Meet Your New Alumni Chair: Katie Chung (nee
Jones, Class of 1988)
Q: What’s your connection to the school?
I started in the Junior School in 1984, moving up to the Seniors in 1988. I’ve spent most of my career in management consulting in London. After getting my MBA and taking up a role overseas, my husband and I decided to move closer to my parents and with a six-year-old, Henry’s was an easy choice. She started in Swallows in Year 1. Time is moving fast and she’s now moving into Year 9. Being a parent of a current pupil and serving with the committee gives me a unique insight into the challenges and opportunities we can help with, and access to some great school moments like concerts, plays and matches which I can highly recommend to alumni.
Q: What do you do now for work, and how has your school experience shaped your journey?
I’ve spent my career in marketing and communications leadership roles for services like M&A, private equity, strategy, sustainability and technology. I’m most proud of my work with the United Nations and regularly attend COP and the World Economic Forum in Davos looking at how we can tackle some of the world’s most pressing systemic challenges.
Today, I’m a Vice President at a leading global strategy consultancy, building partnerships with major technology companies. While it’s hard to pinpoint exactly, I believe school helped lay the foundation for my confidence, leadership, and focus on collaboration.
Q: How do you see the role of alumni in supporting the school today?
Our alumni span from 18 to 80+, and I want to ensure there’s something of value for everyone whether you just read the newsletter, follow along on social occasionally, or join cricket matches and dinners.
To quote The Leopard ‘If we want things to stay as they are, things will have to change.’ School alumni communities are becoming an asset to schools in challenging times. Beyond our events, we have the
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Message From Phil Dearden, Headmaster and OCA President
Dear Alumni,
This summer’s newsletter comes with a mix of reflection and farewell, as it marks my final contribution to this column. After eight incredibly fulfilling years at King Henry’s, I will be stepping down at the end of this term to take up a new role as Headmaster at Merchant Taylors’ Schools in Liverpool.
It is not an easy goodbye. This school has been far more than a place of work it has been home, a community, and a deeply enriching chapter of my life. I’ve had the privilege of leading King Henry’s through challenges that none of us could have foreseen from a global pandemic to sector-wide financial uncertainties, industrial action, inspection and the merger. Yet, throughout, I have been continually inspired by the resilience and warmth of this school and its people.
In my final term, it’s heartening to see the school as vibrant and full of promise as ever. Our co-curricular life continues to thrive, with our musicians jetting off to Budapest this year following their annual summer concert at the end of term. I particularly enjoyed ‘Magic of Musicals’, our end of term lower school production last week
There are a number of other fabulous trips and events underway, so I must mention our senior sports tour to South Africa and our Y8s who spent a week on a residential trip to France. This is on top of multiple Geography trips and our annual Activities Day
We then celebrated the annual U6 Graduation and Prizegiving, with over 250 guests joining us in the Burgess Hall for afternoon tea. Speech Day for all year groups also took place in the final week of term. These are moments where past, present, and future intertwine, reminding us of
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opportunity to create a real sense of purpose and ambition to support Henry’s. Ex-pupils bring a broad range of experiences, professional insights and acts of service that can really help today’s students in their next steps.
Q: Are there initiatives you’re particularly excited about?
I’m really excited about the events we’re planning in celebration of 50 years of girls at the school. The committee has put in a huge amount of effort. We’re still a few women short of our 50 for 50 - an exhibition in September of women from right across the school showcasing their achievements. It’s not about having been a remarkable student, head of school or sports superstar - I certainly was none of those! It’s more celebrating the breadth of activities and achievements girls have gone on to achieve. The annual dinner in November will also be my first and we’ll be hearing some more stories from the boys and girls who were around in 1975 onwards.
Q: Finally, do you have a particularly fond memory of the school?
I’m not sure it was fond at the time, but it’s become a family classic. I once borrowed an oversized grey PE skirt for a house hockey match (go White’s) which promptly fell down as I raced toward goal. Faced with a choice between glory and modesty, I pressed on in those famous red knickers. I can’t remember if I scored, but I’d like to think I did!
