Spring Summer Newsletter 2025

King’s Association Newsletter

Spring / Summer 2025

As Head at King’s, I am passionate about ensuring that we can play an active role in supporting our pupils in their lives beyond school as they embark on their university and early career journeys.

It is therefore very satisfying to me to see our University Networks and Knowledge Networks take shape, making it easier for our alumni to tap into the King’s community as they chart their pathways beyond school.

Our University Networks are now active and growing, and for the first time are hosting get-togethers in the autumn term to welcome new alumni and help grow their connections. We have alumni ambassadors in place in five universities and counting, who provide a friendly welcome and point of contact for fellow alumni, helping to ensure a smoother university transition.

Our Knowledge Networks, which

offer connections across the sectors our alumni are working in, are also growing in numbers and impact. Our Entrepreneurship Knowledge Network hosted its first gathering earlier this year, bringing together alumni from across the entrepreneurship landscape, from university students curious about a career in entrepreneurship, to more seasoned business leaders able to share their career and industry insights. This key initiative to develop and nurture our alumni is proving to be an impactful enterprise that strengthens our network, helping our alumni to forge lasting connections. We have more Knowledge Network events planned in the coming months for sectors such as finance, women and the LGBT+ community. Look out for these in upcoming eBulletins.

In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, we recognise that lifelong learning is essential for the sustained growth and success of our alumni. Our Enlightening Minds series, available in-person at school and online via livestream, brings some of the world’s leading minds to discuss their areas of research on topics as diverse as climate change, geopolitics, digital and innovation, and the arts and media. Our 2025-26 series opens with TEDx events, and lectures can be viewed on our website

The second year of King’s Business School ran very successfully this summer. The programme aims to foster entrepreneurship skills for pupils from King’s and our partnership schools, and provides an intensive summer programme for budding entrepreneurs. We were lucky to be joined by a stellar line up of entrepreneurs including Nick Wheeler, founder of Charles Tyrwhitt and Giles Humphries, co-founder of Mindful Chef, who shared personal insights and lessons from their journeys. Feedback from the programme was fantastic – you can read more about this initiative on page 80.

Fifteen years ago this year, King’s took an important step in its history by welcoming girls to the sixth form, enriching our community in immeasurable ways. Their presence has brought diversity, innovation, and a dynamic spirit to the school’s culture, leaving a legacy that benefits our entire community. To mark this milestone, we will be celebrating the outstanding achievements of our alumnae and the positive impact they have made both within and beyond our school.

This milestone coincides with King’s embarking upon one of the most significant developments in our history as we extend co-education throughout the King’s community over the next decade, made possible by the acquisition of the Ursuline site on The Downs. As we approach our 200th anniversary in 2029, we are taking this step so that we can open our doors to any child who will flourish here. It is our belief that, as a co-educational community, we will enrich the educational experience of all our pupils and the preparation we offer them for their lives in the world beyond school.

Finally, it has been an extraordinary year for the class of 2025 who achieved incredible results in their exams this summer, with 54% of all A level grades achieving A* or their IB equivalent, and 88% of all grades achieving A*/A or IB equivalent. As this cohort joins our alumni community, we wish them all much success and happiness in the coming years.

With best wishes,

Dr Anne Cotton Head, King’s College School Wimbledon

Development Highlights

A year that changed everything

When the school year began back in September 2024, I could not have imagined just how transformative the months ahead would be. What unfolded was nothing short of extraordinary; a year defined by generosity and a shared belief in the power of education to change lives.

An historic moment in the school’s history quietly took shape behind the scenes. After almost a decade of conversations and nearly two years of careful planning and collaboration, we submitted our application to the Charity Commission to establish a new foundation, one with a bold and lasting purpose: to endow bursaries at King’s in perpetuity.

In May 2025, we received the news that the King’s College School Bursaries Foundation was officially registered. This was not just an administrative milestone, it was a declaration of our values and what we stand for. It was a promise to future generations that a King’s education will be within reach for talented young people, no matter their background.

Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of our community, your generosity, we have already raised over £13 million, ready to be transferred to the new foundation. These funds, combined with income from both our International and Enterprise activities, form the cornerstone of an endowment that will grow and support pupils for decades to come.

To everyone who contributed, whether through a gift, a conversation, or simply by believing in this vision, thank you. Your support is not just financial, it is transformational. It will

change the lives of pupils, their families, and the communities they go on to serve.

The establishment of the foundation has sparked an unprecedented wave of generosity from our community, with one of our most successful years’ ever: 222 of you have helped to raise almost £1.5 million this year to go towards supporting the school.

As we close the end of a great year, we are excited to build on this momentum and look ahead to our 200th anniversary in 2029. With your continued support and enthusiasm, we can ensure we are ready to go into our third century with real purpose and ambition. A huge thank you again to everyone who has helped us along the way.

Antony Berry Director of Development

NEW KING’S ENDOWMENT FOR BURSARIES

Over the last few years we have, as a school, been reflecting on the type of institution we want to be as we approach our 200th year in 2029. We want to enable excellence for all, thereby ensuring that every talented young child has the opportunity of accessing a King’s education. We have therefore set an ambitious goal of being need-blind in our third century. This means regardless of financial circumstances everyone will have the chance to join. It is therefore with great pleasure that we have achieved a significant major development that will help us towards this goal:

The establishment of the King’s College School Bursaries Foundation, a separate charity which will raise, invest and grant the school’s bursary funds in the future. The foundation will be an endowment that will support bursaries, ensuring that all funds so generously donated by our community of parents, alumni and staff will be ring fenced for that purpose for the next 100 years, and beyond.

This marks a significant milestone for King’s, and as we approach the 200th anniversary of the school in 2029, will help us to shape the school that we aspire to be in our third century. A school that is academically rigorous and ensures that the exceptional pupils we welcome will achieve their potential, and a school that is diverse and reflects the world that our pupils will join in the world beyond school.

The importance of an endowment

An endowment is a sum of money where the capital is invested with only the income or returns from those investments used each year to support bursaries at King’s. Typically, the original donations remain intact, growing over time, while generating a steady stream of funding for bursaries. This means that we will be able to provide ongoing financial support to pupils who might not otherwise be able to afford a place at King’s.

The foundation’s assets are professionally managed through a deal and custody investment arrangement with J.P. Morgan, ensuring both stability and long-term growth.

Our investments are guided by a clear Investment Policy Statement and Statement of Investment Principles, reflecting our commitment to ethical, strategic, and sustainable financial management ensuring a perpetual fund aligned with the school’s values.

Oversight is provided by a dedicated board of eight trustees, carefully selected to represent the full breadth of our community, including alumni and parents. Their collective experience and deep connection to King’s ensure that every decision is made with integrity, transparency, and the future of our pupils in mind.

An endowment of £13 million, which is what ours currently stands at, will generate returns somewhere in the region of around £600,000 a year. At this stage, some of the income raised throughout the year will be used to fund bursaries as we currently invest around £1.9 million to support approximately 70 bursaries in the school. As the endowment grows over time, we hope to be able to draw upon the investment income alone to support bursaries, preserving the capital sum.This longterm approach ensures that our commitment to widening opportunity remains firmly embedded in the future of the school.

In recent years, a series of financial pressures including the introduction of VAT on school fees have placed a growing strain on families. In this challenging environment, the need to provide meaningful financial assistance has never been greater. At King’s, we are deeply committed to ensuring that no talented pupil is held back by financial barriers. That is why we operate a careful, means-tested bursary programme designed to ensure that every pound of support is directed where it will have the greatest impact, helping those families in greatest need.

If you would like to learn more about our endowment and the foundation, please do get in touch with the development office, development@kcs.org.uk, or see the various ways in which you can support on the next page.

BURSARIES: WORLD BEYOND SCHOOL

Every donation received this year will make a tangible difference to the lives of young people and their futures, and thanks to your generosity, this coming September we are able to extend our support to several pupils

joining the Senior School on a bursary. We were delighted to see pupils at King’s on a bursary fulfil their ambitions last year and go on to university. Below is a map of where our bursary recipients went on to study:

University of Edinburgh Biomedical Sciences

University of Manchester Materials Science and Engineering

Oxford University Economics and Management

Exeter University Law with Business Law

Lancaster University Geography

Loughborough University Computer Science

Cambridge University Geography

UCL History Maths

“At a societal level, bursaries are transformational. At an individual level they are catalysts – that is, they increase the probability of a transformational outcome. They enable a child to have a better education than they would have had otherwise, and in my case the King’s bursary inspired and enabled me to think bigger, reach higher and run faster than would ever have been possible elsewhere. The most enabling thing for me, even more than the money, was that sense of someone that I didn’t really know and who didn’t owe me anything taking a punt on me. I found that very inspiring and reassuring and I ’d like to enable other children to have the opportunity that I had – which is why I’m proud to support the King’s College School Bursaries Foundation.” Anonymous, OK 2005

JOIN US IN SUPPORTING KING’S

Will you help us to open our doors to even more pupils next year? Join us in supporting King’s and our new foundation.

When many people give a little, it adds up to something truly powerful: a steady, reliable source of support that allows us to plan confidently, respond to growing need, and offer life-changing opportunities to talented pupils who could not otherwise afford a King’s education.

Legacy gifts are among the most meaningful and enduring ways to support King’s. By including the school in your will, you are not only making a powerful statement about your values and the opportunity you once had, but you are also helping to secure the future of bursary support for generations to come.

One-off gifts play a vital role in transforming what is possible at King’s. Whether large or small, each gift makes an immediate impact, helping us expand our bursary provision. These generous contributions offer a powerful expression of belief in our mission and our new foundation.

For our supporters based in the United States, giving through the British Schools & Universities Foundation (BSUF) offers a powerful way to make a lasting impact while benefiting from tax-efficient giving.

We are always delighted to welcome members of our community to share their advice and expertise in a multitude of ways, please let us know if you are interested in volunteering.

Scan the QR code above or click the links in the titles to find out more.

King’s Association Update

Since our last newsletter went to press, it has been incredibly rewarding to witness the vibrant engagement across the community. From reunions and sector networking events to our Enlightening Minds series and spirited sports fixtures, we have thoroughly enjoyed reconnecting with alumni, staff and former parents. Each gathering has been a chance to celebrate shared experiences and forge new connections. Looking ahead, we are excited to unveil another dynamic and impactful programme of events in the coming year – stay tuned!

THE LAUNCH OF OUR KNOWLEDGE NETWORKS

As part of our commitment to helping pupils in the world beyond school, we have amplified networking and lifelong learning opportunities for our alumni via our Knowledge Networks. These networks bring together alumni in their sectors such as entrepreneurship, finance, law, or women and LGBT+. Our Entrepreneurship Knowledge Network, chaired by alumna Olha Dolinska (OK 2017) held its inaugural meeting in London earlier this year, with over 20 alumni from various stages of the entrepreneurship landscape. Organised as a “speed networking” breakfast, this was a dynamic and impactful event, allowing our alumni to build their networks and find out about business opportunities. A huge thank you to Olha for being instrumental in bringing this together. Our Women’s Knowledge Network launched in June with over 60 people coming to hear expert advice on navigating challenges in the workplace. Our brilliant speakers, Elaine Arden and Marie Korde, shared powerful insights, practical strategies and personal stories that resonated

deeply with the audience. We were also thrilled to see the King’s LGBT+ community and their allies come together for drinks in London in June. This network aims to support this community in their lives beyond school.

Entrepreneurship Knowledge Network launch event

Finance Knowledge Network launch event

Social Impact Report

2023/24

King’s College School is deeply committed to supporting the local community and maintaining an expansive outlook. Our Social Impact Report highlights our dedication to bursaries, partnerships, and pupil social responsibility. It also showcases the array of initiatives, provisions, and events that positively impact our community and broader society. Our Social Impact Report details the work that is carried out at King’s and the impact that this has on our local community, on the recipients of bursaries and our partnership schools.

King’s Partnerships & Outreach Programme

Almost 450 King’s pupils are continuing to be prepared for the world beyond school through partnership work on Friday afternoons this academic year.

At the beginning of the spring term, pupils spoke about their contributions so far, reflecting on the difference that they have made to the community around them and how this has impacted upon their own skill set. One pupil said ‘[the biggest difference I have made was] teaching a student how to move the virtual and physical robots, which I am proud of as I would not have had the confidence to do this before.’ Another pupil added, [I have learnt about] ‘the importance of organisation when preparing a presentation.’

AUTHOR, NADIA SHIREEN, VISITS KING’S

A highlight of the Book Clubs in Schools collaborative projects, Nadia Shireen gave a talk centred around her book ‘Grimwood’ to an audience of primary school pupils from two local schools that had read the book last term overseen by King’s and Harris Wimbledon students. Shireen shared her journey to becoming an author, explained how her ideas stem from simple doodles, and invited students to describe a character, which she sketched in real time.

FRIDAY AFTERNOON BLUES PROJECT

In February, the Friday Afternoon Blues project gave a jazz concert with Merton Abbey musicians in the presence of the Mayor of Merton in Concert Hall. The community production, featuring 150 pupils from eight schools, took place at the end of the spring

term following two terms of rehearsals. It was a devised response to Beowulf complete with props and set constructed by pupils as well as original music and performances from a massed choir.

Merton Abbey performance

WITNESS FOR THE PROSECUTION

As part of the senior aspirations programme for students who would be first generation university scholars, 100 year 10 pupils from six partnership schools attended a performance of Witness for the Prosecution. Before attending the show, the Assistant Director, Amber Ruby, led a workshop at King’s which explored some of the concepts from the play such as the roles of the prosecution, the defence and the jury. Pupils were particularly surprised at the importance of the jury in a court case and how a jury can be swayed. This was the first time that the production had arranged workshops of this type for any school.The students enjoyed the performance greatly with one reflecting that, ‘I have learnt that betrayal is a confusing art, and not all things are what they seem.’ Another added, ‘it is so hard to tell if someone is lying’ and a third said, ‘I could not believe that the man was actually guilty. I thought he was not guilty the whole time.’

