, after studying Politics at Manchester and Oxford. After working in various roles at HM Treasury – including working teams responsible for organising the Budget and for education spending – George secured a secondment from the Civil Service in 2015 to take up a Thouron Scholarship and study in the United States. More recently, he has worked on the UK’s exit from the European Union and was a private secretary to David Davis when he was Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union. In his latest role, George has been working on post-Brexit arrangements for Northern Ireland at the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office and the Cabinet Office.
George remembers his time at LGS fondly, “I was lucky to have some excellent teachers at Loughborough Grammar School and I particularly enjoyed the humanities subjects - English, Philosophy, History and Politics. I also took up cross country running, which has become a lifelong habit – my general enthusiasm has never quite compensated for my lack of aptitude. Nevertheless, I’ve managed three marathons to date and plan to do another this year!”
George received his honour at Buckingham Palace in May with his wife, Chloe, and his parents, Carol and Mike.
A Scout’s Adventures
Written by Jonathan Bailey (FFD 2002; LGS 2009)
Igot involved in Scouting at an early age, and I know many who enjoyed their weekly meeting in the CCF hut. For me Scouting has certainly opened up opportunities at work, for travel, and to make new friends.
Three years ago, I accepted a role on the UK Management team for the World Scouts Jamboree, which takes place every four years. In 2023, the 25th Jamboree was held in South Korea with an expected 43,000 Scouts from 158 countries expected to take part.
I was tasked with taking 4,500 UK Scouts to South Korea and worked with a fantastic volunteer team that had different skills and backgrounds – made extra challenging when I moved to Australia for work! The team sorted everything from the initial recruitment of a wider support team, travel, kit and event management plans, to welfare and training. My role was recruiting and training our International Service Team (IST) – an 800-strong collective of adult volunteers. The team were fantastic and aimed to be the most diverse and inclusive UK Contingent yet. However, in all our planning we could never have foreseen the challenges that we eventually faced.
You may have seen media coverage documenting the initial challenges of a site recovering from pre-event flooding, followed by an unseasonal 30+ degree heatwave. However, this only exaggerated other challenges we faced when a small advance team and I arrived on site. Delivering a Jamboree for 40,000 people is like setting up a town two thirds the size of Loughborough from scratch, and providing all the core facilities needed such as a hospital, food supply, water, and sanitation. The truth is that when we arrived these basics were not in place, and we had to work hard with the organisers to get the site ready for the Jamboree. Our young people were having a fantastic preevent in Seoul so we delayed their arrival for 24 hours.
Unfortunately, once on site we then had to make the hard decision to move back to Seoul. A logistical challenge, pulled off successfully by my team arranging the relocation transport and new hotel bookings for 4,500 UK Scouts in under 24 hours. We were shortly followed by other nations and regretfully the Jamboree was closed early due to a Typhoon.
Now in an unplanned phase of our Jamboree I am proud of my team and the volunteers who delivered a very different,
but equally engaging Jamboree that was put together in a day showing how creative and resourceful Scouts can be. Activities included visits to the Demilitarised Zone, cultural performances, visits to palaces and temples, and city-wide games and challenges. We culminated the two weeks with a cultural event generously hosted by SaRang Community Church, the largest underground church building in Korea, where we came together with other nations to share our different cultures, taste different foods and listen and watch music and dance performances.
The Jamboree ended on a high with the closing ceremony at the Seoul World Cup stadium with an out of this world K-Pop concert!
Written by Pip Cottam (LHS 1998)
I reflect on the three weeks with admiration for those who volunteered their time and who made the Jamboree a safe and successful event despite the challenges. Every young person I spoke to had a fantastic time and took away special memories from Korea. As a country it is a place I will definitely be visiting again.
The Scout motto is ‘be prepared’. I am not sure if we could have ever prepared for what we faced. However, all the plans we had made and the strong team we put together meant we were able to adapt when needed and lean on the varied skills each of us possessed, to deliver a unique Jamboree experience.
Scouting has also helped me reconnect with fellow alumni over the years as our paths cross at events, so whether you were in the Scouts or the Guides, or you have never been involved before, I would encourage you to reach out to your local group to see how you can help. There is a role for everyone!
One alum that Jonathan connected with at the Jamboree was Pip Cottam (LHS 1998).
Pip said, “We realised that we were both Loughburians in South Korea! It was quite funny and really nice to have the link, I think we both have fond memories of school and so it was nice to have another connection, over and above the scouting one.”
This World Scout Jamboree was Pip’s second, making her very lucky. “Jamborees are a unique experience, hard to describe to anyone who hasn’t experienced one,” Pip explained. “I’ve only actually been a member of the Scouts for nine years, when my eldest child joined, but its where I’ve found a home and friends for life. It’s given me opportunities to volunteer in ways which I never thought possible and seeing adults and young people develop, grow and improve the world around them is inspiring and humbling – I feel privileged to be a part of the movement.”
Pip’s luck sadly didn’t extend to her children who were unsuccessful in getting a place with over 120 applicants for 36 places locally. As Co-Head of Operations for the Staff Hub, Pip looked after the 8,000 adults onsite in South Korea. “After meeting the team in Seoul, we travelled to site and found some immediate issues which needed our attention. In the first few days before most of the other adult volunteers got to site, we encountered the local weather and its impact on the site....but we persevered and prepared for the arrival of the IST and Scouts. Tents were issued, questions were answered, and entertainment
and activities prepared and arranged. The staff hub was operational!” Pip explained.
And although there were challenges, Pip noted that, “One of the beautiful things about a Jamboree is the coming together of likeminded people from across the world with a common purpose –to deliver the best experience possible for the young people whilst looking after the adults as well.”
No two days were the same for Pip and ranged from sorting out food and tents and driving, to the onsite hospital, to inspecting toilets, reporting issues, diffusing frustrated adults and literally everything in between. Pip talked about her team with pride, “My team were amazing and I’m proud of every single one of them. We wouldn’t have run as well as we did without their enthusiasm, hard work and fabulousness.”
Just as Pip and her team were getting into their stride, they were thrown a curveball – contingents leaving the site and then its full evacuation due to the impending typhoon. “Mobilising 43,000 people in a short space of time is a sight to be beholden. As ever, the Scouting spirit was evident and everyone was relocated, so it wasn’t the end of the Jamboree - it just continued somewhere else. As I was then based in Seoul, I helped out at the world largest underground church for a cultural day and spent time exploring with friends I’d met along my jamboree journey as well as attending the very impressive closing ceremony,” Pip said.
Whilst it was a different experience to Pip’s first Jamboree in West Virginia, USA, she came away in awe of the dedication, hard work and resilience of the Scouting movement and volunteers who make these events possible.
It doesn’t stop here for Pip though, her next International Scout adventure is as IST Coordinator for the Roverway planning team, which is being held in Norway in the Summer of 2024!
Thank You
Our Amazing Alumni Volunteers!
Alumni continue to support our Schools with their time and expertise! Throughout 2023 alone, 84 alumni provided careers advice, gave talks, represented the alumni community on our alumni committees, ran our Golf and Cricket societies and contributed to our many communications.
We want to say a huge thank you and share just some of their experiences!
An Evening of Careers Advice
In October 2023, Loughborough Grammar School hosted their biennial Careers Dinner for pupils in Year 9 to Year 13, giving them an opportunity to network with alumni and other volunteers from within the LSF Community, who are established within their chosen careers. A fantastic 13 alumni volunteered their time to support the evening, representing various careers from law and elite sport, to engineering and the Armed Forces. Alumni took the time to speak with pupils, tell them about their careers and inspire them with tales of their journeys from leaving school to where they are today.
“The
Careers Dinner
was my first time coming back as an alumnus and I was impressed with the student’s enthusiasm and intellectual curiosity. A very
well hosted event that enabled me to help the next generation discover more about finance.”
Deniz Gunbey (LGS 1999)
Inspiration for Careers in Food
Loughborough High School welcomed five alumni back to the School as part of an event to inform and inspire pupils about the routes and pathways that are open to them after studying Food Technology. Francesca Voyce (LHS 2010), Zara Grace (LHS 2021), Emily Wilkins (LHS 2016), Fran Brannam (LHS 2019) and Caitlin Cannon (LHS 2017) all studied Food Technology at the High School and have successful careers within the food industry in roles that range from marketing to product development.
They gave talks in assembly, during lessons and at lunchtime, detailing how they chose their options for GCSE and A Level, and the decisions they have made since leaving LHS and the paths these decisions have taken them down.
“What a great day spent back at School with four fellow alumni who share the same passion for inspiring the next generation to get into the food industry. We gave some exciting talks to girls and boys across The Foundation telling them about our experiences within the industry and how we got to where we are today! Our wide range of jobs gave them a great insight into the variety of the industry.”
Zara Grace (LHS 2021)
Loughborough Amherst School HAPPs Dinner and
Presentation Evening
Marc Vastenavondt, Head of Sixth Form at Amherst, was looking for a guest speaker for their inaugural High Academic Potential Pupils Dinner and Presentation Evening and was delighted when Dr Grace Hutchinson (OLCS 2005) volunteered. Grace was keen to speak to pupils about the importance of friendship and the role it plays in a long and happy life.
“It was truly wonderful to be back at the School and see how things have changed, but have also stayed very much the same. It was clear that Amherst has maintained the caring, supportive and nurturing environment that I remember from my time there. I had a lovely evening speaking with pupils, and I hope to return to future events to watch their progression through the years and see them flourish.”
Dr Grace Hutchinson (OLCS 2005)
Want to read more? Scan the QR code to find out more about Grace’s volunteer experience!
During her speech, Grace referred to The Harvard Study of Adult Development, designed to track the health and happiness of participants, which revealed that close relationships are what keep people happy. Grace assured pupils that being at Amherst would give all of them one of life’s greatest gifts – friendship!
£3.3 million
The Power of Philanthropy
In an extraordinary display of generosity, our alumni and donor communities have propelled us into a new era of philanthropy, amassing an unprecedented £3.3 million. This monumental achievement is a testament to the deep-rooted connection and shared vision of our alumni and friends, who are helping to shape the futures of our pupils.