You can stay connected through our calendar of events. Looking ahead, I’d love to hear what alumni want more of so please email me at K8tsJones@gmail.com
Katie Chung OCA Chair
Bookings from September for OCA 102
Annual Dinner – SAVE THE DATE!
We're delighted to ask you to save the date for the Annual Dinner on Saturday 15 November 2025.
We'd like to welcome you to a drinks reception from 6.30pm. Dinner will commence at 7pm. There will also be an optional school tour at 2pm.
This year's event promises to be truly special as we look back on 50 years of co-education at Henry's.
We'll share information on how to book your seat along with details of our guest speakers for the evening after the summer holidays.
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the enduring strength of Henry’s spirit.
Next year, King Henry’s celebrates 50 years of co-education, and we are already gathering stories from our female alumnae to mark this significant milestone. I hope many of you will lend your voices to this celebration as it’s yet another reflection of the school’s evolution, one that you have all helped shape.
Looking further back, I am especially proud of the cultural strides we’ve made together: strengthening inclusivity, elevating pupil wellbeing, and cementing a positive, caring ethos at the heart of all we do. We have grown into a school that is not only academically ambitious but also deeply human, a place where every pupil is supported to be their full, authentic self. I am hugely grateful to my senior team and all the staff for being part of this journey.
As I prepare to return to my home on the Wirral, I do so with immense gratitude and optimism. Henry’s is in an excellent place, and I have no doubt it will continue to flourish under new leadership. Thank you for your unwavering support, your stories, and your continued connection to Henry’s.
It has truly been an honour.
With warmest wishes,
Phil Dearden Headmaster
50 for 50 Exhibition at King Henry VIII School
2025/6 promises to be a year of celebration for many schools as they reflect on 50 years of co-education. At Henry's we've planned a number of events across the year where our alumni can share their memories of this time.
We begin in September with an exhibition in the Burgess Hall of the stories of 50 women who have been educated at the school over the last 50 years, and their personal journeys beyond its doors.
We're still a few short of our 50 goal, so please submit your reflection on your time at school + highresolution photos of you then and now. You can use this link to download the template in which you can write your piece.
When complete, email your reflection and photos to alumni@csfoundation.org.uk We hope you can join us at the opening of the exhibition on Friday 12 September, 7pm-9.30pm.
Pioneer Head Girl
Kate Wheadon (née Hewlett) was the school’s first Head Girl appointed from the initial Class of 1975 intake. We have invited all female pupils from that year to write a contribution to the exhibition which will mark he 50th anniversary. We are not just looking for ’high-fliers’ - everyone’s contributions will be equally valued. We ask only that you roughly follow this format: a short post-school biography followed by a longer retrospective on your time at the school. Please contact Catherine Kaye, Alumni Relations Officer: alumni@csfoundation.org.uk
On leaving King Henry VIII in 1982, I worked a gap year placement at Mander Hadley & Co in Coventry before reading Jurisprudence at the University of Oxford. After completing my professional training at Guildford Law School, where I met my husband, I qualified as a Solicitor in London, specialising in Town and Country Planning. After a career break to bring up my three sons, I resumed professional life as a Title Indemnity Underwriter. I currently serve as a Governor at two Schools, am a member of the Worshipful Company of Skinners, enjoy theatre, rugby and long distance walking, especially in the Lake District.
It has been over forty years since I left King Henry VIII School, yet my memories from that time - particularly my year as Head Girl - remain remarkably vivid. To be appointed as Head Girl was an honour, made all the more meaningful by the significance of the moment in the School’s history. At school, I was what one might describe as an ‘all round good egg’. I was not the top academic, nor a sports star, nor a lead in school plays, nor a musical prodigy, but I threw myself into many aspects of school life and loved it. Being appointed Head Girl meant I was able to become even more involved and that was a treat.
First Girls at King Henry VIII School Reunion
– SAVE THE DATE!