Friday blues and jazz concert

Partnerships

UNIVERSITY VISIT

Pupils visited King’s College London for an introduction to university life in February. The day included a campus tour as well as the opportunity to ask a panel of student ambassadors questions. Furthermore, Dr Pablo de Orellana, who had addressed a UN committee earlier that morning, gave a taster lecture on the general areas of War Studies and International Relations. One student commented that the best part of the day was, ‘hearing experiences from the student ambassadors and how they overcame their problems’, whilst a second student said that they found the ‘War Studies lecture…

DISNEY & PIXAR

80 year 9 pupils from eight partnership schools attended workshops focusing on imagineering led by King’s pupils. Underpinned by the principles and methods of Disney & Pixar’s imagineering divisions, this ground-breaking project aimed to inspire and to develop confidence, communication, and imaginative creativity by creating multisensory story-driven worlds, combining

incredibly interesting but also very fun and important for me and others to know.’

Year 11 senior aspiration pupils attended King’s for a workshop led by Pathway CTM focusing on higher education options. The afternoon was led by experienced careers advisors in addition to current students who are studying degree apprenticeships. One student commented that as a result of the course, ‘I realise that I do have skills from school I can share,’ whilst all agreed that the workshop had furthered their interest in study after leaving school.

artistic and creative writing skills to create an innovative design concept. Pupils worked in small groups to design rides for a theme park. One pupil said, ‘I have learnt that there always has to be a reason for somethingyou always have to explain yourself,’ whilst another said, ‘I have been inspired to have a career as an imagineer.’

Witness for the Prosecution cast members

DEBATING SESSION WITH PAUL KOHLER, MP FOR WIMBLEDON

In May, 85 year 10 pupils from eight different partnership schools attended a session focusing on debating. It began with a Q&A with Paul Kohler MP for Wimbledon. The questions were wide ranging and covered areas such as health policy and immigration.

The pupils had an opportunity to try out their debating skills through a series of workshops led by King’s sixth formers. The group visited parliament in early June and were inspired to see the famous debating chambers first hand.

Pupils during the debating session

JUNIOR ASPIRATIONS GRADUATION

The Junior Aspirations Graduation took place in May. 36 gifted and talented Year 5 pupils from 9 different primary schools across the boroughs of Merton, Wandsworth and Kingston studied maths, English, and science at King’s every Friday afternoon this academic year.The lessons were delivered and designed by King’s sixth formers under the guidance

of King’s teachers. The graduation was a celebration of what the primary students have achieved throughout the year and was attended by parents and teachers. Many pupils commented that the best thing about the sessions was ‘meeting the sixth formers and using the science equipment.’

CONCERT

Local jazz band, the Blues and Roots Ensemble, gave a concert with the King’s Jazz Combo for 150 pupils from four partnership primary schools in the King’s Concert Hall in May. The interactive concert introduced pupils to jazz instruments, improvisation and syncopation. The pupils learnt several different singing techniques, and it was incredibly uplifting to hear the primary school pupils perform songs with the professional musicians, filling the hall with music together. We are very grateful to the Friends of King’s for funding this collaboration.

Partnerships Blues Concert

Merton Primary School Blues and Roots Ensemble BLUES AND ROOTS ENSEMBLE

As part of King’s Arts 2025, 60 partnership students performed Captain Noah and his Floating Zoo with 35 pupils from King’s.Three partnership school rock bands took part in the King’s Arts band showcase and 100 pupils from four schools combined to play an evening of Baroque music with members of

the Academy of Ancient Music conducted by Laurence Cumming. Arts Ambassadors and Ushers helped to run each event throughout the festival and pupils for these roles came from Ursuline High School, Wimbledon College, Harris Academy Wimbledon as well as King’s.

OPEN DOORS 2025

The academic year ended with the annual Open Doors Project which this year involved over 180 pupils from four primary schools led by sixty student leaders from King’s and three partner secondary schools. This weeklong event had two strands, sports leading to a tournament and creative arts culminating

in a devised performance, featuring original dance and music, in the Collyer Hall Theatre for an audience of parents. We were also delighted to welcome the Mayor of Merton to the performance. We are grateful to the Friends of King’s for funding this project.

Dame Denise Lewis DBE in a talk with Angellica Bell, television and radio presenter

Alumni Highlights

RICHARD WILLMOTT (OK 1963)

Richard joined King’s in 1953, where he was greatly influenced by the enormously talented teacher Frank Miles, who introduced Richard to metaphysical poetry and even lent Richard his car to take his things from Wimbledon to Norwich when he was appointed his first teaching job there. Richard later went on to read English at St John’s College, Cambridge, remaining there to complete a Certificate in Education.

Richard later went on to teach at several schools and whilst at Brighton College he edited various collections for study at A level or for the IB. After moving to the recently refounded Dixie Grammar School as headmaster, Richard published Metaphysical Poetry in the

Cambridge Contexts in Literature series.

After retiring to Hereford with his wife Isobel, Richard taught English poetry to Workers’ Educational Association classes and continued to edit for the Oxford Student Texts series.

Most recently, Richard has branched out

Open Doors performance in the Collyer Hall Theatre

further afield, writing about the civilization of Antwerp in the late sixteenth century and the impact of it on Reformation conflicts: Antwerp and the Golden Age: Culture, Conflict and Commerce.

When asked what advice he would give to alumni interested in historical or literary research – especially those considering it alongside their regular work – he said

“There is a limit to what you can do while working. The few books that I wrote before retiring were annotated editions of poetry for

YOUSSEF ELGHAZOULI (OK 2013)

“Since leaving school, I’ve been immersed in the medical world. An early professional experience that sparked my passion for medicine came through working with Chain of Hope, a paediatric cardiac charity that organises and delivers lifesaving open-heart surgery for children with congenital heart defects in developing countries.

I worked within the Child Referral Programme, receiving referrals from international hospitals and presenting them to a board of cardiothoracic surgeons. These experts would then coordinate and perform surgery for paediatric patients, either in the UK or on overseas missions. Being part of these life-changing initiatives and witnessing their profound impact inspired me to pursue a career in medicine—one focused on combining clinical excellence with equitable global health delivery.

I went on to complete a Master’s degree in Cardiovascular and Respiratory Medicine at Imperial College, where I developed a strong academic interest in cardiothoracic disease and its wider implications for global health.

Alongside my clinical work, I serve as a committee member of the Magdi Yacoub Institute (MYI)—a leading centre for cardiothoracic research and global health innovation. The Institute, founded by Professor Sir Magdi Yacoub (who also established Chain of Hope), is dedicated to advancing research into cardiovascular disease and improving patient outcomes worldwide. In my role, I contribute to the Institute’s strategic direction and outreach

A level English and so fitted in naturally to the career of an English teacher, albeit sometimes at the expense of family holidays, as my children would tell you. Significantly, I only managed to write one book in the twelve years that I was a headmaster. However busy you are, the great thing is to have alert antennae. If you are interested in a topic, you often pick up contextual information and insights when not expecting to, whether you are just reading, watching television or even just chatting.”

The book is available for purchase here.

initiatives, supporting its mission to make worldclass cardiac care accessible regardless of geography or socioeconomic background.”

Youssef Elghazouli

A REUNION OF THE JUNIOR SCHOOL

RUGBY TEAM 1969-70

In March, 12 of the players from the 1969-70 junior school rugby team reunited at a lunch organised by the KCS Old Boys RFC. Tony Hein recalls the squad’s many triumphs.

Rugby in the junior school at King’s has always been taken seriously and has regularly supplied the senior school with talented and well-versed players. Perhaps the golden era in terms of results was between 1966 and 1972 when only one match was lost and the school won a reputation as the best amongst the strong list of London prep school opposition.

The outstanding team during this period of excellence was that of 1969/1970 winning all 10 games, scoring 352 points and conceding only 16 (10 of which came, annoyingly, against Dulwich). Coached by David Jones and Tony Hein, the 1969 team contained talented players from numbers 1 to 15. Such was the notoriety of the team that, in December 1969, the Evening Standard sent a reporter and photographer to record its achievements.

Paul Lowndes, who captained the XV, was a powerful ball-carrying number 8 and a quiet but strong influence on a group of very individual characters. It is invidious to pick out some of these by name but Ben Curtis and Philip Woods in the second row, Alan Gearing, Ian Pilcher and the lightning Paul Blezard in the backs and Paddy Ralston at scrum half were all outstanding. As a team this group proceeded with great success through the senior school and in 1982/3 provided the majority of the KCS Old Boys team which won the Surrey Cup.

The season did not end in 1969, however, as two groundbreaking events brought more success in the Easter term. We were invited to take the team on a tour to play the best under 13 teams in Dublin and proceeded to beat Terenure 21-6 and the Blackrock College (who had just won the Irish Cup) by 14–0. This was the first overseas tour for the junior school and we were invited back until the ‘Troubles’ made the tour too risky.

Another first was our entry into the National Prep Schools Sevens run by Rosslyn

Five of the original Sevens squad, March 2025

Fixture card listing the team’s results

Park. Helped by Michael Melligan we prepared a strong team for the competition and duly won the title, brushing aside the smaller rural Prep Schools that had previously dominated the tournament.

In 2010 a reunion was held 40 years after the success of the 1969/1970 season and in March this year, as part of a lunch organised by KCS Old Boys RFC, 12 of the players in the team reunited to celebrate the 55th anniversary of its triumphs.

2010 team reunion

Sevens team, March 1970

James Levelle (OK

1999)

Since leaving King’s in 1999, James Levelle, a fearless filmmaker and environmental adventurer, has pursued a career that has taken him from the cotton fields of India to the rainforests of Southeast Asia. .

With a passion for uncovering untold stories and a commitment to sustainability, James has directed and presented groundbreaking documentaries for National Geographic and beyond, often going undercover to expose environmental crimes. Whether sailing across the Atlantic without fossil fuels or living offgrid on a houseboat in East London, James embodies a spirit of bold curiosity and purposeful storytelling. His work not only captures the raw beauty and challenges of our planet but also inspires action and awareness in audiences around the world.

James, what inspired you to become a filmmaker and explorer?

I believe we all enter this world playfully curious and full of wonder, so exploring is in my nature. However, I was fortunate to grow up roaming Richmond Park and Wimbledon Common, with school holidays spent rambling the relative wilds of Dartmoor, so it’s nature I thank for nurturing my insatiable curiosity and vivid imagination.

My creative inspiration I credit to my film director father, Peter Levelle, as well as a serendipitous subscription to National Geographic Magazine. As a nipper, I marvelled at the photos of wild animals in spectacular wild places. Those images etched themselves in my mind and massively influenced my decision to become a documentary filmmaker. Since making that decision I’ve travelled 6000 miles throughout South America with no cash, no credit card and no mobile phone; gone undercover in India, Tibet and China to expose the criminal gangs behind the

illegal trade in tiger skins and bones; went to war-torn West Africa and captured pirate fishermen off the coast of Sierra Leone; retraced the frozen footsteps of the last great Klondike goldrush up and over Alaska’s coast mountains, bumped into bears, wrestled a wolf; dodged death in the third most intense hurricane to strike the USA; and raced 9000 miles from the UK to Chile fossil fuel free championing youth voices in the climate crisis.

It’s been quite a ride.

Can you share a memorable experience from your time at King’s College School Wimbledon that influenced your career? During my sixth form summer holidays, I was lucky enough to spend a few unforgettable weeks on a school expedition to Ecuador in South America. It was a game-changer. We hiked through the Andes, climbed a 5000m mountain, bounced down white water rapids, and worked on local community projects. When I left school in 1999, adventure was all I could think about. After four years at Edinburgh University, that hadn’t changed. The challenge was figuring out how to make a living from it. I’m not very good at following orders, so I passed on the army, zoomed in on documentary filmmaking instead, set about teaching myself how to shoot and edit, and went for it.

What was the most challenging aspect of reporting on the illegal tiger trade in Tibet?

‘Inside the Tiger Trade’ was my TV directorial debut and funnily enough the film was for National Geographic. It was, however,

extremely risky to make. To make the film I teamed up with the good folk at the Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA) who, amongst their many other impactful campaigns, were focused on the deadly trade in endangered tiger skins and bones. Our undercover investigation began in India where dwindling populations of tigers were being poached and then trafficked north through the Himalayas into Tibet to be sold in China.

The crooks behind international organised crime syndicates don’t tend to be very nice people so strict safety protocols were essential. However, we were more worried about upsetting the Chinese authorities. Our mission was environmentally focused, but local campaigners informed us that the environmental movement in Tibet was often mistakenly associated with separatist politics. We had nothing to do with that, but we were filming undercover without permission, and if reported to the police, they’d likely lock us up and throw away the key.

I’m delighted to say that didn’t happen. Instead, we succeeded in gathering formidable new intel on tiger trade in China and snuck out of Tibet untroubled.

How did your investigation into child labour in India’s cotton fields impact you personally and professionally?

This was my very first professional filmmaking assignment, as a fresh-faced, slightly naïve young man, working for human rights and environmental charity, the Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF). Unsurprisingly, investigating child labour was a dreadful descent into the dark side of humanity and it hit me hard. Like the brutally cruel Indian underworld depicted in the movie ‘Slumdog Millionaire’, I quickly came face to face with child trafficking, abuse, and murder, as well as insidious corporate profiteering from deadly pesticidal chemicals that had long since been banned in Europe and the USA. However, despite the horror, I was equally blown away by the incredible resilience and

spirit of the Indian people living with so little and yet demonstrating a vitality and love of life I’d never seen before. The experience was as harrowing as it was inspiring and made me all the more determined to ensure my storytelling made a difference.

Can you describe the experience of filming illegal pirate fishing off the coast of Sierra Leone?

It was thrilling! Sierra Leone, a tiny country in West Africa, was not long out of its brutal civil war. Rebuilding and reconciliation were top of the agenda, but progress was being thwarted by a looming, but little understood maritime threat. Fleets of illegal fishing trawlers were swarming the unpoliced Sierra Leonean waters, hoovering up all the fish and destroying everything in their path, including local fishermen who got in their way.