Thanks to this fantastic level of support, we have been able to provide life changing academic and co-curricular opportunities for our young learners. In the last two years alone, donations have created 35 new bursaries for deserving students and their families, as well as hardship support for those in the Schools who are struggling financially. Philanthropy from our incredible alumni and donors has helped us to break down
barriers and provide equal opportunities amid growing financial challenges.
As well as providing bursaries, gifts continue to be a launchpad for new initiatives in STEM, enterprise, sports, and music, designed to nurture talented leaders, innovators, and changemakers of tomorrow. Each donation, regardless of its size, makes a huge difference to our pupils, promoting inclusivity and excellence, and developing our learners into well-rounded, knowledgeable and confident young people.
We extend our sincere gratitude to every donor who has joined us in this mission, reaffirming our commitment to not just educate but to empower. With your support, you are not just changing lives; you are shaping the future.
The Impact Of Your Giving
The Gift of Education
Gifts that fund bursaries and provide vital financial support for bursary recipients, enabling them to take part in educational opportunities or cover basic school essentials such as bus costs or school meals, are making a critical impact at LSF. Support from alumni and friends does more than open doors to our Schools; it nurtures a community where every student can flourish.
“The bursary gave me opportunities that I may never have had otherwise and helped me to achieve so much. I feel lucky to have been a part of such a special school, and that is entirely thanks to the bursary I received. The bursary allowed me to thrive and gave me opportunities that I never would have had without it. It has had a huge impact on both my academic success and personal growth, and I am extremely grateful to have benefited from it. I am currently a biomedical student at Trinity College, Oxford.”
Rosie (LAS 2022)
Enterprise Excellence
The LSF Enterprise Programme is an innovative initiative designed to nurture future business leaders by immersing them in real-world entrepreneurial experiences. This initiative enables students to transform theoretical knowledge into practical business operations, covering everything from business plans to marketing strategies. A testament to the programme’s effectiveness is its role in facilitating the launch of a student-led business venture that successfully marketed and sold a high-quality gaming PC to the Grammar School’s Classics Department.
Supported by alumni mentorship and donations, the programme not only fosters entrepreneurial spirit among students but also enhances educational experiences, as demonstrated by the Classics Department’s use of the PC to bring ancient civilisations to life through interactive learning.
Powering the Future of STEM Education
From STEM scholarships to 3D printers, donations from alumni have been at the forefront of every child’s education at LSF. STEM is embedded within all aspects of school life, enhancing our pupils’ knowledge through innovation, and inspiring them to think more deeply about science, technology, engineering and maths.
As a result, we have seen a significant number of students progress to study these subjects at university and go on to have successful careers within STEM.
Pathways to Sporting Success
Thanks to generous alumni donations, the innovative Rugby and Hockey Player Pathway programmes are revolutionising training for young athletes. These initiatives blend on-field skill development with off-field conditioning, including swimming and early workouts, to foster cohesive team spirit and significantly advance athletic skills. Aimed at both skill enhancement and preventing talent migration to competing schools, these pathways have successfully retained star rugby players and secured top hockey talents. We are also delighted to launch a Cricket Player Pathway and other sporting initiatives in 2024.
Beyond mere skill improvement, the Player Pathway programmes focus on shaping well-rounded individuals who embody confidence, teamwork, and joy, demonstrating the significant impact of dedicated training and strategic support in developing future sports stars.
Why I Give
Jenny Woods (FFD 1963; LHS 1974) holds a multifaceted role within our community that goes beyond her affiliation as an alum. As a parent of two alumni, Jenny’s connection with our Schools is deeply personal, underscoring her role in our supporter community. Jenny extends her commitment to The Foundation by actively volunteering on the Loughburians’ Alumni Association Committee.
Jenny said, “I felt very privileged that my parents sent me to LSF as a pupil, aged 9. My father and mother wanted to give me a very good all-round education that they did not have. They sacrificed a great deal to fund my education because of their belief in it being the cornerstone of a good future.
“I loved the opportunities that Fairfield and LHS gave me to meet people from all across the Midlands. The curriculum allowed me to try out new subjects and explore extra-curricular activities, offering the chance to explore new interests and build on my strengths and weaknesses in a supportive environment. LSF made me feel I belonged.
“When my children were old enough to join LSF, I knew that they would
be given the opportunity to be the best that they could be in whatever they chose to do in the future. Things like career days and dinners gave my children and others an opportunity to gain valuable insights from alumni and people working in industry, and this inspired my daughter to work in Environmental Health, specialising in improving rented private housing.
“Giving back to the Schools in a small way was very important to me because of all that we, as a family, had gained from belonging to LSF. I decided to donate as I could decide where my donation went within The Foundation, and I chose to support the bursary programme. I wanted to help young people to have the opportunities that the Schools gave my family members, and I know that contributions to the bursary scheme allow talented students who would not otherwise have access to LSF to obtain a broad, first-class education. It does not matter how small the donation is, whether it is a regular or irregular payment; every amount helps and is valued, which motivates me to donate.
“The enjoyment of giving time to the Alumni Committee has given me lifelong friendships and an opportunity to meet new people when visiting the School for events. It’s nice that LSF passionately believe in alumni members being part of a life-long family.”
Leaving a Gift in Your Will...
Imagine transforming lives long after you’ve turned the page on your own story – that’s the power of leaving a gift in your Will. A deeply personal gesture, we are incredibly grateful to alumni and friends who have chosen to leave their own lasting legacy.
Legacies enable us to provide bursaries for bright young people and state-of-the-art facilities that enable pupils to excel, offering opportunities they otherwise would not have had.
One generous gesture from you, no matter how big or small, can impact the lives of hundreds of pupils for years to come, ensuring you leave your mark on the Schools.
Did you know?
● You can remember loved ones and The Foundation in your Will and can choose how much of your estate you leave to family and charitable causes
● Gifts in Wills are exempt from inheritance tax due to The Foundation’s charitable status as a Registered Charity, number 1081765, in UK Law
The Music Lives On
The William Charles Recording Studio, a cutting-edge recording studio with a state-of-the-art mixing console, acoustics and equipment that allows pupils creativity and talent to shine and push boundaries was made possible thanks to the generosity of Dorothy Huston in memory of her late father, William Frederick Charles, a Loughborough Grammar School alum, Governor and founder of the famous Zenobia perfume shop.
Since its launch, the studio has been used by countless pupils, and has enabled us to expand our capacity to teach Music Technology A Level to pupils, encourage further collaboration from students across the Schools to play in groups, and become part of a vibrant community of passionate musicians.
Celebrating Impact: The 1495 Society Inaugural Dinner
In May 2023, we celebrated the inaugural dinner of the 1495 Society, recognising a special circle of donors. Established in 2023, the Society acknowledges those contributing £1,495 annually or £50,000 over a lifetime, directly supporting a tradition of excellence and accessibility in education.
Named to commemorate the philanthropic foresight of Thomas Burton and Ralph Lemyngton, who in 1495 used Burton’s bequest to establish Loughborough Grammar School, the Society continues their legacy. This tradition of giving was instrumental in founding Loughborough High School and Fairfield, embedding a culture of philanthropy within our Schools.
The event highlighted the Society’s collective role in funding 23 bursaries and ensuring students from all backgrounds
Campus Visits: A Trip Down Memory Lane
We like nothing more than welcoming alumni back to campus! Dozens of alumni have visited the Schools this year so here are just some of the highlights from 2023!
Reliving Memories
In March, Christine Coulter (LHS 1955) came back to Loughborough High School with school friends and looked through LHS archive materials, toured the School and regaled LHS archivist, Ellie Leeson (LHS 2018), with tales from their school days. They also enjoyed their first school lunch at Fairfield!
Having been Denton House parents in the 1960s Tony (LGS 1958) and Jill (LHS 1958) Johnson revisited campus in May and joined us for lunch. Tony and Jill recalled meeting at school with Tony’s bicycle tyres requiring regular ‘pumping’ outside the LHS Science lab windows, loitering there in the hope of catching a glimpse of Jill!
“The welcome received was so warm and friendly, and the atmosphere in the whole school poured out happiness.”
Christine Coulter (LHS 1955)
Sharing Memories
James Hamilton (LGS 2002) brought his family back from their home in Italy where he currently works as a design engineer for Ferrari as part of their F1 Team. A particular highlight for James was revisiting the Design Technology block which remains virtually unchanged from his time at school.
Travelling the furthest for a campus tour, Ben Byer (LGS 1994) who was visiting the UK from Australia, came back to campus with his wife, three children and brother Adam (LGS 1991). They were treated to a tour of campus and a trip up the LGS tower to see Loughborough and its skyline!
We’d love to see you If you’re planning a trip to Loughborough and would like to come back to campus, please do let us know by emailing alumni@lsf.org
Four Decades Later: A Joyful OLCS Reunion
Written by Nicola Ferger-Andrews (OLCS 1985)
After weeks of planning and organising, I reunited with my school friends at what used to be OLCS, but is now Amherst, on Friday 27 October, 40 years after leaving the hallowed grounds. It was a day I will remember with great fondness.
Four decades had slipped by since we last walked around the familiar grounds of what we affectionately called ‘The Convent’. The reunion wasn’t just an event but a portal to our past, a chance to revisit childhood memories and reunite with old friends. Back in 1983, we were a Grade 5 class fresh from completing our O Levels. Now, in our mid-fifties, we marvelled at how swiftly time had passed.
Two classmates, Sarah Stuart (née Storer, OLCS 1985) and Justine Grant (OLCS 1985), kickstarted the reunion. Armed with determination, they tracked down fellow alumni scattered across the globe. Our numbers swelled to over 25, and WhatsApp became our virtual meeting place. We swapped stories about careers, families, and life’s twists and turns. We spanned continents from the USA and Australia, to Thailand and Germany, yet our shared history bound us together.
When we arrived at the School, excitement buzzed in the air. Coffee and cake flowed, courtesy of the Development and Alumni Engagement Team. It was surprising that people really did not look or seem very different, and it was fun to be around so many old friends. Laughter echoed as we reconnected, weaving a tapestry of shared experiences.
We were thrilled to also be joined by the Headmaster, James Neville, who led us on a nostalgic tour, taking us along classrooms in the old part of the building and over to the Library in the ‘new building’. We took in the science block, then around to the Cloisters, up to the Sixth Form rooms, and ended in the Chapel. James’ anecdotes bridged the years, connecting past and present.