Girls who joined King Henry VIII School in 1975 and the fifth and sixth form in 1976, you are invited to a very special reunion to celebrate 50 years since the school became coeducational! Save the date now:
• Saturday 25 April 2026
• Location: King Henry VIII School, Coventry
• Time: Afternoon event (exact timings to follow)
Light refreshments will be served. You will also be able to enjoy a tour of the school to see how much (or little!) has changed, and plenty of time to reminisce and reconnect with old friends.
After the school event, we invite you to continue the celebration by organising your own group dinner in town the perfect opportunity to carry on the memories.
More details and a formal invitation will follow in due course, but for now, please mark your calendars. We very much hope you’ll be able to join us for this unique and nostalgic occasion.
One of my clearer memories is of the winter of 1981/82 particularly cold and snowy. It fell to me to produce countless Prefect rotas to cover snow duties (all without the help of modern IT!). I suspect that is where my lifelong love of list-making began.
The most daunting responsibility, though, came with speaking at the Old Coventrians’ Dinner. As the first Head Girl to address this gathering, I found the experience both nerve-racking and exhilarating. I had been warned by Jeff Vent about a few "characters" in the audience and, after a hurried start, I found my feet sufficiently to engage in some light-hearted banter. The standing ovation that followed was not, I am certain, a reflection of oratory brilliance, but rather a collective recognition of a new chapter for the School: girls were now a real and welcome part of the institution.
Looking back to 1975, when the first group of 30 girls joined the School, we knew it was personally a significant moment. What we could not yet see was just how much we - and those who followed - would help shape the School’s culture, its layout, and its identity. By the time we reached the Upper Sixth, it was obvious that girls were not just present: we were accepted and integrated into the life of the School.
To represent that pioneering cohort and the few girls who joined that year group in later years, was a privilege. I feel especially lucky that we were, in my (admittedly biased!) opinion, a truly lovely group. Many of the friendships we formed, not only amongst ourselves but with others (boys and girls!) have lasted a lifetime. While the school experience may have been different for each of us, we were part of a transformation that has left a lasting legacy not only for each of us but also the School. I would like to think that the fact that King Henry VIII School thrives today is in part testament to the strength of that transformation.
Seniors’ Tea
One of the most enjoyable regular events on the OC and School calendar is the Seniors’ Tea. This year it took place on Tuesday 2 July, around 20 older members of the OC community gathering in the school dining room for tea, coffee, fruit juice, cake and conversation.
For these purposes, the current definition of a ‘senior’ is anyone who joined the senior school in or before 1968, this threshold being advanced by a year for each annual event.
Guests were welcomed by the Alumni Relations Officer, Catherine Kaye, and the OCA Secretary, Keith Bushnell.
One of the most enjoyable aspects of the event is the
chance for current pupils to interact with the older generation. As the photos here show, the most senior 6th formers, now known as ‘Heads of School’, joined in the conversations at the tables and were later joined by a group of year 8 pupils.
The seniors and the pupils always enjoy comparing their experiences of King Henry VIII life. The School has of course changed in ways that would have been unimaginable to pupils schooled in the all-male culture of the 1950s and 60s but some things change more slowly – parts
of the buildings, like the ‘Covered Way’ and the corridors near the Warwick Road entrance, are instantly recognisable to young and old alike. The afternoon was rounded off, for those with sufficient energy, with a tour of the school led by
retired member of staff Peter Huxford. Many of the rooms have been repurposed and virtually all of them renumbered but it doesn’t stop the memories from flooding back, with recollections of fellow pupils, and teachers like Cyril Shore, ‘Bert’ Tompkins, ‘Dickie’ Dawson and Jeff Vent being prompted at every turn.
BRIAN HOLT
1947
-2025
(Class of 1958)
The OCA is sad to report the death of Brian Holt (class of 1958). Brian was born in Leamington Spa, brought up in Stivichall and Earlsdon. His three brothers all also attended King Henry VIII School.
At the School Brian played rugby for the 1st XV and was a contemporary, or near contemporary, of some notable rugby talents, which included a future all-time great, David Duckham, as well as two others who played with distinction for Coventry and England, Peter Preece and Peter Rossborough.