At the time, Sierra Leone had no navy to patrol its coast so for our makeshift enforcement mission we teamed up with four army recruits and joined them aboard a small inshore motorised riverboat that certainly wasn’t seaworthy. We set off and, with two AK-47s bouncing around in the

bottom of the boat, we headed south to an area that local fishermen had reported rife with illegal trawlers. We had no working radios, halfway there we ran out of fuel and had to buy more from some local fishermen, we continued south, rounded a small island and heading out to sea came face to face with a pirate trawler. We had caught them red-handed, their net in the water, fishing in a protected coastal zone. Our biggest fear was getting rammed and lost at sea, but after a moment of extreme tension they conceded. We boarded the vessel, made the arrest and escorted the trawler all the way back to the capital, Freetown. This was a big deal because pirate fishing in West Africa was a spiralling problem and so far, campaigners had failed to convince Sierra Leonean politicians to take it seriously.This was also the first time the pirate fishing threat had been caught on camera like this. I quickly edited the footage and when the politicians were shown the film, there was outrage. In this case, seeing was believing, and their outrage inspired them to finally taking action to tackle the problem. That was a massive moment for me and my growing respect for the power of film.

Filming child labour in the cotton fields

What did you learn about the history of the gold rush in Alaska during your reporting?

For me, the unforgiving wilderness of Alaska and the Yukon Territory of Northern Canada is one of the most spectacular places on the planet. It can be a terrifying beauty though, and during my time there working for Discovery Channel I learned just how tough and dangerous a place it was for the brave men and women who risked their lives for the promise of gold, and a better life, during the last great goldrush.

Back in 1896-97, news made it back from the northwest frontier that gold had been found in the Klondike and what happened next was completely crazy. The news triggered a stampede the likes of which the world had never seen. An estimated 100,000 men and women left everything behind and set off on a perilous journey to one of the most inhospitable places on earth.

The Gold Rushers had to take a ship from Seattle to Alaska and from there, hike over mountains and then boat down the mighty Yukon River, and as if that wasn’t tough enough, they had to carry a year’s worth of supplies, around 500kg of food supplies and equipment.

But of those 100,000 pioneers, only 40,000 or so made it to the Klondike, less than 4000 struck gold, and only a few hundred got rich.

These days getting to the Klondike is a doddle. You can drive there or even fly the whole way, so it’s difficult to imagine just how hard this 600-mile journey was for the gold rush pioneers of 1896-7. This was exactly

why my co-adventurers and I decided to retrace the pioneers’ footsteps and find out for ourselves how tough hiking and canoeing through this frozen wilderness really is. I won’t go into the trials and tribulations of our subzero adventure, you can watch it on TV, but I will say we weren’t nearly as tough as those old timers.

How did you approach the investigation into Southeast Asia’s illegal logging industry?

Approach illegal logging with extreme caution! Investigating environmental and wildlife crime is a risky business. Often the same criminals involved in gun running, drug smuggling and human trafficking, add environmental crime to their pernicious portfolio because enforcement is under resourced and the penalties for getting caught can be puny relative to the profit margins.

Illegal timber trade is one such example. The profits to be made are astronomical and interrupting the flow of that dirty money can be a death sentence. You just ‘disappear’ deep in the rainforest without a trace. We weren’t keen on that, so we left a trail of breadcrumbs for our colleagues to follow if we did go missing and made scheduled satellite phone calls to check in when we were uncontactable by any other means out in the wilderness. Interestingly the film follows a breadcrumb trail of its own, in the form of spray-painted log markings, all the way from the Vietnamese shipping dockyards back to the illegal logging sites in the mountainous rainforest of Laos. Tracking that dangerous trail led us directly to the source of the illegal timber.

What was your reaction when National Geographic asked you to direct the ‘Eco Crime Investigators’ series?

This was very much a case of being in the right place at the right time, but I was over the moon. I had been cutting my teeth as a documentary filmmaker for fantastic NGO the Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF) making films about child labour, deadly pesticide, and illegal fishing. I had also made a short film about the illegal tiger trade and so when I was approached about a landmark new investigative documentary series that would dive deep into that very same subject I was perfectly positioned for an awardwinning collaboration.

Can you tell us more about your journey from London to Chile for the COP25 climate conference?

My inspiration for ‘Race For The Future’ came in spring 2019. Millions of young people, many of whom were too young to even vote, banded together and took to the streets demanding climate action.This was particularly poignant for me as I’d recently returned from a hurricane chasing series for the BBC that had very nearly killed me. Hurricanes are, of course, a natural weather phenomenon but global warming is making them more numerous and, in many cases, more deadly. So the climate crisis felt painfully real for me. The youth climate movement grew and grew into some of the biggest climate protests the world had ever seen yet, despite their heroic efforts, our leaders and politicians didn’t seem to be listening. A lightbulb lit up in my brain.

The next United Nations climate

conference was due to be hosted in Chile, South America, that December. What if I set off on a documentary journey to help amplify young voices through the power of film by videoing their climate messages and then delivering them in a film to the politicians at the UN summit in Santiago? An epic 9000mile mission from the UK to Chile, and to make the adventure climate friendly I set myself the challenge of travelling fossil fuel free. ‘Race For The Future’ was to become the most extraordinary and inspiring adventure of my life.

How did you adapt your plans when the COP25 conference was cancelled?

Beginning on the south coast of England I set sail to France, then cycled through Europe in time to catch a tall ship that would carry me across the Atlantic Ocean to South America. However, out in the middle of the second biggest ocean on the planet, my satellite messenger pinged, and I received devastating news. The climate conference in Santiago de Chile had been cancelled due to civil unrest and moved to Madrid, Spain.

This was a complete and utter bombshell. I now faced an impossible task. I could no longer deliver on my promise to video young South American voices and then deliver their filmed messages to the UN Climate Conference. I simply wouldn’t be able to get back to Europe in time. So, I could either try

Sailing the English Channel

and sail back across the ocean to get to the Madrid conference and forget South America or honour my promise to the young Latin Americans, continue my journey as planned, and find another way to make their climate messages heard.

My head was a muddle and so I made a heartfelt decision. I would honour my promise and trust that something would work out. I made landfall in South America and raced across the continent to Chile. The entire epic uplifting adventure can be seen on Amazon Prime Video, so I don’t want to spoil it. The one thing I will say though is that this ‘impossible’ adventure concluded so much better than I could ever possibly have planned.

What were some of the most impactful stories you encountered while reporting on climate change and its effects on young people?

The innovative, enterprising, and creative young people I met along the way never ceased to amaze me. One that comes to mind is Tommy, a young French fellow who I met on the southwest coast of France.Tommy loves sailing and freediving. Freediving one day he clocked how the marine ecosystem was suffering because of metal waste dumped at

sea as well as toxic lead fishing weights lost on the sea floor. So, Tommy decided to act. He bought an underwater metal detector and a mesh bag and began a one man clean up mission. He invited me to join him. Tommy’s diving skills were extraordinary. He could swim like a fish and hold his breath for minutes. Together we pulled up a couple of kilos of toxic metal waste. Afterwards, Tommy told me how after each dive he posts a picture of his catch and the weight on social media. As a result, dozens of other young divers around the world have been inspired to follow Tommy’s example and between them all, tonnes of metal waste have been removed from the ocean. It’s funny because when Tommy first told me what he did I couldn’t help thinking his efforts were ‘a drop in the ocean’, but as it turns out he’s a very tangible example of the ripple effect, whereby when you something good, no matter how small, your actions inspire more people to act than you might imagine.

Another very poignant moment was when I made it to the city of Mendoza in the far west of Argentina. The land there was suffering from a drought so severe that the entire River Mendoza was being diverted off for agriculture and the city’s drinking water. Beyond the city the river didn’t flow.

There was no water left. This was the situation in which I met the young climate activists there. Shockingly, despite the intense drought, petrochemical fracking operations were looking to establish themselves in the region. Fracking is incredibly water intensive, and polluting and the local people understandably wanted none of it. Marching with Mendoza’s youth on one of their brave and impressive anti-fracking protests brought home how so many parts of the world are already experiencing the sharp end of the climate crisis and how life threatening that crisis is.

What motivates you to continue exploring and reporting on environmental and social issues?

Exploring is a mindset, a way of being. It’s an integral part of who I am and how I experience reality. I can’t help exploring. As for environmental and social issues, when you boil it all down, they are the only issues that matter. Nothing is more important than looking after one another as loving human beings because the knock-on effect is a healthy, diverse, and abundant natural world. It’s difficult for many of us to grasp but the health and wellbeing of nature is intrinsically linked to our own. The idea that we’re separate is a very unhelpful illusion we’d do well to see through.

How do you balance the risks and rewards of your work in dangerous and remote locations?

To be honest I’ve never thought too much about the risks. I’m risk aware and plan, but my focus has always been the goal. My goal is sharing exciting, meaningful and moving stories that might inspire us to be better human beings. It gives me a sense of purpose

Hurricane Michael

and serves as my guiding star throughout my unusual and adventurous life journey.

What advice would you give to aspiring filmmakers and explorers who want to make a difference?

Get out there. Challenge yourself. Push your limits and start discovering who you are. The more you learn about what brings you joy, the truer you can be to yourself, and the better able you will be able to share the magic of filmmaking and exploring with the world in a way that is powerful and unique to you.

Looking back on your career, what are you most proud of, and what are your future aspirations?

I’m most proud of my ingenuity, perseverance and pushing on despite the odds. When, thousands of miles from land in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, I received news that the UN climate conference in Chile had been cancelled making my ‘Race For The Future’ mission technically impossible, I made a heartfelt

decision to continue regardless and dive into the unknown. This adventure itself came at a huge personal cost, but by following my heart, creatively solving problems, and refusing to give up, this impossible mission was more successful than I ever could have imagined.

‘Race For The Future’ is a great story. It inspires me and it inspires audiences around the world. The trouble for a lot of people is what to do with that inspiration? I often hear people say, “I want to make difference, but what can I do?” I believe the power of story can help answer this question for everyone so I’m building a social enterprise that uses storytelling to fire people up and help them discover their own greater human potential through altruistic opportunities to make a positive impact in their local community. In a sentence it’s a tool to help people make a difference locally their own way.

Story is everything. The tales we’re told. The narratives we run in our own heads. Stories define our reality. I want to help people live better stories.

Free Ride Bolivia

Pablo Lloyd OBE (OK 1978)

We recently reconnected with King’s alumnus Pablo Lloyd OBE, a pioneering social entrepreneur whose work over the past two decades has helped transform the lives of more than four million people.

As a co-founder of several impactful educational organisations, Pablo has dedicated his career to advancing social equity and unlocking potential – particularly for young people.

Recognised with an OBE in 2019 for his services to young people’s education, Pablo continues to champion this cause as a nonexecutive director and committed volunteer. His leadership spans the private, public, and third sectors, where he has served as founder, Chair, CEO, and CFO, bringing a wealth of practical experience to every role.

For over 20 years, Pablo has advised boards and senior leaders, helping them drive performance through leadership development, mentoring, and strategic facilitation. His passion for ethical leadership is now culminating in his forthcoming book, The FT Guide to Business Ethics, due for publication in late 2025. Based on 50 interviews with a diverse range of leaders, the book offers a comprehensive and practical roadmap for organisations striving to make a positive impact.

We hope you enjoy finding out more about Pablo’s career path and impact in the education space.

Can you share a memorable experience from your time at King’s College School that influenced your career path?

The subject that came most easily to me was maths and that certainly shaped my early career, graduating from Cambridge and becoming a finance professional. However,

the experience that really stood out were German lessons with the brilliant teacher Norman Isaacs with whom I’m still in touch. My A level choices were unorthodox (double Mathematics, German and Ancient History) and because of timetabling I only had 6 months to get through the German syllabus. Norman somehow shepherded me through and that German A level is the qualification I most treasure. Now that I’m writing a book, working with language instead of numbers, I’m drawing heavily on that experience from all those years ago.

Which non-academic activities did you enjoy?

It was interesting to read your recent interview with my old friend Jonathan McDowell. We started at the same point, and he became an astrophysicist, and I became a businessman, it could be a book by Hermann Hesse. We were both mathematicians, both illicitly played

bridge in our maths lessons and looked so alike that we could swap identities for fun. He and I are rarely in touch now, but I still play bridge with 3 alumni from the 1970s KCS Bridge Club: Simon Harden, Derek Holwill and Marc Simmonds. Music was an important feature of school life, but with limited talent all I can do now is apologise to anyone who had to listen to my piano and viola playing. Squash was my sport which I continued playing for many years. I have now swapped it out for tennis which is more sociable and kinder on the knees.

What inspired you to become a social entrepreneur and focus on education?

It was partly accidental. I was headhunted to join an educational start-up 25 years ago. Until then I had mostly worked for corporates in the financial services sector. The move to education gave real meaning to my working life and I’ve stayed there ever since. With hindsight, I realise my parents were the inspiration. My mother was a refugee from the Spanish Civil War and my father was a self-employed broker in London’s

fruit and vegetable markets. They didn’t go to university as young people, but education was everything to them - they supported my sisters and I all the way to professional qualifications. I’m pretty sure that’s why I work in education. My mother eventually went to university when she was 80 to get a diploma in English Literature.

How did you come up with the ideas for your educational start-ups?

The first start-up was originally a government initiative. I joined as the CFO of a small startup team, and we reshaped the business to help adults with literacy and numeracy on a national scale. We took a risk by designing learning materials for the web in its early days, in 1999, but the model worked both educationally and financially. It is still running more than 25 years later. When it was sold to private equity, I went looking for ways of enriching the technical education system which supports some of the most disadvantaged people in the UK. This led me to co-found a business school and then a social enterprise for earlystage entrepreneurs.

Receiving an OBE Investiture in 2019

What challenges did you face in the early stages of your start-ups, and how did you overcome them?

Every start-up had similar challenges: securing funding, building a team, navigating regulations, adapting when things go wrong and, as the founder, knowing when to leave. Technical education is highly regulated and almost entirely reliant on government funding, so it has always been a challenge to adapt to changing government priorities. However, the most rewarding part was building a team. The most challenging part was balancing family life. We had two very young daughters at the start of my entrepreneurial career.

