Alumni Archives - Gresham's School

News > Academic Enrichment: Black History Month

We welcomed back Old Greshamian, Soji Ajayi, as our Enrichment Speaker for Black History Month. Soji shared his inspiring journey with Year 13 pupils, reflecting on balancing culture and opportunity.

Soji spoke about his Sixth Form studies, discovering his passion for rugby and skiing, and how these experiences shaped his perspective. He went on to pursue an Engineering degree but later transitioned into the world of Financial Services, where he built a successful career.

Soji gave a true reflection of his journey of perseverance, identity, and the pursuit of excellence—all delivered with a message of embracing positivity, understanding and being happy with your own identity.

News > Compelling lectures on History and Degree Apprenticeships

The past few weeks have brought a series of engaging Academic Enrichment lectures, covering a wide range of historical, political, and practical topics.

Last week, we were privileged to host Mr. Kinder, Head of History, who delivered an outstanding lecture on the 110-year history of the Middle Eastern conflict. This topic was specifically requested by our current Sixth Form pupils, eager to gain a deeper understanding of the historical context surrounding the conflict.

We extend our thanks to Mr. Kinder for his illuminating presentation.

This week, we had the pleasure of welcoming Romario Ellis, a 20-year-old entrepreneur, advocate for apprenticeships, and the Founder of Outer Circle, to share his journey with degree apprenticeships. Romario’s story highlighted his path from an apprentice to establishing a dedicated platform empowering young people to gain confidence, skills, and understanding to launch their careers through apprenticeships with supportive, influential employers.

Joining Romario was OG Isobel Reading (E 2020-22), an apprentice at JP Morgan in Global Finance and Business Management. Together, they delivered an insightful and authentic look into the very real and successful route of undertaking a degree apprenticeship.

Thank you, Romario and Izzy, for your encouraging, candid perspectives and for inspiring our pupils to consider the opportunities offered by degree apprenticeships.

News > OGs return to share university journey and career tips

On Monday 23 September, we were delighted to welcome back OGs Joe, Lucy, and Tilly for an inspiring enrichment talk with our current Year 13 pupils.

Each OG shared their unique university journeys, offering valuable insights and advice for those preparing for the next step in their education. Joe, now in his third year studying History at Durham University, stressed the importance of being proactive in pursuing personal goals. His dedication has certainly paid off, as he managed to secure a summer placement with the multinational accounting firm, Deloitte, and already has a job offer lined up with the company for September 2025.

Lucy, a Marketing and Events Management graduate from Oxford Brookes University, spoke about her experience switching degree courses and highlighted the excellent support available for students with dyslexia. Lucy helped reassure those with learning differences about the help they can expect at university.

Tilly, an English Literature graduate from Edinburgh University, shared her enriching experience, including a memorable Erasmus exchange in her third year at the University of Copenhagen.

So far this term, Monday’s academic enrichment talks have been filled with exciting and engaging speakers. We welcomed Major General Felix Gedney who delivered a thought-provoking lecture about the UK Armed Forces and Society, and Former MP and Old Greshamian, Duncan Baker, who gave an extremely engaging and knowledgeable talk that offered insights into the commitment of being an MP.

We look forward with anticipation to welcoming more exciting speakers throughout the rest of the term.

News > Ben Youngs Appointed Head of Performance Sport

Gresham’s School is delighted to announce the appointment of Ben Youngs as the new Head of Performance Sport. A former pupil and an international rugby icon, Ben returns to his alma mater with a wealth of experience and a passion for developing the next generation of athletes.

Ben Youngs, England’s most-capped men’s rugby player, has enjoyed a stellar career spanning over 15 years. With more than 100 appearances for the England national team and a legacy that includes participation in four Rugby World Cups, Youngs is widely recognised for his exceptional leadership, strategic prowess, and dedication to the sport.

A proud alumnus of Gresham’s, Ben’s journey from the school’s playing fields to the pinnacle of international rugby serves as a powerful testament to his talent and determination. His return marks a significant milestone for Gresham’s, as he brings not only his on-field expertise but also his deep understanding of the school’s unique ethos and values.

In his new role, Ben will focus on nurturing high-performance athletes across a range of disciplines. His appointment underscores Gresham’s commitment to ensuring that students receive world-class guidance and support in their sporting endeavours.

Ben Youngs expressed his enthusiasm about the appointment, stating, “I am thrilled to return to Gresham’s, a place that has played such a significant role in my life. I look forward to working with the talented pupils and staff to build on the school’s proud sporting tradition and help our athletes achieve their full potential.”

James Knight, Director of Sport at Gresham’s, added, “We are incredibly excited to welcome Ben back to Gresham’s in this important role. His achievements in rugby are an inspiration to our pupils, and his experience and passion will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen our sport.”

Ben Youngs’ appointment is a momentous occasion for Gresham’s, as the school continues to foster a culture of excellence, discipline, and sportsmanship. Under his leadership, Gresham’s aims to set new standards in performance sport, providing its students with unparalleled opportunities to excel.

Read more about Sports Scholarship opportunities here.

News > OG George Stiles gave a special presentation to pupils on his career in musical theatre

On 16^th April George Stiles (OG) came back to the School to give a special presentation on his career in musical theatre to both Gresham’s pupils and pupils from local schools. In addition to this, George conducted two workshops focussing on audition room performances and the process by which you conceive and develop a score or script for the stage. The pupils learnt a great deal about the industry and how to go about putting on a play, whilst a number of Gresham’s pupils performed both musical numbers and monologues that were critiqued by George.