As we walked through the Convent’s hallways, memories surged forth. But fate had more in store. Sister Celine, seemingly summoned by nostalgia, joined our tour. And then, like an echo from our past, Sister Shelagh appeared. Their presence transformed our reunion into something really special, connecting our youth to the present.
Cameras clicked as we revisited familiar corners and shared memories. We recreated an iconic photo from four decades ago – the same image that we used for our invitation. In the quad, before St Rosmini’s statue, we stood, a living testament to time’s passage.
After leaving the grounds, we all explored Loughborough together. The Barrier, a landmark etched in our memories, beckoned. It became another photo opportunity, evoking laughter as we recalled our 16-year-old selves. The Barrier had witnessed our youthful escapades, and now it framed our reunion anew.
We headed into town to Goodliffe’s restaurant where we were welcomed for dinner. It was an intimate setting where stories flowed like fine wine. Photographs on phones were passed from hand to hand, each capturing a slice of our shared history. The evening swirled with warmth, hugs, and promises to stay connected.
At the end of the evening, a few of us ventured to The Three Nuns pub, a nod to our younger selves. Nightcaps in hand, we toasted to old times, laughter echoing in the cosy pub.
I would like to extend my thanks to the Alumni team, for their support in making this reunion extraordinary, and we eagerly await the next gathering, where hopefully, more of our group who live further away will be able to join.
75 Years and Still Going Strong
Written by Bas Hardy (LGS 1955) and Pete Walton (LGS 1955)
We call ourselves the ‘Class of ’48’, not because that’s the year we left the Grammar School, but because it is the year we joined – entering Form 3, Year 7 as it is now known, in September 1948. Since leaving school we have met regularly over the years, and our activities have even featured from time to time in the alumni magazine!
Previously, we had been invited back to the School to celebrate our 50th, 60th and 70th anniversaries with a lunch and an opportunity to reminisce over LGS archives and look around the School to see what has changed, and what has remained untouched. It was therefore a delight to be back on campus in October 2023 to celebrate our 75th anniversary reunion.
In 1998, about 30 of the group and their partners joined the reunion celebrations but, over the years, time has sadly taken its toll, particularly in very recent years. On this occasion we were further depleted as, for health reasons, five members of the group had become unable to make the journey and, unfortunately, because of date clashes, John King (LGS 1955) and Neil Wilkinson (LGS 1955) who usually join us from Australia and France respectively, were unable to make it. Nevertheless, with friends travelling from as far as Devon, Shropshire and Kent, nine of us made the reunion with our wives, along with two constant supporters – Wendy Saley (née de Ville, LHS 1955), and Jenny Foster (née Potts, LHS 1961) –whose partners were part of our friendship group but are sadly no longer with us.
On arrival in the Buckland Building, we were treated to teas, coffees and biscuits, whilst reminiscing over some specially selected archives from our era. Of course, we remember Buckland not as school offices, but as the shared home of the families of teachers Bill Redden (Maths) and Harry Bowen (Science).
Time seemed to pass too quickly as friendships were renewed, and the room buzzed with life-time updates, and one new astounding fact, namely, that Ian Simpson’s sons were the 7th generation of his family to attend LGS! Memories were shared of school day escapades and by the viewing of old photographs of previous get-togethers at the School, various hostelries and on canal narrow boats!
We continued our conversations over lunch in the Hodson Hall Extension which all of us thought was excellent and provoked thoughts of Miss Benskin’s valiant efforts in those long ago days of the late 1940s rationing!
Peter Walton proposed a toast to “Absent Friends”, and heartily thanked everyone for making it a very enjoyable day. We were continuously encouraged to come back in five years time for our 80th reunion – some challenge!
“It’s always amazing to see alumni maintain their friendships but Bas, Pete and the ‘Class of ‘48’ have kept them alive for 75 years relying on letters and landlines before technology made it easier! It is inspiring and a testament to their strong bonds that their friendships have stood the test of time!”
Laura Woodhouse, Alumni Engagement and Events Manager
Celebrating Three Generations of OLCS Alumni
The Schools have a strong tradition of family connections, with many alumni choosing to enrol their children in one of our Schools when the time comes. This is exemplified by Dorothy Jenks (née Wells, OLCS 1945), Liz Marshall (née Jenks, OLCS 1972), Helen Marshall (OLCS 2003), and Sarah Marshall (OLCS 2005) – three generations of the same family who have attended Our Lady’s Convent School (OLCS) who have shared their story with us.
Dorothy, born in 1927, is the oldest known OLCS alum at the age of 96. She joined OLCS when she was 11 years old after attending a local primary school in Seagrave. Dorothy still has a photograph which was taken in July 1943 when she was 16, dressed in her school uniform, which included a shirt, tie, tunic, and the beloved pelican emblem crest.
Dorothy particularly enjoyed English, with lessons predominantly taught by nuns, except for sports classes which were led by Mrs Bally and Mrs Arterton. She had a passion for hockey and recalls Mrs Arterton as ‘just lovely’. Dorothy reminisces about playing hockey on the pitch near Montessori, preferring to be on the wing rather than in goal. She also remembers the tradition of stopping for the Angelus prayer at midday, and said, “All pens and pencils would be put down, and the prayers would be said. No matter what you were doing. All would stop.” Dorothy thoroughly loved being at school and was very fond of Margarite Keinz, recalling her as a very kind lady.
During her time at the School, Dorothy formed lifelong friendships that she remembers even after all these years. Dorothy vividly recalls the experiences of attending school during World War II, including running through the corridors to underground shelters during air raids and the necessity of bringing gas masks daily. “You’d be in big trouble if you forgot it,” she said.
After finishing school at OLCS, Dorothy aspired to join the Women’s Royal Naval Service but was unable to do so due to her father’s objections. Instead, she worked on the family farm alongside her brothers. Despite her initial career aspirations, Dorothy values the morals and beliefs instilled in her at the Convent, emphasising the importance of family, understanding, and connection to the School. Her daughter Liz is actively involved in the OLCS Alumni Committee, and Dorothy takes great pride in her granddaughters receiving their education at OLCS. The Convent holds a special place in Dorothy’s heart, and she remains grateful for the lifelong connections and values she gained from her time at the School.
Liz joined OLCS in 1960, aged four, alongside her lifelong friend, Jane Shipley. Liz’s favourite subjects were Art, Cookery and Dressmaking and she recalls being able to drop French – her most disliked subject. “I really loved needlework classes and would always finish the projects that were set for the term in the first couple of weeks and would then bring my own projects in,” Liz said.
Swimming at the outdoor pool at Stanford Hall was another memorable experience, come rain or shine. There was no heated pool back then!
Liz vividly remembers the first days of the Summer Term when her Headmistress, Sister Mary Angela, would be at the front of the School with her measuring stick to measure the girls’ dresses to ensure that they were no more than four inches above the knee when kneeling.
Liz’s passion for needlework at school meant that she became a gifted seamstress, which came in handy when Liz had Loughborough’s first ‘test tube triplets’, but sadly, at just two weeks old, Liz’s son, Ian, passed away. “The triplets were all very tiny and were born in October – but weren’t due until Boxing Day. They were born when IVF was in its pioneering days, and there were less than 100 ‘test-tube babies’ in the country.”
Helen and Sarah, representing the third generation, were amongst the youngest starters at Montessori at under three years old, with Sister Mary Celine taking the girls on at the School. Helen recalls how Sarah got on well with Sister Celine and helped in the Montessori throughout her time in the Senior School.
Sarah shared, “When I found out my nana, mum and sister were visiting the Convent to reminisce on the past, I must admit I wish I was able to attend myself. After being at the Convent for nearly 16 years, it holds many fond memories for me. After knowing from the age of six that I wanted to be a teacher, the School set me on my path to fulfil my ambition. Most lunchtimes, you would find me helping Sister Mary Celine and Sister Bronagh at Montessori, my happy place. I always remember the perks of helping every day, Sister Celine would often give me some pocket money to get some ice poles! Both Sister Celine and Sister Bronagh could always see the love I had for children and the potential I had.
Dorothy aged 16
“I always looked up to Sister Shelagh for her calming manner, thought-provoking assemblies and most important of all, knowing each and every pupil by name – something I strive to do in my current role. All staff at the Convent were highly supportive and enabled me to have the best start in life. It is where my passion for education began, and I am now a successful primary Deputy Headteacher at Deira International School in Dubai.”
Helen has chosen to remain closer to home and has established a successful hair salon in Loughborough. She ventured into entrepreneurship by opening the salon after the birth of her first daughter, aiming to master the care of her daughter’s afro hair and challenge herself professionally. Helen fondly remembers
Mrs Cleary as her favourite teacher, noting that she truly understood her. Additionally, Helen recalls Ms Glossop and Ms Bottoms (OLCS 1971) teaching her hockey and PE lessons. Sister Mary Mark, now known as Sister Shelagh, served as her Headmistress, and Helen reminisces about the strictness of some teachers at the time, including Mrs Hill and Mrs Hopkins. Reflecting on her encounters with them as an adult, she describes them as kind, warm, and caring individuals.
Dorothy’s words of wisdom for Amherst pupils of today emphasise the importance of hard work and honesty. She believes that one reaps what they sow in life, highlighting the value of dedication and integrity. Dorothy encourages students to seize the excellent opportunities available to them at Amherst and make the most of them by giving their best efforts.
Dorothy, Liz, Helen, and Sarah collectively view OLCS as an important part of their past, providing a shared connection through memories of attending Mass in the Chapel, enjoying meals in the Cloisters, and fostering friendships of a lifetime. Looking back, they consider themselves fortunate and privileged to have been part of the school community, recognising the education and experiences gained as fundamental to their identities. They believe that these formative years have played a crucial role in shaping them into the individuals they are today and have guided them along their respective life journeys.
Sarah and Helen
Helen, Dorothy and Liz
Sarah Marshall
Archives
Delve into the LGS Archives
Written by John Weitzel (LGS Archivist)
1923 – 100 Years Ago
In every respect 1923 was a ‘vintage’ year for the School! Electricity was fitted throughout the School and the first rugby matches were played with much difficulty. Cricket didn’t do much better – winning just three of the record 21 fixtures, but it seems it was a miracle so many games were played. By the time the spring frosts and snows had passed, there was not much of June left, and the Oxford examinations began in July.