I learned early on that finding a successor is a priority that many entrepreneurs leave too late. It also answers the question of knowing when to leave, which in my case was, ‘when my successor is ready to take over’. As a social entrepreneur I’ve not tried to build assets for sale, my aim is to maximise social impact. In my case, the first four or five

years of the start-up are where I add most value and other people are better at scaling up. Ultimately my job has been to get out of the way.

Can you describe the impact your educational initiatives have had on the 4 million people you’ve supported?

There is quite a range, from basic literacy and numeracy to engineering, leadership and management skills. My real goal is building students’ confidence, but I recognise that a qualification is also a critical credential. My most recent start-up, Visionnaires, has been running for six years and helps very earlystage entrepreneurs to get started. It has so far helped 3000 people of which 20% go on to trade profitably. I handed it over a year ago and it is now part of Capital City College, London’s largest Further Education college.

What are the key skills you believe are essential for young people today?

In my work I see extraordinary unfulfilled potential in people of all ages. I would like to see more adaptability in our educational systems to draw out that potential. Careers will change even more quickly in the next five decades than they have in our lifetimes. From my experience, creativity, empathy, entrepreneurship and critical thinking should be at the top of the list for today’s young people.

Which organisations are you involved in now?

I am non-executive chair of the international education business Twin Group. It was founded by twin sisters Caroline and Jacqui Fox 30 years ago. We support about 20,000 students every year, including school group travel experiences in and out of the UK and training and employability programmes for adults in the UK.

I am continuing my portfolio of probono work. Part of that is being on the Advisory Board of the ground-breaking social enterprise Unloc, which provides training and ‘changemaker’ programmes for young people and advises corporates on diversifying their entry level recruitment. As it happens, Unloc is also working with KCS and its affiliated schools on developing future leaders from Year 5 upwards.

I also run my own business as an advisor, speaker and mentor, particularly drawing on my writing about business ethics. I support boards and leaders on performance, culture and ethical practice.

What was your reaction when you were awarded an OBE for services to young people’s education?

Surprise followed by hope that I could use it to make a difference.

What motivated you to write The Financial Times Guide to Business Ethics, and what key messages do you hope readers will take away from it?

Ethical leadership is the biggest lever we have on economic and social progress. I have

benefited from leadership development since my early career and, like many people, I have grappled with ethical challenges and seen many others do the same. However, we lack a common language of business ethics.

I am writing the book to help leaders understand and discuss ethics, to promote business as a positive contributor to society (not just taxes, jobs and profits) and to face up to the ‘big three’ challenges of the environment, social cohesion and responsible use of emerging technologies. It will be published at the end of 2025.

How do you see the role of ethical business practices evolving in the future?

Despite recent changes in the US, I believe the ethical bar will continue to rise as it has for the last 50 years. It will be a combination of regulation and competitive pressure, with consumers and investors continuing to get better returns from responsible businesses. We also need some environmental breakthroughs, so we are still here to hand over a culture and economy to the next generations. My possibly optimistic prediction is that AI will help us harness nuclear fusion.

What advice would you give to young entrepreneurs who are just starting out?

a. Don’t do it alone; sole founders are less successful than multiple founders.

b. Learn how to fail well, to paraphrase Darwin, it is the most adaptable, not the strongest, that survive.

Looking back on your career, what are you happiest about, and what are your future aspirations?

I’m very happy to have moved from a corporate career in finance to an entrepreneurial and purposeful career in education. As a recovering workaholic, I don’t have any plans to lead more start-ups. I’m now putting my experience to work as an advisor, speaker and author.

Louise Monaghan

We were thrilled to sit down with one of our most dedicated volunteers, Louise Monaghan, whose unwavering commitment and leadership as Chair of the King’s College School Boat Club Supporters’ Association (BCSA) have propelled the organisation to new heights. The BCSA owes a great debt of gratitude to Louise for her tireless efforts and inspiring volunteer spirit.

Rowing has been a part of King’s since 1884. At the heart of this proud legacy lies the King’s College School Boat Club (KCSBC) and its esteemed Supporters Association (KCSBCSA). The roots of rowing at King’s can be traced back to the 19th century when a group of pioneering pupils first took to the water. From humble beginnings, rowing has steadily gained momentum at school and evolved into the thriving programme we see today.

The King’s Boat Club Supporters’ Association (KCSBCSA) was founded in 1974. Over the last fifty years the Supporters’ Association has provided a focal point for parental support, successfully raising the funds that are critical to support top-level rowing for the pupils and equally importantly building the overall club spirit. The BCSA arranges many social events over the school year including a pupil-run Quiz Night, Christmas Festive Races, an informal social evening for current and former rowers and parents, an Annual Dinner, Summer Prize-giving and an alumni gathering at Henley Royal Regatta. The Supporters also organise the catering for the Schools’ Head and the National Schools’ Regatta. The funds raised at these events support our rowers by making significant contributions to the costs of upgrading and enhancing the equipment that provides a competitive edge on the water. The practical help from parents in

organising and supporting all these events is hugely appreciated.

We are extremely fortunate to have had Louise Monaghan, current parent, as well as parent of OKs, as Chair of the Boat Club Supporter’s Association for the past 3 years, although she has been actively involved since 2012. Louise is stepping down from this role in September 2025, and we took the opportunity to find out more about her volunteering.

Louise Monaghan at Henley

Can you tell us about your journey with the King’s College School Boat Club Supporters’ Association? What initially inspired you to get involved?

My eldest son, William, started rowing in September 2012. (J14s were allowed to choose rowing as an option at that time, and I hope they will be again very soon.) I had rowed at university for my college, as had my husband, Ben, and we both thought rowing was something William would enjoy. However, he was a decent rugby player, so we bribed him with the promise of a Star Wars Lego set to try one of the Sunday taster sessions. He immediately loved it.

Living in Fulham, it was very convenient for me to watch and support activities at the boathouse, and whenever volunteers were needed — for example, to bake cakes or give lifts — I was happy to help.

Over the years my involvement increased. When my next son, Tom, took up rowing at King’s five years later, I volunteered to be a Rep. Three years ago, when my third son, Ivo, was a J16, I became Chair of the Supporters’ Committee. By then I had built up plenty of King’s rowing experience and knew I needed a strong team, so I asked fellow parents Lydia

Sitter and Kris Van Broekhoven to join me. Lydia is incredibly organised and detail-oriented, while Kris’s finance background has made him an excellent steward of our funds and helped attract sponsorship from local businesses.

What are some of the most memorable events or moments you have been part of during your tenure?

A standout moment was being at Nottingham for the National Schools’ Regatta in May 2016, when William’s coxed four won a gold medal. It was nerve-wracking following the race from the bank.

Another was Tom’s crew making it to the Saturday of Henley Royal Regatta in July 2022 — the first time a King’s boat had reached the semi-final. I was lucky enough to follow the race in a launch and witness the roar from the riverbank as they approached the finish.

From a wider club perspective, the annual dinner is always special. Held at the end of the gruelling Head Season, it’s a time for all year groups to celebrate before the busy Regatta Season begins. We invite an inspirational rowing speaker — often an Olympian — to inspire the athletes for the summer season. This year, Dame Katherine Grainger joined us.

Louise with Kris and Lydia

How have you seen the rowing programme at King’s evolve over the years?

The biggest and most exciting change is the growth in numbers. With greater depth comes greater success, as squads are bigger and seats are more competitive. Rowing is a true team sport — one person alone can’t make the boat go faster; everyone must be in sync.

It has also been great to see the school take more interest in the Boat Club, with support from the Head, senior teachers, Sports Department, Development, Archives, and Marketing. As a result, more pupils now reach the highest levels of the sport, representing GB and being recruited to top US universities.

What has been the most rewarding aspect of your volunteer work with the Boat Club?

Being part of a vibrant community. Volunteering has been a fantastic way to stay connected to my children’s school life while supporting something they love.

You have managed to build a very close-knit network within the rowing community at King’s. How did you go about this? When I became Chair, I wanted to create cross-year engagement among boat club parents. Lydia and Kris felt the same, so we made a conscious effort to speak to as many people as possible and help them connect. We encouraged parents with ideas to take the lead — for example, the colourful South American-themed Chilli Quiz Night.

The pupils themselves also build strong connections across year groups, through events like the Quiz Night and festive mixedcrew races. One memorable sight was seeing boys of all ages working together to pack up boats at Eton Dorney.

Many pupils continue rowing at university in the UK or US, often taking leadership roles. The confidence, organisation, and resilience they develop at King’s are widely recognised.

What strategies have been most effective in raising funds for rowing activities?

While smaller events like bake sales help, larger donations are essential to keep equipment up to standard. Kris’s sponsorship initiatives have been successful, but much of our renewal depends on the generosity of current and former parents and pupils. Over time, we hope to build the same level of alumni support enjoyed by schools with a longer rowing tradition.

What advice would you give to your successor as they take on this role?

Michelle Gilligan has a wealth of experience from her time as Chair of the Friends, and I am sure she will do a brilliant job.

Can you share any stories of rowers who particularly inspired you during their time at the school?

Meeting former pupils whose names are on our Honours Board is always inspiring. In recent years, old boys Richard Counihan, David Kidwell, and Russell Slatford — who left in 1979, 1981, and 1988 — have returned to the boathouse. Hearing their stories of King’s rowing in earlier days was a privilege.

We hear that your son won gold at the World Rowing U19 Championships in Lithuania in August. What did this achievement mean to you?

All King’s parents who have attended national or international competitions know the pride of watching their child wear GB kit. This summer has been particularly special, with King’s rowers winning 15 gold medals for England and Great Britain.

When Ally and Ivo — who have been at school together since the age of four — crossed the finish line in their VIII a length ahead to become World Champions, it was an unforgettable moment.

How do you think the support from the Boat Club has impacted the rowers’ experiences and successes? Support from the Boat Club community

2023 Seniors’ long row to the Houses of

is critical. Parents washing endless wet kit, cooking mountains of pasta, and cheering on the riverbank help make the early mornings and tough training worthwhile.

Financial support is equally vital — without top-class equipment, even the most committed crews can’t compete with the country’s best.

What are your hopes for the future of the Boat Club and its supporters?

That it continues to grow in strength, and that J14s can once again start rowing in September. Hours on the water really count, and starting in January can be disheartening — especially as it means training in cold, wet, and dark conditions, and the river is often closed.

As King’s becomes fully coeducational, I can see the boathouse becoming a place where boys’ and girls’ crews collaborate closely, just as my sons have experienced in international settings.

King’s racing at Head of the Charles October 2023

2025 Annual Boat Club Dinner with guest speaker Dame Katherine Grainger

How do you plan to stay connected with the Boat Club after stepping down as Chair?

I have a younger son who definitely wants to try rowing, so I’ll be back in the community in a couple of years — and may even volunteer as a J14 rep when the time comes!

In the meantime, I’ll remain involved in rowing as Ivo has joined the Lightweight team at Princeton, and I expect to see King’s parents at events like the Head of the Charles in Boston this October.

As an alumni parent of now three boys, I’ve enjoyed building links with our alumni and hope to continue doing so.

What message would you like to leave for the alumni and current members of the Boat Club?

Go King’s!

Dr Cotton, Dr Whitelaw and Louise after following the King’s crew in the umpire’s launch at Henley RR July 2023

The 2022 crew at Henley

Michelle Gilligan

Michelle Gilligan is a true volunteering powerhouse at King’s. As the outgoing Chair of the Friends of King’s, she has worked tirelessly over the past six years to raise vital funds that benefit every pupil across the school. Now, Michelle is stepping into a new chapter, taking over from Louise Monaghan as Chair of the King’s College School Boat Club Supporters’ Association.

A parent to two pupils currently at King’s and a daughter who graduated with the Class of 2025, Michelle brings both passion and experience to her new role. Alongside her volunteering, she also manages a demanding career as a lawyer at Eastlink Lanker PLC, and is a Trustee of the recently established King’s College School Bursaries Foundation.

What initially inspired you to get involved with Friends of King’s, and how did your role evolve over the years?

When my youngest first joined King’s, I shared a piece of advice with him:“Get involved, make new friends, try new things.” That message stayed with me and inspired me to lead by example. Volunteering was a rewarding way to contribute and stay connected. I stepped into the role of Chair just before the onset of COVID, which made community building more challenging than ever. However, we adapted quickly, launching the Friends website, hosting our first virtual Christmas Fair, and creating new online initiatives. I’m proud that through those efforts, our parent network not only endured but emerged stronger, with deeper connections forged through both social and fundraising events.

What are some of the most memorable events or initiatives you helped organise during your time as Chair?

Two standout events are the Fireworks Night

and the Community Tea. Fireworks Night brought together hundreds of families in a fun and inclusive setting to watch a spectacular fireworks display. While the logistics of hosting such an event were immense, the teamwork and spirit of the volunteers made it a truly special night. Equally meaningful is our annual Community Tea for local guests at Christmas – an event that spreads festive cheer to those who might otherwise spend the season alone. One guest once told us it was the highlight of her year – a moment I will never forget.

How has the parent-teacher community at King’s changed or grown during your tenure?

The community has become more connected, inclusive, and engaged. We’ve worked hard to welcome new families, ensure representation across year groups, and make volunteering accessible. The perception of Friends has shifted from being solely a fundraising group to becoming an actual bridge between parents and the school. It has been incredibly fulfilling to witness this evolution.

What challenges did you face in your role, and how did you overcome them?

A key challenge was encouraging broader parent participation without overwhelming already busy families. We responded by offering smaller, more manageable roles and promoting a culture of micro-volunteering. COVID also tested our resilience, but by embracing online platforms and reimagining our approach, we sustained our momentum and impact.

Is there a particular moment or achievement that stands out as especially meaningful to you?

One of the most meaningful achievements was directing funds to support school departmental needs, bursaries, and partnership outreach programmes that not only directly benefit students at King’s but also those at partner schools. I also cherish the quieter wins, like watching a once-hesitant parent become a confident event lead. These personal growth stories are as rewarding as any headline success.

LOOKING AHEAD TO THE BOAT CLUB SUPPORTERS ASSOCIATION

What drew you to the Boat Club Supporters Association, and what excites you most about this new role?

