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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.

2025 Careers Fair

18 March 2025

The largest Careers Fair ever was hosted at the School for students in years 9-13 thanks to the organisation of our Careers Co-Ordinator, Amanda Gale.

The event featured around 65 exhibitors from a variety of industries, with special thanks to the exhibitors from our alumni community, whose industries ranged from Healthcare, Biomedical Sciences, Entertainment, Motorsport, Fashion, Publishing and the Civil Service.

There were also presentations on higher level and degree Apprenticeships and Q&A panels on Law and Engineering available to the students. They also had the opportunity to receive personalised advice on their CVs, business guidance and there was tailored advice for international students. Information was also available about gap year, university support and CV skills. We were also pleased to welcome students from the local state school Queens' to join in the experience.

It was a fantastic afternoon full of learning, guidance, and inspiration for all involved.

If you are interested in being an exhibitor at an event like this in the future, please contact OAS@aldenham.com

2025 OA Dinner

15 March 2025

Over 90 guests attended the OA Dinner on Saturday 15 March, and for the first time ever, every age decade was represented from aged 18 to 85, which began with a drinks reception in the Apthorp Room, where there was live background music, followed by informative speeches from the Head of the Foundation, Alex Hems and the OA Society President, Clare Yeabsley (K1988-90).

A sumptuous dinner was then served in the Dining Hall and during the evening everyone joined in a rendition of the School Song and were entertained again with fabulous performances from professional violinist Abbie James (P2012-17).

It truly was a convivial evening with attendees from the various OA Clubs, including professional golfer, Aran Kanth (M2014-19), plus there were groups of OAs re-connecting from the most recent leavers in 2024 to the Class of 2005 who were celebrating their 20th anniversary since leaving School.

Photographs from the evening will be available to view in due course under Event Galleries.

Jolie Sharpe (P2012-19) Visit

07 March 2025

Students had the chance to meet Jolie, who shared her experience of running her own social media business and working as a sports presenter.

She advised students to work for someone else first before starting their own business. This allows you to understand what it’s like to work for others and helps you figure out the kind of boss you want to be. Running your own business is nonstop—you can never fully switch off. At just 23, she manages a business and oversees people older than herself.

Regarding her presenting career, Jolie’s big break came at the Euros, when her interview with the Daily Mail went viral. She shared her love for sports and encouraged students to find a niche, noting that while many women are in fashion, fields like tech or sports are more niche. The social media space is incredibly saturated, so finding your unique angle is key. She emphasised that opportunities are always right in front of you—it's all about how you recognise them.

Lastly, she reminded the students that if they are feeling stressed, it’s often a sign that good things are happening in their lives, and that maintaining a positive, happy, and polite attitude is essential.

We thank Jolie for giving up her 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)

Josh Rom (L2008-13) Visit

05 March 2025

Josh Rom (L2008-13) kindly came into School today to give a presentation to Year 12 Media Students and was greeted by his former English Teacher, Chris Jenkins (CR2006-Present).

Josh is a Freelance Entertainment Royal Commentator & Writer and he shared with the students a key moment in his career when everything changed; when he got his big break and everything fell into place. He explained how he moved from student media to professional roles, and how that transition shaped his career. Josh also gave advice about the importance of editing, especially for those who aspire to be on-camera. He emphasised that understanding and mastering editing, even when you're in front of the camera, is essential for standing out and succeeding in the competitive media industry.

We thank Josh 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)

Andrew Fraser (Bursar 1994-2017) has died

26 November 2024

It is with regret we report the untimely death of our former Bursar, Andrew Fraser, who steered Aldenham School through difficult financial times in the 1990's. He was always very calm, efficient, good-humoured and a decent man and was a great supporter of the school in all aspects of school life. He was also a very active member of OA Fives and the Treasurer right up until his death.
The family has said there will be a private cremation first for close friends and family on Tuesday 10 December, 2024. Then a service open to all at Holy Trinity Church, Frogmore, St Albans, AL2 2JU at 3pm, followed by refreshments in the Parish Centre attached to the church.

Holy Trinity is on Watling Street as you drive from Radlett to St Albans (on the right). There is a church car park but if people could share cars it would help.

The family has requested no flowers but if you would like to make a donation, please see below:

John Apthorp (P1949-53) has died

26 July 2024

We were saddened to learn that John Apthorp, Paull’s 1949-53, died on 9 July 2024 after a short illness. John is described as a ‘serial entrepreneur’, having been awarded Guardian Young Businessman of the Year and as the founder Bejam, the forerunner of Iceland the frozen food chain. He turned Majestic Wine into the national success it is today but much more than all of that he was a most generous philanthropist and supported many charities including Aldenham. John was awarded the CBE in 2014 for his charitable work and will be very fondly remembered for his loyal and regular support.

Some messages from those who knew John:

John was a really strong supporter of the School and so much that we were able to achieve was due to his generosity.
James Fowler, Headmaster 2006-2022

John Apthorp was a true friend of Aldenham and of the local community.
Trevor Barton (K1971-75), Governor 2009-2015 & Chair 2015-2021

John’s support and generosity to Aldenham School and our community will be forever remembered.
Clare Yeabsley (K1988-90), President of the OA Society

John was a major benefactor for Aldenham School. He should be remembered by many; OAs of his generation will remember him fondly.
Neil Sutherland (B1966-70), Vice President of the OA Society

There will be a memorial service at the School to celebrate John’s life on Friday 25 October, 2024. May he rest in eternal peace.

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The Old Aldenhamian Society
t. 01923 851612
e. oas@aldenham.com

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