On returning from Cambridge University in 1968, Brian himself joined the Coventry club and played for seven years as a flanker in what was unquestionably the strongest English club team of the time, some would say of any time before the professional era. The best moment of his Coventry career was in 1973 when he played in the cup final for a Coventry side which triumphed 27-15 over Bristol. The following season Brian was honoured by being made vicecaptain but missed out on a second cup winning appearance when he was lost his place in the team.
In addition to his exploits on the rugby field, he was a talented water-skier, golfer and tennis player.
Having worked in the family firm of estate agents, Cartwright Holt, for many years, Brian set up on his own in 1995 and ran offices in Coventry city centre, Earlsdon and Keniworth until his retirement.
St. Mary’s Church in Warwick was at full capacity for Brian’s funeral on 2 June.
Brian is one of a number of Old Coventrians featured in this Coventry RFC team photo from the 1973-74 season. We have identified: Jim Robinson (back row, 2nd from right), Paul Coulthard (3rd row, 2nd from right) , captain and vice-captain David Duckham and Brian Holt (2nd row, 5th and 6th from left), Peter Rossborough (2nd row, 2nd from right) and Peter Preece (front row, 2nd from right).
Also appearing is Alan Cowman, 1st left on the 2nd row, who was a member of King Henry VIII staff in the early 1970s, teaching PE and Chemistry.
To review or update your contact
Shirley Wallis
6 October 1931 – 24 March 2025
Shirley Wallis, right, mother of Virginia Wallis (Class of 1972) and David Wallis (Class of 1969), died peacefully on 24 March at Leycester House Care Home. David and his daughter were by her side.
She was the treasured wife of John Wallis, who died in 2009, and a much-loved mother, aunt, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was held in high esteem by many as teacher, colleague and friend.
Mrs Wallis was class teacher of Lower Prep Alpha at King Henry VIII Junior School for several years from 1968. Her funeral was held on 8 May at The Collegiate Church of St Mary in Warwick.
Neil Thomas (Class of 1972)
The OCA was saddened to hear of Neil’s passing on 1 July at Myton Hospice, UHCW.
He is pictured here with former classmates, Andy Critchlow and Dave Shepherd (rear) and Jon Thorne.
A fuller tribute will follow in due course.
Remembering John Bird at the Menin Gate
During their recent week-long trip to France and Belgium, our Year 8 students took a poignant moment to remember John Bird, a former pupil of King Henry VIII School who lost his life during World War I.
While visiting the Menin Gate in Ypres, students paused at the panel engraved with John Bird’s name. Seeing the name of someone who once walked the same school corridors brought home the human cost of the war in a deeply personal way.
The visit offered students not only a powerful connection to history, but also a moment of reflection on the sacrifice made by so many, including one of our own.
We will remember them
A Reunion in the Sunshine
On Saturday 10 May 2025, former pupils from the Classes of 1999 and 2000 had their 25-year Reunion since starting at Henry’s.
The Sixth Form Centre garden provided the perfect setting for a relaxed catch-up over refreshments and cake.
A highlight of the afternoon was the nostalgic tour of the school. Former pupils were excited to show their children the classrooms where they once sat and to share stories from their school days.
Wishing there could be a Reunion for your Class?
Class Reunions can be organised any time you and your year group would like one. You don't necessarily have to wait for an anniversary year to have one arranged.
The Old Coventrians' Association committee proposes class reunions to celebrate 10 years since leaving Henry's, alternating with reunions celebrating
25 years since starting at the school. However, this doesn't mean you can't have a reunion at other times, so please do feel free to contact the alumni office whenever you want to organise one and we will help with arrangements: alumni@csfoundation.org.uk
Former Pupil Sona Comes Back to School in
a Professional Capacity!
Sona Chandi (Class of 2002), pictured right, returned to Henry’s in her role as Student Engagement & Recruitment Officer at Coventry University, taking part in our afternoon mini university fair for our Lower Sixth students’ Next Steps Day.
She shared valuable insights into university admissions, course choices, and what students can expect as they take their next steps into higher education.
It was inspiring for the school’s Lower Sixth students to engage with someone who once stood exactly where they are now - and who has gone on to support the next generation from within the sector.