It is interesting to reflect on how important Sports Day was in the life of the School then. The day was accompanied by an excellent programme of music, and prizes were distributed to the winning boys by the Mayoress of Loughborough. The most interesting event was the Band Race, which was won by Bandsman Brewin. ‘This was in the nature of a mystery race, and the prize awarded to the man nearest a selected spot at a given signal to halt’
In July, the Carillon Tower, the idea of Loughburian Wilfred Moss, was opened and one of the bells was purchased by the School to commemorate the 57 alumni who died in the Great War. Raising the money needed was not as simple and only reached its target thanks to a ‘whip round’ at the Old Boys’ Dinner in June, resulting in £12 being donated and surpassing the £195 required to pay for the bell.
In October one of the most significant events in the School’s history occurred – the publication of the School Hymn by Canon G.W.Briggs, the Rector of Loughborough, who was also a Loughburian. Clearly, it took time for the School to learn the hymn, as it was not sung until June 1924 – but over the last 100 years every boy who has entered the School has sung the Hymn, and many know it off by heart.
By now the effects of the 1918 Education Act, raising the School leaving age from 12 to 14 and introducing Two Form entry at 11 were apparent, as the School had more than doubled in size from 151 in 1918 to 309 in 1923. No new buildings were built in this time, but The Loughburian of Winter 1923 reported: ‘Rumours are abroad that new school buildings are quite likely to be erected. When this is so, it will no longer be necessary to try (or try not!) to traverse the space between the main school and the Victoria Room (in Victoria Street) in the allotted time of five minutes, or is it fifteen minutes for forms V and VI?’
1973 – 50 Years Ago
During 1973 it was all change at the School, as after 14 years, Norman Walter retired and was replaced by John Millward. He was described as a ‘Headmaster of Distinction’ and the Chairman of the Governors at the time reflected that ‘…from the day of his appointment he set out to make LGS one of the best known and most highly reputed direct grant schools in the country…’.
Leon Berger (LGS 1975) and Bill Brookman (LGS 1973) reunite at the Alumni Garden Party, 50 years after performing Patience together at School.
Want to see more?
Scan the QR code to watch the production of ‘Beowulf’!
There was no finer example of what he achieved than the growth of Drama. In the space of a few months the School’s Opera Group, containing Leon Berger (LGS 1975) and Bill Brookman (LGS 1973), performed Gilbert and Sullivan’s Patience to critical acclaim and the School’s Drama Group gave a workshop performance of Algoa which chronicled the framework knitters of the East Midlands.
Stephen Smith (LGS 1966) joined the teaching staff and decided to produce the second film Beowulf, although very little went according to plan. The Loughburian of 1973 reports: ‘Having arrived at Swithland Woods and scared off harmless bystanders, the production team and cast wait for the promised four horses. Groans from all as only two horses appear and a hasty conference follows. Abandon shooting? Have two walking? Have them two to a horse? No. They decide to try to get away with it by trick photography. There now followed the most amusing part of the whole film, punctuated with diabolical regularity with cries of “How do you get on?” and “It won’t stop.”’
On the rugby field the U14 team completed a remarkable unbeaten season, scoring 948 and only conceding 58 points in their 22 matches. The 1st XI hockey team only lost four of their 26 fixtures and a basketball team played for the first time. However, it was still cycling that was the School’s most successful sport with Chris Wreghitt (LGS 1977) winning the Boys’ National Open Cyclo-Cross Championships in Grimsby, aged just 15 – the youngest winner ever.
After an interval of four years, the School regained the ‘Leicester Mercury Debating Cup.’ Where the motion in the final was ‘that modern methods of entertainment are debasing our culture.’ It is fitting that their report in The Loughburian ends ‘Change and decay in all around I see. Well, change in LGS, as we move from a Norman Castle to a Tudor Grange. Let us keep one thing unchanged: the Cup. And remember our new Head’s last School has just carried off the Observer Mace! We should set our sights higher’ – John Millward, former Head of Tudor Grange, had arrived.
1998 – 25 Years Ago
Just like 25 years earlier, 1998 was dominated by the retirement of a Headmaster but in a more spectacular fashion – it is easy to know which of the events Neville Ireland appreciated most. In his final week, his wife called to say she was at the Great Central Railway and had broken her ankle. He set off to the rescue but when he got there was greeted by the whole First Form singing ‘Three Cheers for the Head’. He was then given overalls and a ‘Greasy top hat’ and fulfilled a childhood ambition – driving a steam train… with all of the First Form aboard. He was equally surprised at the CCF Inspection, where he was the Inspecting Officer and made a ceremonial exit, being pulled in a ‘modern chariot’ (a Land Rover) down the Quad. More conventional was ‘A GranD NIght Out’ – a gala concert to mark his retirement at Stanford Hall Theatre which featured every musical aspect of the School performing memorable pieces from his 14 years as Headmaster. Five days later the bands left for a tour of Germany and Austria.
The sporting front continued to be dominated by the GoKarters, becoming National Champions for the 3rd year running.
At a slightly smaller level, the Model Car Club continued to flourish with 98 boys driving at the Friday evening race meetings, making it easily the most popular club for juniors.
In September, the School welcomed Paul Fisher as its 34th Headmaster and he bravely answered questions for The Loughburian. The most interesting of these was “As headmaster, what exactly do you do?”. His reply was – “As I said to the third year, being Headmaster is like an orchestra conductor. There are many different people to co-ordinate, and you need to make sure that everybody does things at the right time.”
Staff were out to impress the new Head – none more so than in Drama. Julian White’s production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream was described as being one of the best performances ever put on at the School. That was then followed by the Junior School’s production of Godspell. The Term ended with the traditional First Year Evening, Jack and the Beanstalk, performed in Hodson Hall, which the new Head was determined to change. Paul Fisher, former Head of Mount St Mary’s, had arrived.
Delve into the LHS Archives
Written by Ellie Leeson (LHS 2018, LHS Archivist)
Sport and P.E at LHS
Athletes from around the world will soon take part in the 2024 Olympics in Paris, so what better reason to delve into the archives and look at the history of sport and P.E at the High School from 1850, when it opened its classroom doors, to the 1950s.
To understand the evolution of sport and P.E at LHS we first need to look at society in the Victorian era. The expectation of girls and women at the time was that they would marry and be dependent on their husband. Their education therefore reflected this, with girls expected to cultivate lady-like traits and accomplishments – it was a very different education to the one boys received.
LHS was founded in 1850 under the principles of creating a Grammar School education for girls that was similar to the education boys received. It was revolutionary in its provision considering a girls education was not seen as important until the 1870s. The Trustees, however, were conscious that the girls
should also be taught subjects that would allay any parental worries that their girls would not become ‘proper young ladies’. One part of this was the teaching of female accomplishments, housewifery and domestic skills such as household management, singing and needlework. Another part was the introduction of gymnastics and dancing, and whilst they did not have the same physical education as boys, these exercises were more than most women took part in.
Chesterton House
Period
During the early days of the High School’s founding, at Chesterton House, the School didn’t have much space for physical movement. In the 1929 magazine, the Headmistress at the time, Miss Bristol, describes the Chesterton House school room as being full of ‘long desks and backless benches’ to get as many girls into the room as possible and only having a ‘narrow back passage by which the girls entered’. There was therefore ‘unauthorised gymnastics’ on the long desks.
The School bids a fond farewell to Neville Ireland
The Move to Burton Walks
It may be a surprise to know that when the School moved to Burton Walks in 1879, it didn’t have a hall or room for any sort of physical activity. In 1892, Miss Dugdale, the Headmistress at the time, requested a room for physical training. The response to this was the building of the studio, which is now the Barbara Hepworth Art Room. This section was built in 1895 and is commemorated by a plaque on the side of the building which reads ‘This building erected by voluntary subscription to commemorate the fourth centenary of Thomas Burton.’
P.E is also referred to at this time in the School information booklet from Miss Walmsley’s time as Headmistress between 1897-1919, and is listed on the regular school course list of subjects, although it’s not clear what this means. It seems likely however, given the history of P.E in girls’ schools, that the pupils would have been instructed in gymnastics. Incidentally, the first school trophy, the ‘Handley Cup’ was given by Mrs Allcock (née Handley) in 1921 for ‘gymnastic work’. Dancing was also a subject that could be taken as an extra-curricular for an extra cost of 21 shillings per term, along with elocution and painting. This amounts to about £1.05 in today’s money.
Gym then moved to the Main Hall, which was built in 1911, along with several other classrooms, and had ropes hanging from the ceiling in anticipation for P.E classes. At the time the stage was also at the other end of the Hall and was moved in 1936.
Whilst spaces had been made available in the main school for P.E since 1982, these were never designated spaces used primarily for sport. It wasn’t until 1959 that LHS got its own designated gym with changing rooms and showers. The gym
has remained much the same even after the recent remodelling and building of the new Parkin Sports Centre. Indeed, Miss Potts, Head of P.E from 1947-62, recalls that LHS had very few facilities for sport and despite her first request for a hard hockey pitch in 1955, it took 45 years for LHS to get its own AstroTurf.
Alumni from the 1920s, all the way to today, often remember playing pirates in the hall or gym – a seeming stalwart of P.E.
Games
Not until they moved to Burton walks, did the girls have a space to run and play for games. The playing field was where Fairfield currently is, and the main School buildings were surrounded with far more grass and land than we have today.
Traditionally, games differed from P.E and were centred on welldefined team games, particularly those played outdoors. From the 1880s, early girls’ schools began to introduce games such as hockey and netball in the winter, and tennis, rounders and swimming in the summer, to their pupils.
Miss Woodward, School Secretary from 1937-69, remembered the early days of Women’s International Hockey when 300-400 pupils and staff would take the train down to Wembley to watch matches. Whilst we’re not sure when hockey was first played at LHS, it’s likely that by the early 20th century LHS girls were taking part in the sport. Miss Biddy Clements, who attended LHS between 1897-1900, mentions that she didn’t play hockey when being interviewed for the 150th school anniversary but the 192021 hockey report in the School Magazine suggests that it was well established at the School.
The gym in 1959 which is now part of the Parkin Sports Centre
The High School’s Main Hall in the 1920s
Tennis being played on the Quad and at the High School from the 1920s-40s
Netball and tennis seem to have been played not long after the School moved to Burton Walks. In fact, LHS girls were playing netball close to its introduction to the UK in 1897. Both games were played in the main school area with tennis courts situated on the Quad and netball courts where the Charles and Chesterton buildings now sit.