All three of my children have been involved in rowing, including two at King’s, so I’ve seen firsthand how the sport builds confidence, teamwork, and resilience. Supporting the Boat Club feels like a natural next step. I’m especially excited about deepening the relationship between rowing parents, the coaching staff, and the school, ensuring every rower feels valued and supported, regardless of ability.

Do you have any goals or visions for the Boat Club community that you’re hoping to bring to life?

My aim is to build a stronger and more organised parent network that not only supports daily logistics, such as coordinating support at regattas, but also encourages contributions to strategic goals, including fundraising for improvements to the boathouse, upgrading boats or equipment, and providing more international opportunities. I also want to create a more inclusive culture where all rowers, girls and boys alike, are celebrated for their commitment and progress.

How do you see your experience with Friends of King’s informing your approach to this new position?

Leading Friends has taught me the importance of clear communication, thoughtful delegation, and fostering a culture where everyone feels they can contribute to enhancing the collaborative spirit among parents, staff, and the school. I aim to bring the same approach to the Boat Club, encouraging participation and cultivating a supportive and energised community that promotes increased participation and visibility for rowing.

The annual fireworks display is a highlight of the year

BALANCING ROLES: LAWYER, VOLUNTEER, AND MOTHER

As a lawyer and a mother of three children, how do you balance your professional, personal, and volunteer commitments?

It’s a constant balancing act, and it’s rarely perfect. However, staying highly organised and setting clear boundaries enables me to manage my commitments effectively. I bring the same professionalism, focus, and structure to my volunteer roles as I do to my legal work, and I’m fortunate to surround myself with capable, supportive people.

What values do you hope to instil in your children through your example of community involvement?

I want them to understand that success is about more than personal achievement—it’s about lifting others along the way.Volunteering and community involvement teach empathy, responsibility, and humility. I hope they grow up seeing that giving back is a privilege that brings joy, not a chore or duty.

Has your legal background influenced how you approach leadership and decisionmaking in your volunteer roles?

Definitely. My legal background helps me to think strategically, analyse risks, and plan effectively. I’m comfortable with governance, planning, and policy – all useful when managing large-scale events and budgets. It also reinforces the importance of listening, consensus-building, and acting with integrity— qualities that are just as vital in volunteer leadership as in the boardroom.

PERSONAL REFLECTIONS AND ADVICE

What advice would you give to other parents considering getting involved in school life?

Just start. Take the first step. You don’t have to lead an event—even small contributions make a real difference. Sign up for a slot on uniform sales or bake a cake for Community Tea. Volunteering helps you connect with the school, meet wonderful people, and be part of a greater purpose. The King’s parent community is welcoming, generous, and full of opportunities to get involved.

How do you hope your contributions will be remembered by the King’s community? I hope to be remembered as someone who made things easier and better for others— whether by streamlining processes, enhancing events, or encouraging others to step forward. Most of all, I hope I helped build a more united and confident community.

What does being part of the King’s College School community mean to you personally?

It means a great deal. As a migrant who has always valued education and opportunity, I feel incredibly fortunate to be part of this community. It’s a place where values, tradition, and ambition meet—and where each of us can help shape a meaningful future.

The Friends’ Christmas Fair – one of the most popular events on the King’s calendar!

In Memoriam

We remember and honour members of the King’s alumni community who are no longer with us. Their lives and contributions continue to resonate within our shared history, and we extend our deepest sympathies to their families, friends, and classmates.

A full list of obituaries is available on the King’s Association Hub, If you would like to notify us of any alumni to be included in future editions, please contact us at development@kcs.org.uk.

ANDREW CHAMBERLAIN (OK 1973)

Andrew Chamberlain (OK 1973) passed away on 10th May 2025. Born in June 1956, Andrew joined the junior school at King’s in 1966. After winning prizes for Maths and Geography, he was awarded a Major Entrance Scholarship to the senior school, where he was the recipient of the prestigious Jelf Medal. In 1973, Andrew was awarded a further scholarship, this time to read mathematics at Trinity College, Cambridge.

After university Andrew forged a successful career as an actuary. He was Deputy Actuary and Development Director at Hill Samuel Life from 1979 to 1990, and later held senior positions at Aetna UK, the Government Actuary’s Department, Watson Wyatt (now Towers Watson) and Partnership Assurance.

He also gave up his time to contribute significantly to the actuarial profession. A Member of Council of the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries from 2001, he chaired its Life Board from 2016 to 2018. He was also Chair of the International Actuarial Association (IAA)’s Actuarial Standards Committee and a member of the IASB’s IFRS Advisory Council on behalf of the IAA.

In 1982, Andrew was elected to Merton Borough Council as a Conservative, and he

served as a councillor until 1994. For two of those years, he was Deputy Head of the Council (1988 to 1990).

At King’s, he was co-opted to the Governing Body in 1989 and continued in this role for almost 30 years. After stepping down as a governor, Andrew continued to assist the school as a trustee and Chair of the Support Staff Pension Scheme. He was also a governor and Chair of governors at Abbotsbury First School.

Please also see the tribute to Andrew by the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries: In Memory of Andrew Chamberlain FIA

BILL BELLENGER (OK 1965)

Bill Bellenger (OK 1965) was a pupil in the junior and senior schools at King’s, he left in the spring term 1966 and went to St Catherine’s College, Cambridge, later that year to read classics.

Les Ruskell (OK 1964) writes: ‘William Stanley (Bill) Bellenger died on 9th February after a long illness. He had a distinguished career at King’s, where he was Head of House (Major), Head of Weycroft Boarding House, and Head Boy. He studied classics in the sixth form under Peter Harwood, and continued his classical studies at St Catharine’s College, Cambridge. After graduation, he attended medical school at Glasgow University, where he met Anne. After a spell with Army working in Papua New Guinea, he returned to the UK as a GP.

A great all-round sportsman, Bill was in the 1st team for Fulham Football Club and for KCS 1st XV, cricket 1st XI, and hockey 1st XI. While at Glasgow University, he was selected to play for Scottish Universities and captained the university hockey team. He also played club rugby for Hillhead and hockey for Western, as well as playing cricket for Epworth and Cambridge University Crusaders.

After retiring from full-time medical practice, Bill was heavily involved in local and charitable organisations, including Twickenham Choral Society. He was an acknowledged, passionate musician with great love for choral singing.

After retirement, Bill spent much of his time enjoying sailing and narrowboat life with Anne and was a devoted husband and father. He is survived by Anne and his three children Andrew, Fiona, and David, and will be sadly missed by his family and many friends.’

body,

on 8th May 2025 aged 90. It would be hard to overestimate the esteem in which Cavan was held across the King’s community. Forward thinking, dedicated, supportive, funny and kind, he was liked and respected by all, as the tributes below attest.

Born in 1935, Cavan was a pupil at King’s from 1943 to 1953. He was active in all areas of school life: company quartermaster sergeant in the CCF, a house prefect, and member of the 1st rugby and hockey teams. On leaving the school, he was awarded a major scholarship by Surrey County Council to read Law at Emanuel College, Cambridge. A successful career followed and, from 1991 to 1996 he was Senior Partner in the law firm Lovell, White and King (later Lovell White Durrant, now Hogan Lovells).

Cavan became a member of the school’s governing body in 1970, taking on the role of Chair three years later. He would continue to serve in this capacity until 1990, and again from 2000 until 2004. He was also involved in the Old King’s Club, as a Vice President, and the Old Boys’ Rugby Club, of which he was President for a time.

One of Cavan’s first initiatives as Chair of Governors was to establish the Friends of

CAVAN TAYLOR (OK 1953)

Cavan Taylor, former pupil and twice chair of the governing

passed away

King’s. He recognised it would be a way for more women – mothers – to be involved in school life. At a time when there were only a couple of women on the teaching staff, this was a significant step. Launching the Friends was also a means of raising money for smaller projects to improve facilities at the school. Changes happened on a bigger scale too. During Cavan’s first tenure as Chair, two development campaigns helped to fund major improvements to the school campus including new music facilities, a purpose-built theatre, College Court (sixth form centre) and a sports centre. In addition, money was raised for the school’s own bursary fund for the first time. ‘In the changing and competitive world in which we live,’ Cavan wrote, ‘a school cannot

TRIBUTES TO CAVAN TAYLOR

There can be no alumnus of King’s who has given back more to the school than Cavan. His loyalty and commitment, exemplified by his long service as a Governor over many years and as Chairman of governors in two separate but significant periods, must surely be unsurpassed. Cavan was a delight to know and to work with as Chairman. Diplomatic and always master of the brief, Cavan ensured irenic yet decisive meetings, however complex or potentially contentious the issue. This achievement was undoubtedly the result of careful preparation and assiduous prior consultation. Modest and thorough, Cavan took no one and no outcome for granted, and in the course of discussion was unfailingly courteous and generous, always acknowledging the value of individual contributions. His light touch and ready humour meant that governors’ meetings chaired by him were a pleasure to attend and his summary of such debates was frequently as masterful and witty as his memorable after-dinner speeches. His loyalty to King’s was unswerving but Cavan was not one to entertain the status quo for its own sake. In every way he sought improvement, with the interests of students uppermost, allied to a sensitive awareness of the demands made of both teaching and support staff. Thus change,

Taylor pictured in the 1st XV rugby team, 1953

and even determined reform, held no fear for him. Through his legal career, which had in part taken him abroad, and in particular his enthusiasm for all things French, Cavan was internationally minded. Unsurprisingly, the introduction of the International Baccalaureate at King’s had his wholehearted and continued support. But his constant wish to see the school forge ahead inspired his interest in improving buildings and facilities, and it is entirely appropriate that the library should bear his name. Nor did he conceal his hope that in time co-education might be introduced.

The head of a school must trust the Chairman unreservedly, both in terms of discretion and constructive support. Cavan never failed. His wisdom, clarity of mind and purpose, kindness, capacity for friendship and, not least, his sense of fun gave confidence and joy to all of us who had the privilege to know him.

Tony Evans (Head Master, King’s College School, 1997 to 2007)

Cavan

improve or even maintain its standards unless it responds to the changes and competition and keeps its needs under constant examination.’

Cavan’s long service to King’s was recognised in 2004 when a new wing, which included an extension to the Memorial Library, was named after him. In the junior school, the cultural society for older pupils, which incorporates a programme of visiting speakers, also bears his name.

Following his retirement in 1996, Cavan dedicated part of his time to supporting the Prisoners’ Education Trust, a charity which improves educational provision in prisons, transforming the lives of many by equipping them with skills and qualifications needed to gain employment on release. He also decided

to pursue his interest in French language and culture, joining Le Cercle Français D’Esher, Cavan’s wife Helen suffered a serious stroke when she was 50. Although doctors advised that her life expectancy was short, she actually lived for a further 38 years. Throughout that time, Cavan cared for her. He is survived by his children, Karen, Sean (OK 1983) and Camilla.

It was my very good fortune to have known Cavan, not only for the many years I was involved with him when he was Chairman of the school’s Governing Body, but also as a close friend.

Cavan held the welfare of King’s very close to his heart. As Chairman, he saw the school through many changes and always had a clear vision of what was best for the future development of the school. And many developments there were, during his long period of chairmanship.

Being Chairman of the Governors of a school is not an easy task. Inevitably there are many conflicting interests and opinions in such a diverse environment. Cavan took on board the views of others, yet was always able to achieve a consensus which he believed was in the best interests of the school.

That the meetings of Governors were a pleasure to anticipate, was entirely due to Cavan. It was his relaxed but steady hand which ensured that clear decisions were agreed and made and that meetings were completed expeditiously, with all present having the opportunity of contributing. I learned much on how to chair meetings.

Cavan took a great interest in all aspects of school life; academic, the arts, music, as well as sport, where his greatest interest was in rugby. As a pupil of the school he played in the 1st XV and later for many years in KCS Old Boys Rugby Club. He made a point of knowing all those engaged in the school life, from the teaching staff to the ground staff. He always ensured he understood how the school operated at the personal level and for him, all were a vital part in running the school from the school porter to the headmaster! The junior school was as important as the senior school, to him there was just one King’s College School.

The school was so very fortunate to have benefited from Cavan’s sure management hand for so many years.

Roger Mathews (OK 1956 and former Chair of the Governing Body)

Deservedly, many tributes to Cavan have been made since the sad news of his death on May 8th. His many and varied contributions to the life of King’s over nearly 70 years are unsurpassed and do not need re-stating by me.

Cavan was a popular figure within both the governing body and his wide group of friends amongst the King’s community. He was much respected for his calm wisdom, his loyalty and his relaxed but needle-sharp judgement and negotiating skills.

But apart from these qualities, I remember him for his humanity, his passion for life and for his sense of humour. My first memory of Cavan dates back to a rugby tour in the early 1960s. We were based in a hotel in Buxton, Derbyshire. On the second evening a member of the party, a gnarled prop forward, probably suffering from home-sickness, managed to set off a fire extinguisher on the top floor. Chaos ensued. While cowering under a bed in my room I heard Cavan in lawyerly action for the first time. As foam trickled downwards, step by step, Cavan was in conversation with an outraged publican/hotelier.

‘’I’m sure there is a very simple explanation for all this, my good man,’’ he suggested.

Cavan was also a great initiator of unlikely

projects within his wide group of friends. He was a planter of trees and we all received saplings of eucalyptus trees to plant in our gardens; we were sent pumpkin seeds with growing instructions together with invitations to an annual party at the Taylor family home where pumpkins were to be weighed and prizes awarded; we were encouraged to join the Great Bustard Trust because of his enthusiasm for re-introducing the huge and defunct bird to Britain, and this enabled us to attend and take advantage of AGMs in town where good wine flowed freely.

On a more serious note Cavan encouraged us all to join and participate in the Prisoners’ Education Trust and, more latterly, to become active in the Cercle Francais D’Esher.

Cavan managed to find the energy to manage all his considerable King’s commitments and his demanding professional life, ultimately as senior partner in his law firm, whilst alongside his wife, Helen, bringing up their family of three children. When Helen suffered a severe stroke at a tragically young age in 1983, Cavan’s devotion and care for her until her death nearly 40 years later were admired by us all.