The School expressed thanks to Sona for visiting and inspiring its students.
The Royals at the Godiva Festival
Class of 2016 friends Dan Andrews, Charlie Atkinson, Milan Bodali-Bosson, and Conor Winters played live on the main stage at this year’s Godiva Festival with their band The Royals.
The four band members started performing during their school days at Henry’s rock concerts. They have continued their musical journey ever since.
They released their debut EP in May 2025 and are heading out on a three-date UK tour this October.
Can You Help with OCA Events?
We continue to be in need of some new blood to keep the OCA relevant to you, our membership.
We can co-opt members onto the committee, or you may prefer to get involved on an ad hoc basis to help organise particular events on the OCA calendar, just helping out where you can.
We are always pleased to see former pupils get involved!
Below, The Royals EP album cover, and left, in action on stage at the recent Godiva Festival. Playing guitar, leftmost, is Lydia Stevens, who is a Bablake alumna (class of 2016). Lydia came on to play as a second rhythm guitarist as she had previously filled in during earlier concerts.
Back to Share their Journeys since Leaving Henry’s
On 13th June, several alumni were welcomed back to King Henry’s for the Lower Sixth ‘Next Steps’ Day.
As part of the event, students explored a wide range of post-school options, guided by the real-life experiences of former pupils who generously shared their journeys.
- Isaac Nelson (Class of 2012) spoke about his Degree Apprenticeship route, having earned a BA (Hons) in Professional Practice Supply Chain from Sheffield Hallam University. He now works as an Inventory Control Manager at Cimbali and shared his experience of this route forward.
- Ted Brankin and Dhruv Sharma (Class of 2017) talked about taking a gap year and the benefits of making a fresh UCAS application. Ted has a place to read Law at Oxford, and Dhruv will be taking up his place at Sheffield for Dentistry.
- Eesha Patel (Class of 2017) has completed her first year at Warwick University, studying Politics and International Studies, and talked about her decisionmaking process, course research, and UCAS
Old Coventrians Association Annual General Meeting
The OCA AGM took place on Thursday 12 June in the JBV Archive Room.
In the absence of both the retiring Acting Chair and the Vice-Chair, the meeting was chaired by Keith Bushnell (OCA Secretary)
After the formalities of approving the minutes and reviewing actions from the 2024 AGM, Treasurer Ian Cresswell, presented the Final Accounts for the Year.
The financial outlook for the OCA for the year looks challenging. Like many organisations we are experiencing increasing inflationary costs in supply of catering and materials. We will continue to monitor this and aim to keep events and activities as reasonable as ever. The expectation is that the balance of funds in 12 months’ time will be c. £3500, a deliberately pessimistic figure which covers unknown but likely increases in costs and which excludes certain amounts being held on behalf of specific groups within the OC community. Some sports events cost us to enter, and those costs will continue to rise.
A decision was taken last November not to absorb the cost for setting up the Burgess Hall for the Annual Dinner into the ticket price, as it was an unexpected and late charge. Hence the dinner made
application journey. She offered practical advice about university life and the transition from school.
The event highlighted the wide range of meaningful next steps open to students and fostered an intense sense of community between current students and alumni.
A heartfelt thank you to Dhruv, Eesha, Isaac and Ted for your time and generosity. You made a lasting impact.
a loss. The OCA made a donation to the 1545 Fund in lieu of a similar set up charge for this year’s dinner.
The Treasurer will undertake an analysis of the small number of auto-subscriptions we receive to look into if there are more efficient ways we can process them.
The accounts were accepted unanimously.
No Chair’s Report was available, as there has been no elected Chair in place for the last year.
Elections took place for the roles of Chair, for a two-year term, and committee members for one year. Katie Chung was elected unanimously as the new Chair and all committee members were re-elected except Paul Fernandez-Montes, who was standing down, and President Phil Dearden whose ex-officio post ends with his departure as KHVIII Headmaster. Stefan Halikowski Smith was elected to the committee for the first time. All the officers except the Chair were halfway through a two -year term and therefore not required to seek re-election.