Sporting events were mostly competed within forms but the number of girls in the School grew from the first 30 girls in 1850, to 400 girls in 1929. The introduction of the School Houses in 1925 by Miss Bristol changed the way sports were competed within the School, with the girls now going head-to-head in houses. The hockey teams did compete against teams outside of the School from the 1920s, though it doesn’t appear to be other schools, but rather ladies’ teams from places local to Loughborough.
Sports Day
Sports Day is one of the sporting highlights of the year, with the four school houses competing against each other. We’re not entirely sure when Sports Day started, however the 1921 School Magazine mentions the event was held again after five years. Before school houses were introduced, Sports Day was competed in forms with only six girls from each form being chosen.
There have been many changes in events over the years, including both serious and ‘not-so-serious’ athletics events including egg and spoon races, sack races and teachers’ races.
The slow bicycle race, a feature of Sports Day in 1937
We would love to hear from you!
If you have any objects, documents or memories from your time at LHS that you would like to share as we begin to celebrate 175 years of the High School, we’d love to hear from you! Please email alumni@lsf.org
Swimming
A constant in the P.E curriculum for girls in the earlier 20th century was swimming. The first swimming pool was opened at LGS in 1930, with no roof and was shared with the boys, although never at the same time! One alum who attended LHS in the 1930s remembered that the first pool wasn’t filtered and often the girls swimming was accompanied by various ‘beasties’. It wasn’t long however until a filtration plant was put in. Girls were taught how to swim, earning badges for lengths as well as lifesaving. It wasn’t until the 1960s that the swimming pool was covered and had heating installed!
LHS netball
Class of 2023 –
As we welcome almost 200 alumni from the Class of 2023 into the community – we thought you’d like to see what is next for them. From going to universities that span the world including all four Nations in the UK, as well as Cyprus, Thailand, Australia and Hong Kong to taking a gap year to travel, work and see the world!
Newcastle University
LGS: 9 / LHS: 3
Durham University
LGS: 5 / LHS: 4 / LAS: 1
University of Lincoln
LGS: 4 / LHS: 1 / LAS: 2
University of Nottingham
LGS: 9 / LHS: 2
University of Birmingham
LGS: 6 / LHS: 3
University of Bristol
LGS: 3 / LHS: 4
Class Notes
We always love hearing what our alumni have been up to since leaving school. Whether you have moved to a new city or across the world, have got married or started a family, have a career success to share or are hoping to find a few lost friends, you can update fellow alumni through Class Notes.
Elaine Wakefield (née Maker, OLCS 1973)
If you would like to include a Class Note in the next edition of Beyond the Barrier complete our online form by scanning the QR code!
1960s
Colin Billyard (LGS 1964)
On 1 September I played a gig at The Chichester Festival Theatre and was a part of their Summer Sessions programme. My 35 minute set included songs from the Great American Songbook, Jim Croce, Bob Dylan and Don Mclean.
1970s
Bruce Woolley (LGS 1972)
Bruce brought his acclaimed Radio Science Orchestra to Leicester’s National Space Centre in November 2023. The unique electro-symphonic experience, immersed in spectacular spherical imagery, featured the international theremin virtuoso, Charlie Draper.
Elaine, Louise Amor (née Oddie, OLCS 1973), Katie Edwards (née Burdell, OLCS 1973), Sue Campsall (née Sketchley, OLCS 1973) and Cath Eden (née Upton, OLCS 1973) came back to campus to celebrate their 50 year reunion! They had a wonderful time reminiscing, sharing their memories and reflecting on what has changed and what has remained the same, especially after its change from OLCS to Loughborough Amherst School. They even explored the garden they were never allowed to enter during their 13 years at the School!
David Birch (LGS 1975)
David is Head of Audio Post-Production at Earth Touch.
1990s
Gareth Branston (FFD 1984; LGS 1991)
In October 2023, after 10 years as a District Judge in East London, I was appointed a Circuit Judge and deployed to the Crown Court in Maidstone. I arrived in the town just in time to marshal an impressive run through the FA Cup for the local non-league football team!
Anthony
Rose (LGS 1995)
Anthony recently completed the London Classics by finishing the Ride London 100-mile cycling event. Added to completing the Serpentine 2-mile swim in 2023 and the London Marathon in 2008 and 2017, he has now successfully attained the Classics Medal. As someone who has never shown any capacity for running, swimming or riding a bike –this was not an easy feat. He feels this finally eradicates
the memory of a nearly last place finish in Cross Country in the first year and various debacles in swimming in PE! With a recurring habit of choosing something significantly out of his comfort zone to take part in, he is slightly concerned with what may come next!
Emma Wood (née Fernandez, FFD 1988; LHS 1995)
Emma featured on Britain’s Best Loved Brands on Channel 4 talking about Walker’s crisps. As part of her role as Research and Development Director at Pepsico, Emma has featured in articles in The Guardian and The Mirror. Emma is now Research and Development Director for Global Foods Transformation – essentially ensuring the correct programmes are in place to deliver against product transformation targets such as lower sodium and lower saturated fat.
Sarah Oakland (née Smith, LHS 1996)
Sarah Oakland and her nine friends from Loughborough High School all met up in January – after meeting for the first time on Burton Walks in 1989. They had a brilliant weekend and are going to make it an annual event!
Front row L-R: Charlotte Woodcock (neé Butler, LHS 1996), Amy Crutchett (neé Bassett, LHS 1996), Liz Havard-Williams (LHS 1996). Back row L-R: Sarah Smith (LHS 1996), Amy Bristow (neé Mole, LHS 1996), Liz Willder (LHS 1996), Katie Barski (LHS 1996), Sarah Simpkin (LHS 1996), Sarah Clarke (neé Bowerman, LHS 1996), Kate Clark (neé Packham, LHS 1996).
Nathan Davies (LGS 1997)
I am currently the Head of Juniors at Albyn School, Aberdeen. I am married with six children, the oldest is 21 and the youngest is two.
James Tiernan (FFD 1991; LGS 1998)
James married Alice Paonessa on the 16 September 2023 at Prestwold Hall, Loughborough.
2000s
Nick Robinson (LGS 2001)
Nick made it onto the Over 40s England SOM Hockey Team and competed at the 2023 European Championships in Nottingham.
Firas Waez (LGS 2001)
Firas is Loughborough Schools Foundation’s first Visiting Fellow in the Music Department. Working predominately with Music Technology pupils in Year 12 and Year 13, Firas uses his wealth of experience and industry knowledge to help mentor them professionally.
Bryony Gettins (née Henderson, LHS 2002)
I was successful in gaining a small monetary award for a service development project in Occupational Therapy from the Royal College of Occupational Therapists/Constance Owens Trust. I completed the project – the latest in a series of small research and evaluation works – in February 2023, seeking to develop a collaborative goal sheet that the service user would agree with their therapist and take with them if they moved between services. The focus of the work was getting back to the person-centered philosophy of Occupational Therapy, which can get lost in busy clinical environments. This work is now being continued by colleagues and myself and extending to other members of the multidisciplinary team such as physiotherapists and nurses. I am currently the Service Development Lead for an occupational therapy team integrated between health and social care in Wales. My love for Occupational Therapy was first sparked by a careers talk at LHS when I was 14 years old.
Kristy Miall (LHS 2003)
One of Kristy Miall’s (LHS 2003) first memories is of her Care Bears themed bedroom, decked out with the coolest wallpaper and a matching duvet cover! Fast forward a few years, and she’s just landed her dream job (January 2024) as the Director of Global Marketing at Cloudco Entertainment, the children’s entertainment company behind those lovable Care Bears! Prior to her new role, Kristy’s been spending her time leading marketing campaigns for some major players in the broadcasting world, including the BBC, Sky, and The Walt Disney Company.
Natalie Cichy (OLCS 2004)
I became disabled after a car hit me whilst out cycling. I managed to complete one year at university. Now I enjoy crafting, gaming and music. Life didn’t stop, I keep on going.
Kirsty Clark (OLCS 2009)
Welcomed Charlie Noah Clark on 5 January 2024. It was a fabulous beginning to the new year.
2010s
Holly Whittaker (OLCS 2010)
Holly married Dr Stephen Browett on Friday 19 May 2023 at Rothley Parish Church, followed by a reception at Prestwold Hall near Loughborough. They met on their very first day at Aberystwyth University, and Stephen proposed to Holly nearly 10 years later in Bradgate Park. They are very happy together and looking forward to enjoying a sunny honeymoon abroad later this year.
Harry Brunton (LGS 2010)
Harry came back to campus as part of the LGS Scholars’ Dinner in January to give current LGS Scholars an inspiring speech. Harry talked about what it meant to be a scholar and encouraged the boys to take part in activities outside the classroom such as the Duke of Edinburgh Award, CCF, film club and sports. He also told the boys to maintain their school and university friendships and talked about how he changed his priorities and perspective on life after a life-threatening experience.
To find out more about Kristy – scan the QR code!
To find out more about Harry – scan the QR code!
To find out more about Bryony –scan the QR code!
Dr Joe (LGS 2012) and
Sam Penhaul Smith (LGS 2015)
Brothers Joe and Sam have been awarded the Start-up of the Year 2023, by the Institute of Engineering and Technology for their company Sustainable Sailing. The pair founded their company two years ago with the award being given for their development of the world’s first true sail recycling technology. The brothers both attribute their success directly to the knowledge and skills they gained at school.
Charlotte Jones (LHS 2018)
Charlotte is an illustrator and in 2023 came second in the Prize Cover Design Awards for her redesign of Murder Most Unladylike by Robin Stevens. She has also been highly commended at the Macmillan Prize for Illustration, for which she entered her illustrated book, The Bug Garden.
State Coach! Stella was also involved in marching troops to and from Waterloo Station before and after the procession. Stella plays the bassoon and has been studying at the Royal Military School of Music.
Felix Martin (FFD 2014; LGS 2021)
Felix completed his challenge of running three marathons on three consecutive days for charity! Despite pulling his calf on the last day at around the 7km mark, Felix had a fantastic time, and it is something he will never forget!