Tony Hein (OK

Assistant Headmaster, King’s

1960 and former

College Junior School)

Cavan Taylor with Professor Lucas at the opening of the Cavan Taylor Wing, 2003

CHRISTOPHER FRAZER (OK 1977)

Christopher Frazer (OK 1977) passed away on 15th February at the age of 64. He attended both the junior and senior schools at King’s, leaving in 1977. He was awarded an Exhibition to St John’s College, Cambridge, where he initially read history before switching to law. In 1983, he was called to the Bar.

During his time at Cambridge, Christopher served as Chairman of the Cambridge University Conservative Association. He later pursued a career in public service, becoming a Member of Richmond Borough Council and subsequently serving on the Council of the City of London.

DOUGLAS HAMILTON STEWART DUNCAN (OK 1949)

Douglas Duncan entered the junior school in 1942 as a Surrey Scholar and continued on to the senior school, where he studied history under the long-serving Henry Greenwood. In 1951, following two years of National Service upon leaving King’s, he went up to Corpus Christi College, Cambridge, to read history.

Douglas’s professional life took him to North America. He lived in Toronto, Canada, for a year while working for Sun Life Assurance. In 1955, he was accepted into the graduate program in City and Regional Planning at the University of California, Berkeley. He packed his belongings, collected a brand-new Chevrolet Bel Air in Detroit, and delivered it to a showroom in San Francisco – his journey west marking the start of his studies in California.

After completing his degree, Douglas founded a planning consultancy in Berkeley and enjoyed a successful 45-year career in the field. Following his retirement in 2000, he and his wife, Martha, travelled extensively, returning to England every two years to visit family.

Douglas died peacefully at his home in Berkeley in March 2025, following a short illness. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Martha; his daughter, Eileen; and his grandson, Leif.

John Badcock, who passed away on 1st January 2025, was a classics teacher at King’s from 1963 to 1974. Alongside his colleague and fellow classicist Graham Tingay, he coauthored the well-regarded book These Were the Romans

Beyond the classroom, John was deeply involved in school life. He coached the Colts ‘A’ rugby team and the 2nd XI cricket teams and also helped run the school’s Local History Group. In 1965, he was among a group of adventurous teachers who led pupils on treks through the Lake District, repeating the experience in Snowdonia the following year.

John, his wife Dinah, and their daughters Clare and Anna lived in staff accommodation at Woodhayes until 1974, when he left King’s to become Head of Classics at Cranbrook School in Kent. He remained at Cranbrook for over 27 years, taking on several key roles, including Head of Horsley Boys and the school’s first Head of sixth form.

JOHN BADCOCK (FORMER STAFF)

PETER RICHARD MARTIN (OK 1967)

Peter Richard Martin (OK 1967) passed away following a battle with cancer. He joined the junior school in the first form and later earned an 11+ scholarship to continue at King’s.

He was awarded a scholarship to study geography at Pembroke College, Oxford, but soon transferred to Trinity College Dublin to pursue medicine. After completing his medical training at Newcastle General Hospital, he

moved to Norway, where he worked for several years as a GP before transitioning into public health, serving at City Hall in Oslo.

Peter was a lifelong supporter of the Labour Party and had a deep interest in railways, later developing a passion for gardening. He is survived by his second wife, Hilde, his sons Robin and Sean, and seven granddaughters.

Alumni Sports News

KING’S ALUMNI PARTICIPATE IN MEN’S CREW (LIGHTWEIGHT) ROWING AT 103RD HARVARD – YALE – PRINCETON REGATTA

On 26th April, Ben Lundie (OK 2022), Alex Forbes (OK 2022), Sam Scowen (OK 2023) and Finlay Murray (OK 2024) raced at the HYP regatta, an historic annual race between Harvard, Yale and Princeton. All four raced in the lightweight varsity eights event, with Alex and Ben winning with their Harvard crew. This is the second year in a row that King’s have had alumni representing all three Ivy League universities at this race, showing the impressive level that King’s rowers have achieved since finishing school.

Sam Scowen in the Princeton boat and Alex Forbes in the Harvard boat in crimson

Finlay Murray (OK 2024); Ben Lundie (OK 2022); Alex Forbes (OK 2022); Sam Scowen (OK 2023)

GOLF

After a pause since 2016, it was a real pleasure to see the return of the OKC (Old King’s Club), staff and pupil golf fixture to the calendar this year. Held at the historic home of King’s golf, Royal Wimbledon Golf Club, the event marked a welcome revival of one of the school’s most cherished sporting traditions.

The day brought together a wonderful mix of familiar and new faces, all united by a shared love of the game and a connection to King’s. The match play format produced some thrilling contests, with several matches going right down to the final hole, showcasing both competitive spirit and camaraderie in equal measure.

On this occasion, it was the pupils who emerged victorious, lifting the inaugural King’s Association Invitational Golf Cup after a series of hard-fought matches. Their triumph was a testament to the strength and depth of golf at the school, and a fitting way to mark the

return of this special fixture.

A huge thank you must go to, Liam Kane and the Development Office for their support in bringing the event back to life, and to OKC golf members Peter Crowther and Giles Fallowfield for their invaluable help in making it all happen.

We look forward to building on this success and seeing the fixture return in 2026.

Finlay Murray racing for Yale at the HYP Regatta

All three crews at the start

The victorious King’s pupils

GOLDEN SUMMER FOR OK ROWERS

The 1st VIII delivered a gutsy performance at Henley Royal Regatta, narrowly missing out in one of their best races of the year. Five Old King’s made Finals Day, with standout wins for Zahir Ala (OK 2020) and Omar Al-Miqdadi (OK 2018) as coxes, and Ben Lundi and Alex Forbes (both OK 2022) winning with Harvard after an exceptional week of racing.

2025

ANNUAL HENLEY CAR PARK DRINKS RECEPTION

The annual Henley Drinks Reception brings together alumni, parents, and pupils who share a passion for rowing, gathering on the Saturday of Henley Royal Regatta. This year,

we were delighted to welcome Ian Bathgate (OK 1977), who travelled all the way from New Zealand to join us.

1st VIII at the Henley House

Henley car park drinks reception.

Archive Highlights

It has been a busy time in the school archive. In January, the ever-popular model of the King’s-Wimbledon ‘Schools’ Class locomotive inspired an exhibition about steam engines and the interest taken in train travel by King’s pupils over the years. The enthusiasm still high amongst current students led to the revival of a model railway club: on Friday lunchtimes, pupils from Rushmere up to sixth form have gathered to run OO Gauge engines and debate which are the best. It is especially fitting that this club began in the year which marks the 200th anniversary of the modern railway in Britain. The summer display in the Bryan Stokes Archive was An Exhibition in Three Acts: The History of Drama at King’s. Programmes, posters, photographs and reviews from the school archive charted over 150 years of dramatic productions. Find out more about both these exhibitions in the Archive section of the King’s Association hub.

In March, we were excited to take part for the first time in School Archives Day. Posters around the site provided a glimpse into what the campus had once looked like. Some buildings had disappeared completely, others had been altered or added to and yet traces of the past remain in evidence

everywhere. Around 50 pupils took up the challenge to test their knowledge in a quiz about the history of the school – the results were reassuringly good! Great fun was also had making school-themed badges.

It was a great pleasure to welcome alumni, former staff and current parents to the Tour and Tea in March and Opening up the Archive in June. The school archive is a treasure trove of information and memories; it is always a delight to share some of these stories in person with members of the King’s community.

Shortly after the end of the summer term, we were thrilled to welcome back to King’s several former pupils, and a former member of staff, to reminisce about Robert Holloway and the achievements of the Art Society Press. Established in 1951 as a co-curricular activity for pupils, the ASP made a series of books which were innovative in design, witty and of such a high standard artistically that they are collector’s items today. We hope to hold an exhibition to mark the 75th anniversary of the press, as well as another open archive afternoon and Tour and Tea, this academic year. Keep up to date with all school archive news and events on the King’s Association hub.

History of Drama at King’s, school archive display

King’s International

King’s International was founded with the goal of extending the transformative impact of a King’s education to communities around the world, with a mission to create exceptional educational experiences for students, staff, and their wider communities by building a global network of world-class schools.

We are proud of our team in Wimbledon that creates brilliant opportunities for pupils across our family of schools to work together on meaningful collaborations. In the current academic year, over 430 King’s Wimbledon students have participated in joint initiatives with over 750 students from our international partner schools, supported by 10 engaged and generous King’s alumni. These collaborations are designed to foster intercultural dialogue and support all pupils as they prepare for the world beyond school.

Our team of 14 dedicated international staff, together with 14 subject coordinators from King’s Wimbledon, ensure rewarding

and continuous staff collaboration across all schools in the family. This fosters a shared culture of excellence, innovation, and professional growth.

As our family of schools continues to expand with new schools soon to be opening in Vietnam and Abu Dhabi, the team remains focused on maintaining the authenticity and educational ambition that define King’s. By connecting outstanding educators and promoting best practice across borders, King’s International is helping to shape a global network of schools rooted in shared values and a commitment to excellence, all while continuing to give back to the community that inspired it.

King’s College International School Bangkok

KING’S COLLEGE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL BANGKOK

Since opening in 2020, King’s College International School Bangkok has rapidly established itself as one of the most successful international schools in the region. Surpassing 1,500 students by September 2024, it stands as a testament to the strength and authenticity of the King’s Wimbledon ethos in a global context. Operating in a highly competitive market, such growth reflects not only the demand for excellence but also the school’s steadfast commitment to preserving the values of a true King’s education.

This success is rooted in a culture that values integrity, academic ambition, and thoughtful growth. From purpose-built facilities to rigorous teacher recruitment and quality assurance supported by King’s International, every decision is guided by a commitment to world-class standards. The impressive outcomes – including top university offers and exceptional GCSE results – highlight how King’s Bangkok is delivering meaningful impact for its students. At its heart, the school’s identity remains deeply aligned with the values of King’s Wimbledon: authenticity, academic excellence, and the belief that education should prepare students to thrive in the world beyond school.

King’s College International School Bangkok

The class of 2025 graduation at King’s College International School Bangkok

Class of 2025 Graduation Ceremony

AN INTERVIEW WITH MATT GIBSON, FORMER KING’S WIMBLEDON TEACHER AND HEAD OF HOUSE (2011-2021), NOW DEPUTY HEAD (SENIOR SCHOOL) AT KING’S BANGKOK

You have been with King’s Bangkok since its inception – tell us about the journey. It’s been an extraordinary journey. We opened our doors, figuratively rather than literally, during the COVID pandemic with just 120 students and under 20 staff in the senior school. After 3 months, we were finally allowed to welcome staff back on-site. It felt like opening two schools one after the other! Today, that number has grown to more than 1,500 students.

From the beginning, our goal was to replicate the success of King’s Wimbledon – not just academically, but in terms of the whole child experience. Academic excellence is fundamental, but so too is breadth. That’s why we have our CCA program built into the timetable and an extensive ECA offering, with everything from medical societies to music, robotics to rugby. Most recently, we’ve opened our new 14-storey senior school building – a state-of-the-art facility that truly puts us at the forefront of education in the region. It’s been exciting, challenging, and incredibly rewarding to help build something so special from the ground up.

Why did you choose to leave King’s Wimbledon after 10 years and move to King’s Bangkok?

Bob Mitchell, who served King’s Wimbledon for over 30 years, once said to me, “I’d only ever leave King’s Wimbledon if I found a better school” – and he never did. I didn’t leave to find a better school either; I left to help build one inspired by all the things that make Wimbledon great. The opportunity to be part of that from the very start, in a vibrant, cosmopolitan city like Bangkok, was too exciting to pass up. It’s rare to be involved in shaping a school’s culture, values, and vision from day one – and to do so with King’s Wimbledon as the blueprint was a dream. I have nothing but fond memories of my time at King’s Wimbledon; it is the most amazing place, and I still miss the people every day.

What do you think makes King’s Bangkok a special school to be a part of?

There’s a tangible sense of purpose and momentum here. Everyone – staff, students, and parents – feels part of something ambitious and meaningful. We’ve attracted an incredibly talented team of educators, many with experience from top schools around the world, all aligned with our high standards and values. What makes it truly special is the culture: we combine the high expectations and tradition of a top British school with the warmth, creativity, and energy that comes with being in Thailand. It’s a school where people genuinely enjoy coming to work and where students are encouraged to aim high while being kind, thoughtful, and grounded.

In what ways do you see King’s Bangkok reflecting the ethos of King’s Wimbledon?

The connection is strong and intentional. We share the same six houses and pastoral structure, with the same emphasis on the role of the tutor in guiding, supporting, and inspiring students. Like Wimbledon, we are committed to engaging, extending,

Matt Gibson, Deputy Head (Senior School), King’s Bangkok

and inspiring our pupils – academically and beyond. The ethos of kindness, curiosity, and ambition runs through both schools.

Of course, there are added challenges here: many of our students are secondlanguage learners, with limited exposure to the UK education system and without the long-standing academic heritage that King’s Wimbledon rightly takes pride in. Yet despite these challenges, the outcomes have been remarkable. Our first cohort of university applicants have received offers from a range of world-class institutions, including Columbia and Boston University in the US, Cambridge, UCL, and Imperial in the UK, Waseda in Japan, and Jiao Tong in Shanghai – as well as Thailand’s most competitive medical and engineering programs at Chulalongkorn University.

It’s a testament to the fact that while we may be a young school, the values, vision, and academic rigour of King’s Wimbledon are deeply embedded in what we do here every day.

What have you most enjoyed about living and working in Thailand?

Professionally, one of the most rewarding challenges has been helping to build a sense of heritage. At King’s Wimbledon, tradition is inherited; here, we’re creating it. That means setting the tone, shaping the culture, and laying down the values that will define the

school for generations. It’s a rare privilege to be part of something at its inception – to not just follow tradition, but to help write it. Personally, I’ve fallen in love with life in Thailand. The people are incredibly warm and welcoming, the culture is rich and vibrant, and there’s a real energy to living in Bangkok – a city that feels both dynamic and deeply rooted. On a more personal note, I’m especially excited that my own daughter will be starting at King’s Bangkok in August 2025. Knowing she’ll be learning in what I truly believe are the most outstanding facilities in the country, with access to world-class teachers, fills me with pride and confidence – not just as a member of staff, but as a parent.