From left to right: Eesha Patel, Ted Brankin, Dhruv Sharma and Isaac Nelson
Special Visit to Buckingham Palace Garden
After a year of volunteering, helping young people with homework and coaching football, improving his golf handicap for the Skills and Physical sections, surfing and making lifelong friends on a residential in Portugal, and completing a challenging Expedition around Snowdonia, Stephan Heathcote (Class of 2017) proudly celebrated completing his Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award at Buckingham Palace Garden this May. His grandmother was his special guest.
Stephan is one of many incredible Upper Sixth students at Henry’s who completed their Gold DofE, gaining valuable life skills as well as lasting memories of perseverance, teamwork and camaraderie.
Congratulations and well done, Stephan!
Heritage Open Day Guided Historical Tours at King Henry VIII School
Join us for one of our guided historical tours of King Henry VIII School on Saturday 13 September and explore its rich history and architecture.
Tour times are available at:
• 10:30am
• 12:00 noon
• 2:00pm
Tours are by booking only and strictly limited to 20 visitors per group, so early booking is essential to avoid disappointment.
To reserve your place, please email alumni@csfoundation.org.uk stating:
• The number of people you wish to book for
• Your preferred tour times, listed in order of preference
We will do our best to accommodate your first choice, subject to availability.
Further details will be published soon on the Heritage Open Days website but be aware that spaces will go fast!
Marathon Ladder
There have been two new entries to the OC Marathon Ladder since it was last published in December 2024. One is historic and one recent but nonetheless congratulations to both Richard Dyson (38th position) and Adam Huxford (13th) who recorded the best OC time for 27 years.
Let us know if you record a good time during 2025.
Cricket
The annual OCs' cricket match against the school first eleven took place on a very warm 1st July. The pitch played well, the outfield was fast, and the background scenic, as the OCs amassed an impressive 264-3.
Openers Will Iles and Sher Chattha started well, hitting some loose balls, but able in addition to score off good ones, and were soon up to a rate of a run a ball. When Will was caught for 69, in 95 minutes, the total was 140, and Sher brought up his century in the over before lunch, off 101 balls. With Deepinder Dyal chipping in with 41, captain Darun Kaliray was able to declare, with Sher retiring for 129.
The school bowlers competed well, demonstrating real skill and determination, and, given their youth, showing real promise for the future. Six of the seven bowlers came from year 11 or below, including Gabriel
Haywood, who took 2-37. The other wicket fell to captain Syed Jafri (1-53), but seamers Sharma, Patel and Mandava, and accurate off-spinner Bhachu
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suffered from dropped catches, or would also have put their names in the wickets column.
In reply the school side was put under immediate pressure by the left-arm pace and swing of OCs' debutant Charlie Atkinson. He took 5-35, with four bowled and one caught at slip, and was supported by the captain, who bravely shouldered the responsibility of bowling up the hill.
Darun bowled the school's top scorer, Fred Parker, for 20, while the spin of Nikhil Patel, Imrun Nagra and Ethan Wragg chipped away at the tail, helped by neat catching, the fielding of Omar Chaudhury, and a stumping by wicket-keeper Prav Heer.
For the school, Head of Physics, Jim Moyes, and Kabir Bhachu both reached the high teens, but the eleven could reach only 95 before they were all out. Despite the scale of the OCs' victory, the match will have done both sides good.
The elegance of the OCs' stroke-play, and the accuracy of their bowling, will, one hopes, have rubbed off on the school team, and the good nature with which the match proceeded bodes well for the future of the summer sport at King Henry's.
Adam’s Special Day
Adam Huxford (Class of 2009) ran his first marathon at Brighton in April. He had previously run in halfmarathons (including Coventry) and, after following a tough training programme, was aiming at a time of 2 hours 55 minutes.
The adrenalin of the day, and vocal support from family and friends, helped him to beat this time, completing the course in 2 hours, 52 minutes and 48 seconds. This placed him 59th out of over 8,000 runners, and, according to our records, is the fastest time by an OC since Roland Mallier in 1998 in Boston (see previous page).