George is a prolific composer and producer and has made significant contributions to musical theatre. Collaborating with Anthony Drewe, he crafted successful shows like “Honk!” and “Mary Poppins.” As a producer, his co-production of “Six – the musical” continues to be a global sensation, earning multiple awards and full houses around the world. His work has earned critical acclaim, including an Olivier award and Tony nominations, showcasing his talent for creating memorable melodies and engaging productions.

News > Congratulations to OG Glyn Barnett who has won the silver medal in the 2024 Individual World Long Range Championships, and to all of the OGs who are taking part

Dr Glyn Barnett (OG), along with several other Old Greshamians and many other competitors from around the world, are currently in South Africa shooting in the World Long Range Championships. Yesterday was the conclusion of the Individual World Long Range Championships, in which Glyn was leading going into the Final at 900 meters. The competitors had previously shot 9 separate shoots at distances of 700, 800 & 900 meters and Glyn was a single point clear on his closest competitor, Ash Bidgood of Australia, but had fewer central bullseyes. The Final was a fantastically close competition, with the lead going backwards and forwards between the two of them but, despite finishing on exactly the same score, Ash Bidgood won the Gold medal as a result of having 6 more central bullseyes than Glyn. Glyn won the Silver medal in the 2024 Individual World Long Range Championships. Gresham’s School, and its Rifle Club, are hugely proud of all that Glyn has achieved in the shooting world and are thrilled with this latest achievement. Many congratulations to Glyn.

Earlier on in the Championships, the Great Britain Under 25 Rifle Team competed in the U25’s World Championships and two former Gresham’s School pupils were representing this team. Toby Cubitt (OG) and Toby Little (OG) were both members of the GB team that successfully became the U25 World Long Range Champions for 2024. Huge congratulations must go to both of them and the entire GBU25 Rifle Team on this wonderful achievement and for becoming Gresham’s most recent World Champions.

Tomorrow will be the first day of the Senior World Long Range Championships (The Palma Trophy) in which there will certainly be Old Greshamians representing the Great Britain Team. We wish all of the former Gresham’s School pupils and the entire Great Britain Team all the very best for this forthcoming match and we hope that, by the weekend, we can celebrate even more World Champions.

News > A Gresham’s team of more than seventy took on the Blickling Half marathon

Massive well done to the 17 pupil runners who joined a Gresham’s Team of more than seventy to take on the Blickling Half Marathon on Sunday 17th March. It was a tough two lap course around the Blickling Estate in pretty damp conditions with a start and finish in front of the iconic Blickling Hall! First home for the pupils was Freddie G on an impressive 1hr 51 and first for the staff was Mr O’Connell with an outrageous 1hr 25. So far we have raised more than £3,000 for Young Minds which is an excellent team effort!! There was outstanding support at the event particularly from parents and OGs, so hopefully this event is ‘a keeper’ for forthcoming years!

Congratulations to Charlotte A, Eliza A, Hippolyte B, Allesandro D, Caspian G, Severin G, Joe G, Freddie G, Sammi H, Darcey L, Alex M, Paloma M, Jude P, George P, Charlotte T, Honor S, Alf S and Rosie W!!

News > New Chair of Governors Appointed

Paul Marriage has been appointed as the School’s new Chair of Governors from July 2024, taking over from Michael Goff who will step down after a six-year tenure.

Paul is an Old Greshamian (Kenwyn & Tallis 1982-1990), a Liveryman of the Fishmongers’ Company and he became a Governor in 2012. Having read Modern History at University College, Oxford he began his career in the insurance market before entering the investment industry in 1997. Having run leading specialist UK equity funds at Cazenove Capital and Schroders, he founded Tellworth Investments in 2017.

Paul Marriage, said: “I am honoured to be taking over from Michael Goff as Chairman of the Governors, he has done an exceptional job and will be a hard act to follow. Parents, staff, pupils, OGs and my fellow governors can be assured that I will do my utmost to keep the School on its upwards trajectory as we approach our 475th anniversary.”

News > Public speaking coach and OG Susie Ashfield was welcomed back to speak to pupils and staff

What a fun visit and trip down memory lane we had with Old Greshamian Susie Ashfield, (c & E 2000 – 07) returning to Gresham’s for the first time since she was a pupil to give not just one but three talks!

The first talk was in Chapel, where Susie recounted some very amusing school memories whilst celebrating the positivity of a Gresham’s education. The second interactive talk was in the Auden Theatre for Year 13 pupils on ‘finding your career path’. The third talk was for teaching staff, on Susie’s professional work in communication coaching.

News > We welcomed back OG Irenosen Okojie for a Q&A with Year 13

We welcomed Old Greshamian Irenosen Okojie, Nigerian born English writer back to Gresham’s as part of Black History Month.

Irenosen visited the Prep School where she was a pupil for 6 years; embracing the dual culture and the introduction to the books of Roald Dahl.

Irenosen talked to the Year 13 pupils in a Q&A discussion with Year 12 pupil, Mojuba, from Nigeria.

The platform of this discussion gave opportunity for both to give further depth and insight to the richness of embracing dual culture and people; the authors that have inspired and influenced Irenosen’s writing and her positivity in embracing the dual culture together with the superb inclusion and diversity of teaching and culture that the Gresham’s education gives its pupils.