Welcome to the Old Aldenhamian Society

A-Level Certificate Presentation Evening

15 December 2025

On 15 December, we were delighted to welcome our recent leavers, the Class of 2025, back to Aldenham to collect their A-Level certificates. The Dining Hall was buzzing with over 100 OAs and their parents. Many had returned home from university for the festive period, while some made the journey back specifically for the occasion, returning to university the same day! The event offered a wonderful opportunity to enjoy refreshments, reconnect with friends and staff, and share stories of their adventures since leaving Aldenham.
Parents looked on proudly whilst certificates were presented by Alex Hems,(Former Parent and Head of the Aldenham Foundation) and Clare Yeabsley (K 1988-1990, President of the OA Society, Former Parent and Current Parent), who spoke about the enduring Aldenham connection. While it may sometimes feel distant, the OA network remains a constant source of support — whether job hunting after university, seeking progression in a new role, or looking for fresh talent later in their careers. As Alex and Clare emphasised, the network is one of the few that lasts a lifetime: once an Old Aldenhamian, always an Aldenhamian.

Carol Service

11 December 2025

It was lovely to have a glass of Mulled Wine with a few OA's prior to enjoying the School Carol Service during the last week of term. This will hopefully become an annual occurence where we can welcome many more OA's for a festive sing along!

Careers – Law Networking Breakfast

19 November 2025

Amanda Gale (Careers Co-Ordinator) organised a Law Networking breakfast event for years 11-13.

They had the opportunity to meet and connect with nine lawyers working across a wide range of specialist areas, including sport, entertainment, AI, property, litigation, corporate, commercial, employment, and financial services. The morning began with an icebreaker activity designed to get students thinking like lawyers, as they worked through a real-world scenario. Afterwards, students were free to move around the room and speak with the professionals of their choice, gaining valuable insights into different legal career paths. A special thanks to OAs Elliott Stein (R&L2012-19) & Luke Clarke (K2008-13) pictured and Ayrat Akchurin (K2012-21).

John Rogers Edwards (B1946-51)

31 October 2025

John died peacefully age 92 on 21st October. He was a loving husband to his late wife, Gillian and will be missed by his daughter Katherine, son Simon, father-in-law to Celina and three grandsons, William, James and Daniel.

The funeral is at 11am on 20th November at St Peter’s Parish Church, Church Road, Old Windsor SL4 2JW, then on to Oakley Green Cemetery Maidenhead Road, Windsor for a family burial. We hope you will come to celebrate his life after the funeral at Fox and Castle Burfield Road, Old Windsor SL4 2RB for a light lunch and drinks. Donations to Alzheimers Research UK c/o F Harrison & Son, 40 Harvest Road, Englefield Green, Surrey TW20 0QT.

Should you wish to attend please contact Katherine on her mobile (07435 882 090) to help manage catering numbers.

Regional Lunch - Wiltshire

14 October 2025

Despite being a small gathering in Wiltshire it was great to start getting some blood back into the veins of the Regional Lunch programme. A sense of nostalgia wafted through the Kings Arms as OA’s spanning 40 years caught up over welcome drinks, to then enjoy a 3 course meal, suitably started with the Aldenham School Grace said by Neil Sutherland. Alex Hems provided a comprehensive update on the current state of play at Aldenham and fielded some well considered questions from OA’s who were clearly interested and engaged in understanding the recent ongoing challenges that Independent Schools are facing. The meal was concluded with Chris Beale saying the after dinner Grace.
A lovely afternoon which was enjoyed by all who attended.

Inspire the Next Generation - Careers at Aldenham

29 August 2025

I’m Amanda Gale, Careers Coordinator at Aldenham, working closely with the Alumni & Development Office to deliver a careers programme that prepares our students for life beyond school. We are committed to offering engaging Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance (CEIAG) across all year groups, with a particular focus on inspiring Sixth Formers as they make key decisions about their futures.

Last year, OAs supported us through talks, skills sessions, interview practice, careers fairs and workshops — helping students explore industries from media and sport to finance and law. These events showed the real impact of alumni sharing their journeys and advice.

This year, we are keen to expand opportunities further. Whether you can lead a careers talk, run a skills workshop, offer work experience, host a visit at your workplace, or simply answer a few questions by email, your involvement will make a difference.

If you would like to get involved, please complete this short form or email me directly at agale@aldenham.com.

Scroll down to see how fellow OAs have already inspired our students through recent careers events.

Jenny Arkell (Staff 1972-84)

20 May 2025

Jenny Arkell, wife of Chris Arkell (Kennedy’s Housemaster 1972-84) sadly died early on the morning of Tuesday 6 May after a relatively short illness.

She had been very well and living a full, happy and independent life in Norwich, where she had moved to be nearer her family, who subsequently were able to share the care of their mother during the last few weeks of her life when she was unwell.

There will be a service of thanksgiving for Jenny’s life on Monday 2nd June at 2pm at Saint Albans Church, Grove Walk, Norwich NR1 2QF and anyone who would like to attend is very welcome to do so.

VE Day Commemoration

08 May 2025

On the 80th Anniversary of VE Day, a service was held at the School to remember those from the Aldenham community who laid down their lives during WWII (1939-45). The names of which were read out and the chapel bell was rung 116 times; once for each of those named.

We will remember them.

Tim Woodley (K1987-92) Visit

30 April 2025

Tim visited Aldenham recently to address the Year 7 & 8 students and give them an insight into careers in the Gaming Industry, something Tim has spent the last 25 years of his life doing in various marketing and publishing roles in the video games industry. He was also Chair of the Board for Ukie, the trade body for the UK Games Industry whose mission is to make the UK the best place in the world to make, sell and play video games and an Ambassador to the industry charity ‘Special Effects’, who strive to make video games accessible to everyone.

We thank Tim for giving up his time and if you as an OA would like to help the School in a similar capacity, please contact the OA Office (oas@aldenham.com)

Ann Steven (Staff 1956-72 – Beevor’s Matron)

29 April 2025

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Ann Steven who died on the 17 April, exactly two months before her 95th birthday. Ann joined Aldenham when Chris Wright (CR1950-67) was Housemaster of Beevor’s (1956-67). She carried on working as Matron when Ken Barnard (CR1956-91) subsequently became Beevor’s Housemaster (1967-82), and in those days, she would have overseen all house-based chores, ie. eating, healthcare, laundry, etc. and she was very much embedded in the ‘house’ family.

The news of her death was filtered through the Barnard family, who maintained contact with her throughout her life and she is pictured here, within the 1970’s Beevor’s House photo. RIP

Ann’s funeral will be held on Tuesday 27 May at 11am at St Thomas’ RC Church, Sevenoaks for a requiem mass, followed by burial in the churchyard at St Mary’s, Westerham, 12.30pm if anyone would like to attend.