What one piece of advice would you give the first King’s Bangkok graduating class as they strike out for the world beyond school?

Be brave, be kind, and stay curious. The world beyond school will challenge you in unexpected ways, but if you hold onto those three principles, you’ll be just fine. You’re not just well-educated – you’ve been part of a school that has encouraged you to think deeply, care genuinely, and act with integrity. That foundation will serve you well. Remember who you are and where you’ve come from, but don’t be afraid to reinvent yourself. The best is yet to come.

BANGKOK ALUMNI JOIN THE KING’S ALUMNI COMMUNITY

This

summer, we welcomed our very first cohort of international alumni from King’s Bangkok into the wider King’s alumni community – the Class of 2025.

This impressive group of 38 pupils – 50% boys and 50% girls are going on to a diverse range of universities, with 51% choosing Thai universities, 24% coming to UK universities, 15% to US universities, and 12% to universities elsewhere in Asia. You can see some graphs

illustrating the subjects and destinations for these pupils on page 58.

We had the privilege of sitting down with four members of the cohort to hear about their experience at King’s Bangkok firsthand –and it’s a pleasure to introduce them here.

NACHANOK KULSOMPHOB (ZENYA), HEADING TO WASEDA SILS OR TAISI IN JAPAN.

How has being part of King’s shaped you as a person and a student?

The time at King’s has allowed me to express myself to a greater degree because I feel comfortable around my peers and around the teachers. Everyone here is so kind, so it is much easier to speak up when you know you are part of a supportive environment.

Are there any specific teachers, lessons, or events that have had a significant impact on you?

I will always remember Mr Banyard who was the first headmaster of the school as he was unlike any principal I’ve ever been around. He had a really hands-on approach to school, greeting students at the turnstiles every morning, participating in house competitions, and attending all of the events we ran.

Could you share what inspired your choice of university and course of study?

I’ve always been interested in humans and societies, but I’m not a hundred percent sure what I would want to do for the rest of my life, so I applied to a Liberal Arts course and a Social Sciences course. All of my applications were in Japan, as that is where I would most like to live.

What are you most looking forward to as you take the next step in your education journey?

I grew up in quite a crowded household, so I’m excited to live completely independently for the first time.

What advice would you give to younger students at the Bangkok school who aspire to follow in your footsteps?

There are so many opportunities here at King’s Bangkok, so get involved! Get out there and sign up for events and activities and keep talking to lots of people. You might find a best friend in the most unexpected place or meet someone you never imagined connecting with. Find your people, support each other, and do your best to make the school a better place in your own way.

How do you think that the teachers at school will remember you?

Hopefully not the late assignments.

What are your fondest memories of your time at King’s?

Some of my fondest memories include Y11 tutor time with Mr Byfield — we had hilarious moments. The Y12 residential trip was also memorable; we bonded and enjoyed team games.

Being part of 3 school films made me reflect on how I’ve grown over four years. Everyday moments — chats with friends, projects, and chaotic event prep — made my time truly special.

How has being part of this school shaped you as a person and a student?

King’s has given me countless opportunities to develop confidence, leadership, and resilience. Since Y10, I’ve been on stage many times, pushing me outside my comfort zone and improving my public speaking. I have learned to work with people across different years and backgrounds, balancing responsibilities while maintaining a strong sense of community. The rigorous yet supportive environment challenged me to think critically and strive for excellence. It’s shaped me into the best version of myself — while keeping me humble and curious.

Are there any specific teachers, lessons, or events that have had a significant impact on you?

So many! The teachers at King’s are inspiring. Mr Thomas Banyard, Mr Matthew Gibson, and Professor Sakorn Suksriwong stand out. Mr Banyard, our inaugural headmaster, taught physics, greeted students, dressed up for events, and raised his kids — all at once. His time management and down-to-earth nature are inspiring.

What did you enjoy most about the curriculum and the learning environment at the school?

I appreciated the balance of academic depth and real-world application. The environment was stimulating and collaborative, encouraging

discussion, challenge, and exploration beyond the syllabus.

How did the school prepared you for university and life beyond academics?

King’s helped me develop independence, leadership, and adaptability. Through public speaking, event management, and time management with self-study, I gained skills that will help me thrive at university and beyond.

Could you share what inspired your choice of university and course of study?

My choice of KCL and Economics and Management was inspired by UK trips and my interest in the modules. I’m passionate about understanding human behaviour in markets, learning from past events, and predicting outcomes of decisions. I’m eager to explore econometrics and financial modelling — key tools for analysts. I also enjoy teamwork, which led me to choose management alongside economics.

What are you most looking forward to as you take the next step in your education journey?

I’m excited to be in a stimulating environment, meet like-minded people, and push myself. I look forward to societies, research, and applying knowledge to real-world challenges. Ultimately, I want to use what I learn to help others.

What advice would you give to younger students at the Bangkok school who aspire to follow in your footsteps?

Take every opportunity — whether it’s leadership roles, competitions, or simply engaging in class discussions. Push yourself outside your comfort zone and never be afraid to ask for help. Enjoy the journey—the experiences and friendships you make here will stay with you for life.

What will you miss most about the school?

The people — teachers, friends, and the King’s community. There’s something special about a place where everyone supports each other. I’ll miss the culture — from assemblies to chats with younger students in the corridors.

How do you think that the teachers at school will remember you?

Hopefully as someone who was academically driven, deeply engaged in music performances, always willing to take on challenges, and a kind-hearted student.

PANNATHORN PHINITWONGWITTHAYA (PAN), HEADING TO CHULALONGKORN UNIVERSITY, BANGKOK, THAILAND

What are your fondest memories of your time at King’s?

The Y12 Residential trip was full of memorable activities — beach football, hilarious performances, and hanging out by the sea with friends! I also loved the everyday moments at school, which were rarely “normal” — each week brought something new. When not studying, I enjoyed playing sports, performing music, and just chilling with friends.

How has being part of this school shaped you as a person and a student?

This school taught me how to learn — I became more independent, proactive, and confident in asking questions, researching, and writing. These skills helped me excel in the British curriculum and beyond, as shown by my top Thai university admission score. Personally, I developed a growth mindset and felt supported to try things I never imagined — starting a Creative Writing Anthology,

running a blood donation campaign, forming a band, even salsa dancing! These experiences helped me grow into someone who steps out of their comfort zone to create positive change with kindness.

Are there any specific teachers, lessons, or events that have had a significant impact on you?

So many teachers inspired me, but I want to thank a few who shaped my school life. Mr Gibson encouraged me to read more from day one and supported me throughout. Mr Baker, an inspiring tutor, made me fall in love with English literature, which changed how I see the world. Mr Byfield’s biology lessons were wholesome and full of heart — he helped me become a better scientist and guided me toward my dream medical school.

What did you enjoy most about the curriculum and the learning environment at the school?

I liked how A Levels challenged us to connect topics — just like in real life, knowledge isn’t separated. Teachers encouraged us to think beyond the subject and apply ideas. Small class sizes meant I could always ask questions, and we learned from each other. It was a safe, curious, and collaborative space that helped me understand deeply.

Could you share what inspired your choice of university and course of study?

I chose medicine at Chulalongkorn University after hospital shadowing in Y12, where I saw how doctors truly impact lives. I know it’s demanding, but I believe being trusted by patients and helping them with empathy is a privilege. That’s why I chose this path — to become a doctor who makes a difference.

What advice would you give to younger students at the Bangkok school who aspire to follow in your footsteps?

Try everything. Every small step adds to who you are. I believe luck is opportunity plus readiness — so take that leap and be prepared. Even if your future path seems fixed, follow your passions too. I chose A Level English literature even though it wasn’t required for medicine, and it helped shape me into a more interesting person. The soft skills you gain will always help you.

What

will you miss most about the school?

Of course I’ll miss seeing my friends and my teachers almost everyday, but apart from that I think I’ll miss the school vibe in general, of having the time to hang out, play football, mess around in the music practice room and make music together, chat about interesting intellectual things as well as the most random, stupid topic ever, just the young and free vibe of teenage years.

How do you think that the teachers at school will remember you Hopefully, they’ll remember me as a student who always try my best and is always kind to the people around me!

What are your fondest memories of your time at King’s?

When the Younger Years rebranded my name to Shanudom Impact after an event for which I was an MC. That moment stuck with me because it solidified the connection I had with them.

How has being part of this school shaped you as a person and a student?

Due to the large number of opportunities the school provides, I gradually became better at choosing which ones I participate in and my limits in taking up responsibilities.

Could you share what inspired your choice of university and course of study?

I chose to study Cognitive Science because I was deeply interested in Philosophy, Psychology and AI, and there are no other courses that provide this level of interdisciplinary studies. I am certain that it would benefit my career without compromising my ability to explore my passions.

Are there any specific teachers, lessons, or events that have significantly impacted you?

Mr Baker, my English Literature teacher from Y10 to Y12, taught me the value of seeking out connections with others and finding

meaning in everything you do.

What did you enjoy most about the curriculum and the learning environment at the school?

I enjoyed it when the teachers facilitated discussions and allowed us to be creative sometimes.

What are you most looking forward to as you take the next step in your education journey?

I am looking forward to making an impact elsewhere, creating something new and becoming known within a new community.

What advice would you give to younger students at the Bangkok school who aspire to follow in your footsteps?

Be aware of the opportunities that surround you. Prepare to catch it. Don’t be afraid to reach your full potential by doing something new.

How do you think that the teachers at school will remember you?

The passionate person.

OVERVIEW OF UNIVERSITY DESTINATIONS FOR THE CLASS OF 2025 KING’S BANGKOK PUPILS

US universities: 5 (15%)

Thai universities: (51%)

UK universities: 8 (24%)

Other Asian universities: 4 (12%)

Events Round-up

KING’S ENTREPRENEURSHIP KNOWLEDGE NETWORK LAUNCH EVENT

We were thrilled to welcome 20 alumni to our inaugural Entrepreneurship Breakfast Networking Event in London. The event welcomed alumni from various strands of the entrepreneurship landscape, with early, mid and late career alumni networking via a speed-networking format!

A special thank you to Olha Dolinska (OK 2017) for leading the King’s Entrepreneurship Knowledge Network, a KCS initiative dedicated to providing tailored networking opportunities for our alumni. We appreciate everyone who attended and contributed to making this event so engaging.

KING’S LGBT+ SOCIAL

It was a real pleasure to welcome our LGBT+ alumni and allies to a social evening in central London in June. It was a joyful occasion, filled with meaningful conversations and cherished memories of school days shared by our alumni.

KING’S WOMEN’S KNOWLEDGE NETWORK LAUNCH EVENT

We were thrilled to launch the King’s Women’s Knowledge Network with an event attended by over 60 members of the communityNavigating Challenges in the Workplace – in London in June.

Our brilliant speakers, Elaine Arden and Marie Korde, shared powerful insights, practical strategies, and personal stories that resonated deeply with the audience. From mastering negotiation, public speaking and career pivots, to becoming more effective leaders and allies, their advice was both empowering and actionable.

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us, asked thoughtful questions, and contributed to such an engaging and supportive atmosphere. Events like this highlight the power of community and the value of candid, constructive dialogue in tackling issues commonly faced by women in the workplace.

We are excited to grow our LGBT+ alumni network. If you would like to be part of this journey and help us expand the community, we would love to hear from you.

Caption: Alumni at the Entrepreneurship Knowledge Network event

Women’s Knowledge Network launch event in London

FRIENDS OF KING’S FAMILY FUN DAY

The Friends of King’s hosted a fantastic Family Fun Day last month, bringing together pupils, parents and teachers for a lively multi-sports event. From competitive football and rowing relays to light-hearted games like surfing and

rugby jumps, the day celebrated teamwork, fun and school spirit.

A huge thank you to the Friends of King’s for organising such a rich array of events that bring our community together.

FRIENDS OF KING’S QUIZ NIGHT

The Friends of King’s Quiz Night brought together parents and staff for an evening of friendly competition and camaraderie.This muchloved annual event created a lively atmosphere as teams put their knowledge to the test in pursuit of the coveted first-place prize.

The success of the evening was thanks to the superb organisation led by Michelle Gilligan, Chair of the Friends, and her dedicated team. Funds raised on the night will go towards supporting school initiatives, including contributions to the bursary programme.

As the evening drew to a close, the winning staff team, ‘Livin’ La Vida Lougher’, celebrated their well-earned victory, bringing a fantastic night to a cheerful conclusion.

Children enjoy the bouncy castle at the Friends of King’s Family Fun Day

Staff team ‘Livin’ La Vida Lougher’ celebrating their quiz night triumph

It was great to see nearly 200 alumni, parents and pupils from the King’s community come together for our Sector Networking Finance event in London earlier this year. We are super grateful to our speakers TS Anil, Group CEO of Monzo, and Dr Jari Stehn, Chief European Economist at Goldman Sachs, for their insightful presentations on digital banking, fintech and the challenges and opportunities within the Eurozone. It was great to see so many engaging conversations taking place during the vibrant networking sessions, with our community sharing information about careers in finance, strategies for professional growth, and the evolution of the financial sector.

Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to the evening’s success. Look out for more alumni events coming your way, and please get in touch if you are interested in sharing your expertise and experience by volunteering to become a speaker. The KCS community networking

TS Anil, Group CEO of Monzo, delivers a presentation

ENLIGHTENING MINDS: ‘ENGINEERS AS CHANGEMAKERS

IN AN UNPREDICTABLE WORLD’ | PROFESSOR DAWN BONFIELD

Professor Dawn Bonfield, Professor of Practice in Engineering for Sustainable Development at King’s College London, delivered a talk on the key role engineers have in solving the environmental crisis the world faces. It also acknowledged the contribution that engineering has made over the last 200 years and the significant environmental damage that has come because of this.

The talk is available online here

ENLIGHTENING MINDS: ‘INSPIRATIONAL INVESTING’ |

DR INDRANIL GHOSH

Dr Indranil Ghosh, sustainable investor and founder of Tiger Hill Capital, captivated the audience with a journey through some of the world’s most pioneering investment projects.