2020s
Stella Byrom (FFD 2014; LHS 2021)
Stella took part in the King’s Coronation Procession as part of the Household Division bands leading the Household Division and the Golden State Coach, with the newly crowned King and Queen, back to Buckingham Palace. She was marching and playing approximately 250 metres in front of the
Lucas Turrell (LGS 2023)
I was called up to Thailand U20 national team football squad at the start of 2024, as well as for the Gibraltar U21 national team football squad. I have since signed a professional contract with Boston United, who scouted me whilst I was playing for the Gibraltar U19 side. I am also going on trial for Premiership and Championship league academies as well as National League first teams.
Sylvie Caldwell (née Petterson, LHS)
Having spent 42 years in Africa, I’m sad to say that I’ve lost touch with many school friends. I’d very much like to hear from any folk who may remember me. Rather a long shot.
To find out more about the brothers –scan the QR code!
To find out more about Charlotte –scan the QR code!
Obituaries
Sadly Missed
We are always saddened to hear news of alumni who have passed away and we extend our heartfelt condolences to all their family and friends who have shared obituaries and tributes for their loved ones with us.
Gwen Wilkinson (Former OLCS Staff)
Gwen passed away peacefully on 4 June 2023.
Gwen joined OLCS primarily as a History Teacher, but it soon became apparent that she had significant expertise in the field of specific learning difficulties. Gwen was quickly snapped up by the Learning Support Department where she championed the cause of many pupils. Under her guidance, an exercise programme was introduced in the Primary Department which produced amazing results in the literacy skills of those taking part. Gwen’s passion and understanding of the difficulties encountered by certain pupils ensured that they achieved well beyond expectations.
During her 10 years at the Convent, Gwen also collaborated on writing a two-year course entitled Language and Communication through Integrated Studies. This course was offered to students in Year 8 as an alternative to a second foreign language. The pupils loved it!
Gwen also ran her own successful business, the Specific Learning Difficulties Centre where she was able to offer private advice and help.
Alongside all of this, Gwen was always willing to offer homeopathic advice to anyone in the staffroom! Hailing from the North-East, Gwen’s no-nonsense approach to problem-solving kept us all in check.
In later years Gwen’s four grandchildren, Oskar, Jack, Charlotte and Joseph gave her great joy and delight as did trips with her husband Michael, to their holiday home in France.
Gwen’s ashes will be returned to her beloved home in the NorthEast of England.
Betty Perris (née Gray, LHS 1948 and Former OLCS Staff)
Betty Gray (her first name was Constance, but she hated it!) was born on 7 April 1930. Betty grew up in Shepshed and joined LHS in 1940, a year early. War had started the previous year and she remembers going to school with her iron rations and gas mask, and also practising getting under the desks in case of an air raid. The Luftwaffe targeted Derby and Coventry. She either caught the bus from Shepshed to get to school, or cycled, going past the Italian POW Camp at Dishley and sometimes talking to the
Betty loved sport and showed a flair for languages as girls were not given the opportunity to study the sciences in any depth. She played tennis, rounders (Storer House Captain) and netball, for the School, obtaining her colours in those sports and also in gymnastics. In 1946, the family moved to Loughborough and Betty experienced the Big Freeze of 1947.
As she had started as a pupil at the age of 10, she had to stay in the Sixth Form for three years. During her last year, she was not only Mary in the Tableau at the Carol Service, but also Head Girl.
Betty did well at A Level and went to Sheffield University to study French, German, Italian and Latin. She also played netball for the University and received her colours. After graduating, she went to London to study at St. Godrics College to become a bi-lingual secretary. Betty worked in Hounslow for Parke Davis, a scientific firm, and joined the local tennis club. In 1953, she returned to Loughborough and began working at Genatosan, in the Dermatology Department. Playing tennis socially after work, she met Bill Perris and they married in 1955. Their daughter Lynne was born in 1958 and Betty had to give up work, although she continued doing freelance translations. In 1963, Betty was approached by Our Lady’s Convent School as they were looking for a language graduate to teach French. Betty agreed, even though she was not a trained teacher – eventually working full time and becoming Head of Faculty. She enjoyed her teaching career and retired in 1993. Sadly, Bill died in 1995, but Betty continued to play tennis and spent a lot of time with her grandchildren. She also played Bridge and joined the u3a.
Betty stopped playing tennis at the age of 82! During covid, feeling isolated in Loughborough, Betty moved to live near Lynne. She enjoyed seeing more of her family and her flat was the perfect size.
Betty appears on the wall in the LHS Main Hall three times: Head Girl, County Major Scholarship and BA Hons Degree.
Betty’s older sister, Pauline Merriman attended LHS, and Lynne and her cousin, Jane, followed in the 1970s whilst Lynne’s other cousin, Richard, attended LGS.
Betty sadly passed away in January 2024.
Derrick Hewitt (LGS 1949)
Derrick Hewitt passed away on 5 April 2023 at the age of 91. He outlived many of his contemporaries but will be fondly remembered around Loughborough for his involvement with many local organisations.
He recalled a number of staff from his school days, where he made the most of the opportunities presented at the Grammar School, having gained admission via the eleven plus in 1942. On leaving LGS in 1947, Derrick joined the local firm William Cottons as an apprentice, where he reached the position as Design Office Manager – interrupted by two years of National Service. Whilst there, he was awarded a number of patents for innovations in the field of programmable knitting machines. Derrick subsequently spent many years at Loughborough College teaching Mechanical Engineering. Towards the end of his career, he and his wife Denise (LHS 1948) spent a few years in Oman where he lectured in Mechanical Engineering at the Oman Technical and Industrial College.
Outside work, Derrick became Superintendent with St Johns Ambulance and was inducted into the Order of St John. Derrick also became involved in various PTAs and became Chairman of Governors at Emmanuel School. After retirement he organised numerous tours and holidays for the u3a where he was Chairman for a time. He also enjoyed attending Probus lunches with his contemporaries.
Derrick was well known in churches in and around Loughborough in many roles, most notably as a Lay Reader, especially at Diseworth, Emmanuel and the Parish Church. He became the minister of choice for many families providing a caring and personal insight at funerals. His contribution to the Church and community was recognised in 2017 when he was presented with Maundy coins by the Queen in Leicester Cathedral.
Latterly he wrote a number of books on local history focussing on churches and the families who were instrumental in building Loughborough’s industrial wealth. Derrick was a popular figure around Loughborough and leaves behind a family of five children, nine grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.
Barbara Sambrook (née Marvin, OLCS 1950)
Barbara Sambrook passed away after a short illness on Monday 12 June 2023, aged 91. Barbara will be much missed by all who knew her.
Barbara and her husband, John (LGS 1948), celebrated their 72nd wedding anniversary in April 2023, and first met on the bus ride from Birstall, after John tied Barbara’s plaits to the bus rail causing her to miss her home bus stop and having to walk back home, where her father wanted to know why she was so late home. She was 13 at the time. Following John’s unconventional attempt to woo Barbara the day before, he proceeded to ask her if she loved him yet, to which she replied, “No, I think you are horrid!”
Luckily, Barbara must have forgiven him as they were together
Eric Hodgkinson (LGS 1954)
Eric Hodgkinson, a Chartered Accountant who provided professional accountancy services to local clients and businesses for more than 50 years sadly died on 4 November 2021. Eric attended primary school in Shepshed, passed the 11+ examination and joined LGS in September 1948, leaving in July 1953 with the goal of becoming a Chartered Accountant.
Eric began his training in Loughborough – studies which exempted him from National Service. Joining Price Waterhouse, he became a Junior Manager at their Paris office, travelling around France and becoming fluent in French. After three years in Paris, Eric headed back to Loughborough going into an accountancy practice partnership with fellow alum Carl Abel (LGS 1954). The partnership later separated, and Eric established his own practice Hodgkinson and Co, Chartered Accountants in Brooklyn House, Shepshed, where he remained working professionally until his late 70s. He also volunteered his time to support local organisations with their financial affairs.
At school Eric was not a sports person but on his return to the UK he became an enthusiastic squash player and became a member of the Nottingham Squash Club. Away from work he loved travel, particularly taking his family to France, was a collector of clocks and had a keen interest in cars. Eric was also a keen gardener who was particularly proud of his rose garden.
Eric married Eleanore in 1964 and over the years both were constant attendees at the LGS Class of ’48 reunions, events and lunches. A normally quiet and unassuming man whose independence and fairmindedness was widely respected, Eric is survived by Eleanore, his son Christopher, his grandson Thomas
John Elsom (LGS 1957)
John Elsom was a pupil from 1947 to 1955 and was consistently in the top 10 of his form. A member of the Chess Club throughout his time in the senior school, he was one of the School’s best Chess players and on leaving school started a career in accountancy.
He was the former Chairman and Managing Director of Page & Moy Travel Group, became a Vice-President of Leicester City in 1983 and then served as a Director from 1984 until 2002. He was also the Chairman of the Club from 1998 until 2002. During this period, the Foxes lifted the League Cup and participated in the UEFA Cup.
He also served on the Board of the Football League and was a member of The Football Association Council, underlining his influence over the English game at the turn of the millennium.
Later in 2002, he joined the board at Grimsby Town, where he worked for 11 years until his retirement, whereby he was named a Club President.
He died on 15 August 2023, aged 84.
Dr William John (Bill) Hughes (LGS 1959)
Bill Hughes died peacefully with his wife Anna by his side on 10 November at the age of 82.
When in 2007 Chester’s Gateway Theatre was making way for Storyhouse – an innovative arts complex comprising a theatre, cinema, library and restaurant (described as a “living room for the arts”) – it was clear that Bill would be a pivotal figure in the process. In due course he became its first Chairman.
An intelligent, expansive character known to be pragmatic, positive and persuasive, Bill was a leading figure in the local arts scene. He was one of the founding members of Chester Performs, which staged arts projects in and around the City, and a key player in Chester’s Music Festival. As a lecturer in English Literature, writer and impresario, he was also prominent in the annual Chester Literature Festival. He co-founded the High Sheriff’s Prize for Literature and once invited his old Latin Teacher, Colin Dexter, author of the Inspector Morse series, to come and speak.
For 40 years Bill taught at Chester College, the first purposebuilt teacher training college in the country, which achieved university status in 2005. Bill was Principal Lecturer and Deputy Head of English at Chester. In 2008, he was awarded an Honorary Fellowship and in 2015 was made a Doctor of Letters.