The event was extremely wellorganised (as part of the London Marathon system), and a very contented OC returned to the Midlands, contemplating another marathon, but not too soon!
Hockey
Having previously been moved from 30 March to 7 September, the Dean Close 'Old Girls' hockey event has been moved again to Sunday 21 September. More OC female hockey players are wanted to join our team there.
If you’d like to sign up to play or would like further details, please email Peter Huxford, OC Sports Coordinator: OCSports@csfoundation.org.uk or peter.huxford1066@gmail.com
Let’s get the team together and make it a great day!
Cross Country
The Crackley Run 2025
The annual Crackley Run will again take place on the last Saturday before Christmas.
This year that date will be 20 December.
Last year the Women's race was won for the third successive year by Emma Garnett (Class of 1983), whilst the Men's Shield went to Ned Gilford (Class of 2016).
To register, and for more details of the race and postrace hospitality, please email: Peter Huxford, OC Sports Coordinator: OCSports@csfoundation.org.uk
Bowls
The date of 5September was agreed some time ago for the annual OC Bowls tournament but the green at OCRFC, Tile Hill Lane, is no longer available.
We will advise as soon as we have arranged an alternative venue.
To register to participate, email: Peter Huxford, OC Sports Coordinator: OCSports@csfoundation.org.uk
YOUR NEWSLETTER
The next issue of the OC Newsletter will be the Winter 2025 edition. This will be circulated some time before the end of the school term on Friday 12 December 2025.
Please ensure any items for inclusion are sent to us (email: alumni@csfoundation.org.uk) in good time and at the latest by Friday 28 November.
This edition of the OCA Newsletter was put together by Keith Bushnell, Katie Chung and Catherine Kaye, with the help of other OCA committee members, and with technical assistance from Tim Lees and Dan Kearns.
Updating Your Details on the Alumni Database
You can easily review and update your details at any time:
1. Visit https://khviii.alumni-online.com/Main
2. Select ‘Log in’ or ‘Personal info’ from the drop-down Menu
3. Enter the email address through which you have received this newsletter as this is your registered email address on the database.
4. If you don’t know your password or can’t remember it, click ‘Forgot your Password?’, then enter your registered email address. Finally, click on ‘Email password reset link’.
Old Coventrians’ Events 2025/26
More details on some of these events are shown elsewhere in this issue. Please check online for updates nearer the listed dates.
Friday 5September 2025 4pm, OC Bowls Tournament. (TBC - date/venue subject to change)
From Friday 12 September 2025, 50 yearanniversary of King Henry VIII School becoming coeducational. Events planned through 20252026 - see elsewhere in this newsletter
Saturday 13 September 2025 from 10.30am
Heritage Open Day Guided Tours - see elsewhere in this newsletter
Sunday 21 September 2025
Hockey - Dean Close Sixes Tournament Contact Peter Huxford: OCSports@csfoundation.org.uk
Saturday 15 November 2025 - Old Coventrians’ Association 102nd Annual Dinner
Saturday 20December 2025, OC Crackley Run. Contact Peter Huxford: OCSports@csfoundation.org.uk
April 2026 (date TBC) Classes of 1993 & 1994 Reunion Contact: alumni@csfoundation.org.uk
Committee Meetings
18 September 2025 (provisional date TBC)
4 February 2026 (date TBC)
16 April 2026 (date TBC)
AGM Thursday 12 June 2026 (date TBC) followed by a Committee Meeting.
OCA Committee 2025-26
• Katie Chung (Chair, Class of 1988)
• Rob Phillips (Vice-Chair, Class of 1993)
• Keith Bushnell (Secretary, Class of 1972)
• Ian Cresswell (Treasurer, Class of 1973)
• Jan Butler (Governor and Retired staff)
• Peter Huxford (Retired staff)
• Peter Owen (Class of 1955)
• Stefan Halikowski Smith (Class of 1981)
• Jeremy Thomas (Retired staff)
Ex Officio Members:
• When in post - Head / Acting Head (OCA Honorary President)
• Catherine Kaye (Alumni Relations Officer)
Co-opted:
• Chris Spriggs (Retired staff)