Bill was born in 1940 in Calverley in the West Riding of Yorkshire, before his family moved to the village of Woodhouse Eaves in Leicestershire where he and his brother, David, attended his father’s school. They both left with scholarships to Loughborough Grammar School, where Bill forged lifelong friendships.
Something of a golden boy at school, Bill was not only academically able but also prominent on the sports field, captaining the rugby 1st XV and cricket 1st XI (an achievement repeated at university) and became Head Boy. At Bangor University, where he read English and Philosophy, he gained
a double first. On graduating, he was promptly asked back to Loughborough Grammar School to teach English where he stayed for five years.
In 1963, Bill married Margaret Williams, a fellow student at Bangor, who became a teacher. They had two sons. Geraint, who became an urban planner and Dafydd, a musician, as well as five grandchildren. Margaret died in 2003 and in 2007 Bill married Professor Anna Sutton, who became Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University of Chester.
A proud Welshman and a passionate supporter of the Welsh rugby team, Bill also enjoyed playing cricket into his forties. Away from the lecture hall, he made use of a fine baritone voice to participate in local choirs, as well as directing and performing in stage productions and musical events. Keen on opera, he reached fluency in Italian in an attempt to understand the libretti better. In churches in Italy, he had few qualms about testing out the acoustics and having a go on the organ if it was unlocked.
A sense of performance and fierce intellect stood him in good stead in the classroom, where he “inspired nerves and respect in equal measure”, as a former student remembered. Boldness amused him. One student responded to the essay question, ‘How useful is it to think of Waiting for Godot as absurd literature?’ With a single word – ‘very’ – occupying an otherwise blank page, Bill gave her a straight A.
Adept at holding a room, Bill was a popular choice for after-dinner speeches and remained unfazed by the unexpected. On the 175th anniversary of the foundation of Chester College, he was called upon to deliver a few words in the Cathedral. Despite rigorous preparation, on the podium he found himself short of the final page of the speech, prompting him to announce before the rows of dignitaries, “I could finish this if I could find page three”. Unsurprisingly, the absence of the last page did little to diminish Bill’s subsequent erudite delivery.
Lord Rodney Elton (LGS Staff 1962-67 and 1972-73)
Rodney Elton joined the staff in November 1962 to teach History and Religious Instruction, though he was also to take charge of General Studies and training boys in writing scholarship essays. Under his enthusiastic care the Boat Club had a vigorous existence with special emphasis being laid on the training of the younger boys to maintain the crews. He also took a very active part in the work of the CCF. He left in 1967 and moved to Fareham Comprehensive School and then Bishop Lonsdale College of Education to enlarge his knowledge of the various types of school forming the pattern of modern education.
Having done that, he returned to the School to teach part time, two days a week, in 1972. In 1973 his father died, and he inherited his father’s title creating excitement at the School, referring to him as Lord Elton rather than Mr Elton! As a consequence, he left the School to pursue a political career in the House of Lords.
However, he never forgot the School where he taught for six years. He proposed the toast to ‘The School’ at the OLA London Dinner in 1987 and was the Chief Guest at the Quincentenary Prize Giving in 1995. In 2012, to mark the 125th anniversary of the OLA, he sponsored the celebratory dinner in the House of Lords and again proposed the toast to ‘The School’.
He died on August 19 2023, aged 93.
Ed Thorpe (LGS Staff 1964-1996)
At the age of 28, Ed joined the P.E and Games Departments at Loughborough Grammar School from The Meadows School in Nottingham. It will come as no surprise that he found life totally different at LGS. Two years later, he took over as Head of Department and the following year decided to take on being 1st XV coach – not a difficult decision for a Welshman. It was a job he was to do for the next 18 years. In that time, he made LGS one of the top rugby schools in the Midlands producing five Schools’ Internationals, and for a period in the mid 1970’s, hardly lost a 1st XV fixture. However, Ed was always looking to the future and once the 1st XV fixtures ended at Christmas he would embark on coaching the U12 XV in the Spring Term. He inaugurated overseas tours initially to Europe and then in 1978 to Sri Lanka, to celebrate
their rugby centenary, culminating in the Centenary match played in front of a crowd of 10,000 including the Country’s President.
On giving up the 1st XV in 1985 he continued to coach junior sides but now had the time to be involved with the Rugby Football Schools’ Union, initially as a committee member, and then as Chairman from 1993 to 1995.
In 1975, he took over the running of the cricket 1st XI and in his 16 years running the side it too saw the School’s first internationals. A keen club cricketer himself, he realised that boys would not develop their game by just playing against other boys so he added much stiffer, adult, opposition – MCC, Derby Friars, Leicestershire Gents, Lincolnshire Gents and the 40 Club – in a cricket week at the end of the season, which tested the boys to the full.
As Head of Games he encouraged more sports, most notably Hockey, where he persuaded the School to purchase the allotments by the A6 to provide a suitable 1st XI hockey pitch.
It was in P.E that he probably made the biggest changes. When he arrived, the boys only did gymnastics in the 1931 Gym and swam in the open air pool in the summer. His first job was to get the Parents’ Association to fund the covering and heating of the pool, so it could be used all year round and then he widened the P.E Programme, for which the old wooden gym was totally unsuitable. This was solved in 1981 when the Sports Hall, where he was responsible for the architect’s brief, was opened.
When the time came to leave the sports field behind Ed headed into the classroom delivering English at every level from 10+ to Upper Sixth. There he showed the same enthusiasm that he had shown on the rugby pitch and he realised that to inspire the boys they needed to see productions, rather than just read scripts in the classroom. Having organised thousands of sports fixtures on Saturdays, this must have seemed relatively simple and he organised over a hundred trips to the local theatres for the boys.
He too enjoyed dramatic participation and took part in all staff productions – 40 Years On, Oh What a Lovely War, Joseph, Jack and the Beanstalk – but was most in his element in many guises in staff cabarets. His artistic and cultural interests did not stop there. He sang and travelled with the Choir for over 30 years and, as an accomplished violinist, played in the Orchestra at 24 Endowed Schools’ operas and musicals, plus numerous concerts. In every respect he was the total Schoolmaster who was responsible for laying the foundation for the School’s tremendous national reputation for sporting excellence.
He died on 3 May 2023, aged 86.
Judge Robert Moore (LGS 1965)
My husband Robert Moore, a very proud old boy of Loughborough Grammar (1956 to 1965), sadly passed away on 23 March 2023 after a two year long fight with pancreatic cancer. He would be furious if he knew that I hadn’t already let his old school know that they’d lost one of their biggest fans.
Robert Jeffery Moore was born in Rugby to Doreen and Jeff Moore, on 11 February 1947. He excelled academically at the Grammar School, was a regular in plays, a county tennis player and a winger in the 1st XV.
Manchester University was next to study Law and by 1971 he was called to the Bar in Sheffield. Soon after all that, he broke a tooth eating a lobster. An emergency trip to the dentist found a flustered dental nurse apologizing for making a mistake with his appointment time. The dental nurse, was me.
We married at Ecclesall Church on 4 August 1979 and honeymooned in Jamaica. By December 1980 we had Alex, and by September 1983 we had Giles. We bought our first proper family home together that same year.
Robert was a man who loved the law. It defined him. His study was littered with artwork of trials, books of law defining cases. However, despite all this, for a man who loved the law so much, making him follow any sort of rule was impossible.
By 1994, Robert was made a Circuit Judge in Sheffield. He served on the bench for over 25 years, making him one of the longest serving Judges of all time in the UK. His flair for being a tough sentencer made him a regular thorn in the side of The Court of Appeal, but for some amusing reason gained him a massive cult following in Grimsby. ‘Judge Moore for Mayor of Grimsby’ the Grimsby Telegraph wrote in 2018.
There’s so much I’ll miss about Robert.
Alan Mercer (LHS Staff 1970-1997)
Alan Mercer sadly passed away on 30 August 2023 after a short battle with pancreatic cancer.
Alan was born in Glasgow in 1935 before moving to Leicester with his parents, both of whom had served in the First World War. His father worked as an engineer.
Alan studied Mathematics at St Andrews University where he played rugby and was involved in the Christian Union. He started teaching at City of Leicester Boys School in 1959 and Kibworth Beauchamp School in 1962. He married Sheila in 1960 and they had three children – Paul, Ian and Simon – all of whom went to LGS.
In 1965, he moved to Uganda where he taught Maths at Busoga College Mwiri, near Jinja, until 1969. One of his former pupils, with whom he kept in touch, was Ruhakana Rugunda, who later became Prime Minister. Alan was actively involved in sports and was a Housemaster.
On returning to the UK, Alan started working at Loughborough High School in 1970 as Head of Maths. He was active in many aspects of the School and was responsible for starting a Chess Club and running Sixth Form ski trips. He also won a battle with the Headmistress who made an unsuccessful attempt to have his computer classes spell the word ‘programme’ rather than ‘program’.
Outside school, Alan was an active member of Holywell (Free) Church. Following his retirement in 1997 he became involved in Charnwood u3a and led its calligraphy group for over 20 years until 2021.
You can read a more detailed obituary for Robert online by scanning the QR code.
Tony Cullingford (LGS Staff 1971-1996)
Tony arrived at Loughborough Grammar School in 1971 after teaching in Yorkshire, Malawi, Uganda and Nigeria – where Tony met his wife Connie. He soon showed himself to be an extremely versatile and adaptable teacher. In modern times he probably prepared boys for public exams in more subjects than anyone else. A Cambridge graduate in Classics and Archaeology and Anthropology, he took A Level and O Level History, but he also taught O Level English Language, Literature and Religious Studies. Lower down the School he taught Junior Latin, in the middle P.S.E. and at the top General Studies. When GCSEs were introduced, he found himself having to attend three departmental meetings at the same time!
As if the demands in the classroom were not enough, he was the all-round Schoolmaster. He accompanied trips to Hadrian’s Wall, various parts of Europe, including eight trips to the ‘Battlefields’ and one to the USA. But he is most remembered by alumni for the 13 trips he took to the U.S.S.R., 12 of which were with Connie and girls from Loughborough High School, where she taught for many years. He was a Housemaster and coached the 2nd XI hockey, ran the Middle School History Society, as well as helping with the Inter and Senior Christian Unions.
Within the Common Room he was a fully involved member. He turned out for the Staff Hockey XI and was always involved in staff productions, most notably 40 Years On and Joseph. It was fitting that the family chose ‘Jacob and Sons’ from Joseph sung by Tony and the cast to be heard at the start of the Service of Thanksgiving for his life.
In retirement, his original plan was to return to Africa with Connie to do a spell of voluntary work, teaching in Eritrea. However, that was cut short after only one year. Travelling back to the UK via Cairo, Tony volunteered Connie to be the new warden of the guest house for the Anglican Cathedral in Cairo and so they didn’t make it back to the UK. While in Cairo Tony was involved with prison visiting, refugee work and teaching English to the nuns who looked after the Papal Nuncio.
Finally settling in Tewkesbury, he continued prison visiting, refugee work and involvement in church work. Wherever he lived he sang in the local church society and drew, painted and wrote verse.
He died on 21 April 2023, just two days short of his 88th birthday.
Sister Anna Patricia (OLCS Staff 1975 - 1991)
Sister Anna Patricia passed away on Sunday 18 February 2024, after a short battle with cancer.
Sister Anna Patricia Pereira was born, raised and educated in Dar es Salaam. She began her Novitiate in Borgomanero, Northern Italy, with the Congregation of Sisters of Providence, Rosminian on 4 February 1964. She then completed her religious and professional studies in England, making her Final Commitment on 15 August 1972.
Having obtained her teaching qualification, she taught in London, Wisbech, Cardiff, Loughborough and Tanzania; she also spent a short time in Kerala where she guided the young sisters in developing their spirituality and prayer life.
In the late 1990s, Sister Anna Patricia expressed a wish to change direction in her ministry. She then undertook a very varied ministry which included chaplaincy ministry at Ratcliffe College, pastoral work at Parish of Mother of God in Leicester, the introduction of Christian Meditation and Lectio Divina to pupils in several schools in Nottingham Diocese, as well as to teachers and people from the local areas.
Sister Anna Patricia was a very talented person who had many hobbies. She was interested in photography, she loved painting with watercolours, she felt energised when walking in the woods and immersing herself in nature and most of all she enjoyed meeting up with friends for coffee and a chat.
John Ling (LGS Staff 1979-1997)
As Classics ended in state schools in the 1970s John Ling found that he had to move several times before ending up at LGS in 1979. As a greatly experienced Head of Classics, who had been forced to teach non-classical subjects, he soon found that returning to being a ‘normal’ Classics Teacher suited him and for the next nine years he inspired boys in all aspects of the classics. With the family home in Mansfield when he started, he slept during the week in his motor-caravan parked in the ‘back’ car park with his son, Chris who was in Year 12 at the time, while he found a suitable house.
Without the responsibility of being Head of Department he had time to restore the Chess Club, a game at which he was greatly experienced, having played for Oxford University and also setting the chess problems for the Observer.
In January 1981, he became the School’s Examinations Officer and such was his efficiency at the job that he continued in this post for 10 years after his retirement from the classroom in 1987. In this post, however, he holds a significant part in the School’s history.
When he started there was no computer back-up for the work. Entries had to be done by hand on an entry form, and when the exams took place, all the seating plans had to be drawn up manually. John started to computerise the exam work by writing the programme himself which meant that he could provide for the special requirements of the School as they became evident – this was the first use of computerisation in the School’s administration. All this was done first on his Sinclair ZX81 computer and then on the Sinclair Spectrum, which he loved using even after the introduction of the PC. It proved to be a long process, going on continuously until he retired in 1997! A full story on this can be found in the 1997 Loughburian which you can read by scanning the QR code below.
On full retirement, John continued to be a regular member of the ‘Burton Walkers’ – the retired staff luncheon club – and provided cake for all its members on the occasion of his 90th birthday.
He died on 13 February 2023, aged 95.
You can read a full story for John online by scanning the QR code.
Claire Lawson (née Bradshaw, OLCS 1985; LHS 1987)
Claire bravely lost her battle to a short illness in February 2023, despite fighting hard with her usual cheeky sense of humour and defiance.
A keen competitive swimmer from an early age, a strong team player in netball, hockey and later rugby, she excelled at most sports. In her youth she enjoyed competing on her horse and was always passionate about German Shepherd dogs and motorbikes. A blonde bombshell, she relished belting out a Patsy Cline number or two at karaoke and cherished anything 1940s, dancing rock ‘n’ roll wherever she could.
Working in London for The Ministry of Defence, then in hospitality in Ibiza and Abu Dhabi, she came back to the UK to earn her First Class BA (Hons.). A force of nature, she loved pushing boundaries and a good challenge! Settling back in the Midlands and finally in Norfolk with her husband Terry – she was loving life.
In her 53 years with us, her big heart loved fiercely, she laughed loudly and unashamedly lived for the moment.
Simon Mercer (LGS 1985)
Simon Mercer (LGS 1978-1985) – youngest son of Alan Mercer –died on 8 February 2024 after a long battle with pancreatic cancer.
Simon represented LGS at cricket and gained a reputation for his art. After getting a degree in Graphic Design at Coventry, Simon settled in London working for Harper Collins Publishers. A few years later, he rented some desk space in a studio in Holland Park and Mercer Design was born. Through his creativity, integrity and hard work, the company grew and became an award-winning design agency.
Simon had the capacity to inject humour and fun into his dealings with clients and possessed a laser-focused ability to know exactly what they wanted, often before they knew themselves. He could walk into any room or meeting and immediately put everyone at ease with one of his perfectly timed, cheeky comments.
Simon married Zoe on 2 October 1998 (the first weekend after the end of the cricket season!) and the following year Lottie was born. They moved out of Simon’s one bedroom flat in Putney and into a house in East Sheen. Sport was a huge part of Simon’s life: he was a supporter of Leicester Tigers and Leicester City but lived and breathed cricket; he was a skilled wicket-keeper and for many years played for Bamville in Harpenden and then for the local Sheen Park team.
Simon was probably at his happiest when he was skiing, and surrounded by snowy mountains, which he always put down to his father’s Scottish blood.
Ann Castleden (OLCS Staff 1986-2007)
Ann Castleden sadly passed away in January 2024, after a short illness. Ann first came to Our Lady’s Convent School in 1986, as maternity cover for one of the biology teachers, however, she soon became a permanent member of staff.
During her 21 years at the Convent, Ann embraced and adapted to the new National Curriculum, the move from O Level to GCSE, and the change in A Levels. She put her heart into it, as she cared so deeply for the success of her students. On the night before the A Level practical exams she would source fresh plant material under cover of darkness, to ensure she wasn’t spotted by any students and thus maintained confidentiality.
Ann was also involved in the move to the purpose-built science block in 1997, which was exciting, but hard work. She elected to keep the solid wooden tables and stools from the portacabin biology lab, which continue to stand the test of time today.
Ann enjoyed sharing scientific concepts in a range of accessible ways, from her clear and distinctive blackboard drawings, to the numerous worksheets she’d produce from scratch, and the ecology field trips to the hands-on dissections.
In her retirement, Ann kept in touch with many old colleagues and loved meeting up with them or visiting them in far flung places such as Kuala Lumpur and Barbados. She rejoined the staff at Amherst in 2023, to become a member of the exam invigilation team in the summer.
Ann was a loyal, trusted and supportive colleague, and a wellloved teacher by both students and staff alike.
Neil Dutta-Roy (LGS 1990)
Neil joined the Grammar School for the Sixth Form in 1988, having done his GCSEs at what was Robert Sutton Catholic High School in Derby. His work ethic was phenomenal, and he quickly rose to the challenges of A Levels as well as settling into a new school. His initial strengths seemed to be in Economics and it was no surprise that he was a leading light in his year’s Young Enterprise company. The company commissioned and sold commemorative LGS mugs before including LHS, and then Fairfield. Our Lady’s Convent School, as it was known at the time, soon followed. The financial success of the company far exceeded anything seen at the School before, and caused the then Head, Neville Ireland, some problems!
Neil also developed an interest in Chemistry that went well beyond A Level. He brought questions to class that stretched his teacher, and required answers that required a comprehension of degree-level concepts. It was impressive that he understood and could debate the responses – which often had to be researched by the teacher! His teacher described Neil as the best organic Chemist he had ever taught. He was also a talented musician and tennis player.
After his A Levels Neil secured a year’s sponsorship at Arthur Anderson in Birmingham before embarking on a degree in Economics at LSE. Having completed the first year of the course, he decided that he preferred the academic challenges of Chemistry – and transferred to King’s College, London to read for a science degree there instead. Three years later he graduated with the top First in his year. He then transferred to Cambridge, where he did research towards a PhD; some of his work was published in the academic press.
He had suffered ill-health for some time and sadly passed away at
Major Paul Moffett (LGS Staff 2014 – 2023)
Major Paul Moffett sadly passed away in March 2023 following his battle with cancer.
‘Moff’, as he was known personally, was a much-loved and respected colleague at the Grammar School and wider Foundation. Paul joined Loughborough Grammar School in 2014 as the Duke of Edinburgh Co-Ordinator and the Officer Commanding the Army section. The Duke of Edinburgh Award flourished under his leadership. Numbers doubled in his time and, for many boys, Paul and his freelance team, made weekends in the rain with blisters something to look forward to, and something to remember with fondness.
His vast experience meant that the Remembrance Parades and CCF Annual Review were parts of the School calendar we could take great pride in. In the Summer Term, Paul could often be seen with his pace stick marking out the parades and held the cadets to the highest standards. His standards were fundamental to the School winning Best Contingent in the 2017 Central Camp.
Paul had a natural empathy with the boys and could connect with those where others had been unable to. He joined the safeguarding team and ensured he made time to spend with boys who benefitted massively from his world experience and wisdom. It was in this key pastoral role where Paul will be particularly irreplaceable.
Last summer, while on an expedition, Paul was taken ill. With an attitude that we all know, he was reluctant to leave the group as he didn’t want to let anyone down. The symptoms were sadly diagnosed as cancer and after eight months of intense treatment, he passed away while surrounded by his loved ones.
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The image on the cover was created by Priya Johal (LAS 2023) when she was in Year 13. The piece is based on the jazz era of the 1920s and is an oil painting