In his presentation, Dr Ghosh explored a range of remarkable initiatives that combine financial innovation with environmental sustainability. The audience was introduced to a variety of projects, including a 100,000-hectare bamboo reforestation initiative in the Philippines, a time-constructed city being built in Bhutan, a nature incubator in Scotland and more.

These projects serve as powerful examples of how investment can drive a more sustainable and resilient future for our planet. A huge thank you to Dr Ghosh for delivering such an engaging and thoughtprovoking presentation.

The talk is available online here

Professor Dawn Bonfield

Dr Indranil Ghosh

We were delighted to welcome back alumni from across the decades (1955–2015), along with both current and former staff, to our annual Old King’s Reunion in June. Guests enjoyed reconnecting with old friends, reminiscing over shared memories, and taking part in guided tours led by the school archivist, Dr Lucy Inglis.

LIFE AT 25 REUNION

The Class of 2018 were welcomed back to the school for their Life at 25 Reunion. The atmosphere was filled with warmth and nostalgia as former classmates and teachers reconnected over drinks and a barbecue. It was a joy to see old friendships rekindled and new friendships formed as everyone shared stories of life since their time at school.

Thank you to all those who attended, we hope to see you at the school again soon.

Dr Anne Cotton, Head, and Richard Criddle (OK 1986), Honorary Treasurer, Old King’s Club, warmly welcomed our guests and introduced the newly launched King’s Association Hub and how the school can continue to support them as they navigate the early stages of their careers and beyond.

Alumni attending the Old King’s Reunion gather for a photo

The Class of 2018 gathers for their reunion photo

SUMMER

We had a fantastic evening at the King’s Boathouse in Putney in July, soaking up the evening sun and river views with over 50 alumni. Many guests fondly recalled their days at King’s and the meaningful memories tied to the boathouse, whether rowing or cheering from the riverbank. It was wonderful to see such strong connections enduring over the years, and we’re deeply grateful to everyone who joined us. Many thanks to everyone who came out and made the evening such a success. Be sure to keep an eye out for next year’s gathering—we’re already looking forward to welcoming even more faces back to this treasured place!

Alumni meet at the King’s Boathouse for the Summer Alumni Networking Drinks

REGIONAL SOCIETY OF

It was fantastic to welcome King’s alumni to our inaugural summer happy hour for the Regional Society US East Coast.. Despite a nasty storm and wiped out transport, the festivities went on for several hours, with lots of planning for future activity.

A huge thank you to co-chairs Ryan Houghton-Berry (OK 2010) and Peter Cureton (OK 1996) for hosting such a fabulous evening!

NIGEL EDWARDS MEMORIAL EVENSONG

In May there was a special Evensong in memory of former staff member Nigel Edwards, who taught at King’s from 19902018. In addition to his biology teaching and head of examination roles, Nigel also spent much time with the music department. He was assistant director of King’s Kapella and a member of the chamber choir for over twenty years, singing with the choir in countless Evensongs and concerts, including regularly in St Matthew’s Church in Raynes Park where

this service was held. Several generations of King’s Choir members remember his outstanding voice with its richness and resonance and Nigel sang on all the choir’s recordings and international tours.

Many former friends, colleagues and pupils were present, twenty of whom joined with the choir in singing several pieces during the service. It was a wonderful celebration of his life, with music that was sung so well as he would have wanted.

Daniel Phillips, Director of Music, leads students, staff, former staff and alumni for Nigel Edwards Memorial Evensong

Some of our US based alumni this summer

TOUR AND TEA

We were delighted to welcome back former staff and alumni for our Tour and Tea event on Wednesday 26th March. The afternoon started with a tour of the school, during which Dr Lucy Inglis, the School Archivist, spoke about the history of King’s from its inception in 1829 to the present day. This

BENEFACTORS’ GARDEN PARTY

Our annual garden party is the school’s opportunity to say thank you to our community for the generosity they have extended to King’s over the past year. Whether volunteering, donating, speaking at one of our events, or any of the other myriad of ways in which our community contributes

was followed by tea, and the chance to see a selection of documents from the school archive. It was lovely to meet members of the King’s community and hear their memories of the school. We plan to hold the next Tour and Tea in March 2026.

to the school, this philanthropy plays a vital role in shaping the future of our school and in transforming the lives of many children. We were delighted to welcome over 200 of our supporters to King’s on a sunny afternoon in June to enjoy afternoon tea and canapés.

Benefactors’ Garden Party in June.

Mind – Promoting Academic Excellence & Love of Learning

PUPILS ACHIEVE EXCELLENT RESULTS IN 2025

GCSE and IGCSE DELIGHT

Again this year, our pupils have demonstrated impressive levels of scholarship, with 91.5% of all upper fifth (year 11) exam grades awarded a level 9 or 8 (equivalent to A*), and a remarkable 70.3% securing the highest possible grade 9.

OUTSTANDING A LEVEL RESULTS

These excellent performances follow on from our superb sixth form outcomes this summer, where 54% of grades were at A* or the IB equivalent, and 88% of all grades were at A*/A or the IB equivalent. Our leavers now go on to top universities including Oxford, Cambridge, UCL, LSE, St Andrews, Imperial, Durham, Harvard, Princeton and Yale.

Dr Anne Cotton, Head, said, “We are thrilled to celebrate these fantastic results with our pupils. Their achievements reflect their hard work and determination, supported by the exceptional teaching and encouragement they receive from our dedicated staff and the wider school community.

“This is a cohort who have been as committed beyond the classroom as they are within the classroom, excelling on the stage and the concert platform, acting as brilliant mentors and volunteers, and achieving national level success in sports from rowing to racquets, as well as in Maths and Science Olympiads. They have brought a wonderful spirit to school life, and as they head into the sixth form and welcome our new sixth form joiners, we look forward to supporting them all in their next steps at King’s and then in the world beyond school.”

WRITER IN RESIDENCE

Writer in Residence Spencer Brown led the next instalment in year 8’s year-long challenge to create an original screenplay for a thriller. The author lifted the curtain on the filmmaking process as they considered how their original pieces would be developed from words into film production.

“For the final teaching session with year 8, our Writer in Residence Spencer Brown spoke to students about what happens to a script after the writing process has been completed. In fact, he said a filmscript is effectively written three times: once as an initial idea, once when it is in the process of being filmed and one final time in post- production. Finding out about the complicated process of turning the written word into a movie ready for the red carpet was fascinating, not least because it taught us all about the huge range of exciting career opportunities available to

students interested in working in film. From casting agent to foley artist, it’s not all about the actor and director, and it was inspiring to simply imagine the ideas of this year group making it onto the big screen, coming soon to a cinema near you!”

Writer in Residence Spencer Brown addresses pupils

Writer in Residence Spencer Brown

DESIGN ENGINEERING A LEVEL & GCSE EXHIBITION

The Design Engineering GCSE and A level Show saw the doors to the Reeve School opened wide to welcome our community into an exhibition of the imagination, applied knowledge and skill pupils have

demonstrated in their ambitious project work this year. Innovative designs included a vertical, space-saving clothes hanger and a customisable guitar!

Showcasing some GCSE work

Design Engineering Show

ACADEMIC ENRICHMENT

As part of the Robert Graves Society’s programme of enrichment talks, we were delighted to welcome John Murtough, Manchester United’s first-ever Director of Football. In his talk, ‘The Leadership Playbook: Insights from Football to the World Beyond School’, Mr Murtough offered a fascinating perspective on leadership, drawing from his time in professional football and his experiences working alongside some of the game’s most iconic managers.

The talk gave pupils valuable insight into the qualities that define effective leadership, both on and off the pitch. Mr Murtough reflected on the importance of resilience, adaptability, and clear communication— skills he first began to develop as a student and later honed in high-pressure sporting environments. The event deepened students’ understanding of leadership in real-world contexts and encouraged them to think critically about the kind of leaders they might

HANS WOYDA MATHS COMPETITION

Congratulations to Ethan (U6), Ishaan (U5), Oliver (U5), and Prayaan (4L) for their remarkable achievement in reaching the finals of the Hans Woyda Maths Competition.

This is a wonderful accomplishment and one which has not been achieved by a King’s team since 2001 — a testament to their hard work, skill, and dedication.

John Murtough, Manchester United’s Director of Football

Heart – Fostering Pupils’ Passions and Pathways

DRAMA - BLACKBIRDS: A LOWER & MIDDLE SCHOOL PRODUCTION

Lower and middle school pupils threw themselves into their collaborative production, Blackbirds this month. The ensemble cast brought the powerful documentary-story of the community trapped in London’s Blitz to life with real emotion and sensitivity, ensuring the audience experienced all the heartbreak, resilience and humour in the stories of this group of ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances.

The cast of Blackbirds

Pupils in a scene from Blackbirds

MUSIC - PIANO COMPETITION

This year’s piano competition was a tough battle. Players excelled in categories for junior, lower and senior school, with Desmond (U6G1) victorious in the senior category for the third year running! Other memorable happenings this half term included a violin masterclass, a beautiful choral evensong in memory of former teacher, Mr Nigel Edwards, and some brilliant news for Aidan (4Mac) who won the RCM junior piano competition.

ART - YEAR 7 VISIT TO KEW

Year 7 visited London’s Kew Gardens for an exciting day of observation and artistry. The pupils explored the collection of botanical exhibits, capturing the texture, shape and colour they observed around them with great enthusiasm and curiosity. In his account of the trip, Theo (7S) described the day’s activities, which included an interesting challenge: sketching with his eyes closed to focus purely on sensory memory and touch!

Piano competition

Year 7 trip to Kew Gardens

A pupil draws a plant at Kew Gardens

ROWING

Well done to the 1st VIII, who won their event at the Poplar Regatta and placed top three at the Marlow Regatta, which also saw strong performances from the J15 and J16 VIIIs. Congratulations to Ivo (U6M1) and Alastair (U6K2), who helped bring home gold for GB at theJunior World Rowing Championships.

HIRR

The Home International Rowing Regatta is an historic annual competition dating back to 1962 in which the four ‘Home Nations’ of England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland compete. This year 4 King’s rowers were selected to race for England and did extremely well, helping England to win the Junior Men’s competition for the 2025 edition.Their results were as follows:

Callum (L6)

– Gold in JM 4+, Gold in JM VIII, Gold in JM VIII sprint event

Ben (U6)

– Gold in JM 4-, Gold in JM VIII sprint event

Felix (U6)

– Gold in JM 4-, Gold in JM VIII

Ben (U6)

– Gold in JM 4-, Gold in JM VIII,

1st VIII at Marlow Regatta

Callum Grantham, Ben Van Broekhoven, Felix Sitter and Ben Hughes

COUPE DE LA JEUNESSE

The Coupe de la Jeunesse is a prestigious rowing competition that has been held since 1985, bringing together the best junior rowers from across Europe. This years competition was in Linz, Austria. This year 2 King’s rowers were selected to represent Great Britain in this event and they raced extremely well. Their results were as follows:

Seb (L6)

– Gold in JM VIII on Saturday, Gold in JM VIII on Sunday Alex (U5)

– Gold in JM VIII on Saturday, Gold in JM VIII on Sunday

CRICKET

Adam (U6M2) and Ollie (U6K1) earned spots in the 2025 Wisden Almanack for outstanding school cricket performances— Adam topped the batting charts and Ollie also appeared among the top 15 bowlers! Other cricketing highlights include the U12A and

U17A advancing deep into their respective cup competitions and the 1st XI have won all of their Saturday fixtures. Special mention goes to Adam (U6M2), Ben (L5G) (two) and Dougie (L5A) who have all scored centuries for their respective teams this half term.

Coup de la Jeunesse winners

King’s pupils at Coup de la Jeunesse

TENNIS

Recent weeks on the King’s tennis courts have been marked by remarkable growth and competitive success across the year groups. Highlights include our U18 boys finishing as the 2nd best in their Independent Schools League category, and the immediate success

TABLE TENNIS, FOOTBALL AND ATHLETICS

In other news, our U13 teams are flying high with the table tennis team placing third in the country and the water polo squad making it to the National Plate finals of their competition, too. This secured them 8th place nationally – King’s best outcome in nine years. Our girls have also been showing great heart

of our new joint King’s-Wimbledon High School Tennis Squad, which has significantly elevated our performance standards and also provided our top players with enhanced training, social and competitive experiences.

as the girls’ football squad proudly took to the pitch for their first fixture against St George’s, while 34 pupils from years 7, 8, fourth form and lower fifth took part in this year’s Merton Athletics Championships, achieving a commendable 5th-place finish overall.

U13 Table tennis team with their medals

Spirit – Nurturing Community, Character and Wellbeing

This summer, 36 gifted year 5 pupils from nine primary schools graduated from our Junior Aspirations Programme, which sees King’s sixth formers deliver academic enrichment classes. The graduation celebrated all these children have achieved and was attended by parents and teachers. It was lovely to hear pupils’ comment that the best thing about the sessions was meeting the sixth formers.

85 year 10 pupils who would be first generation university scholars, from eight different partnership schools attended a session on debating. It began with a Q&A with Paul Kohler MP for Wimbledon, before the pupils had an opportunity to try out their debating skills through a series of workshops

let by King’s sixth formers. The students will continue to explore this theme when they join a guided tour of parliament next half term.

Pupils engage with the Junior Aspirations Programme

Junior Aspirations pupils during a debating session

PSHE

The school marked Mental Health Awareness Week by combining the themes of Children’s Mental Health Week, ‘Know Yourself Grow Yourself,’ with the Mental Health Foundation’s theme, ‘Community.’ Wellbeing ambassadors made resources for tutor and form groups to explore during the week; hosted a seed planting activity on Thursday lunchtime (linking to the theme of ‘grow yourself’); and sold Mental Health Foundation pins in support of the campaign.

Seed planting for Mental Health Awareness Week

Pupils engage with Mental Health Awareness Week

ACEN EVENT

In May, we hosted an open evening for African Caribbean families, which was held in conjunction with the African Caribbean Education Network (ACEN). The event

programme included a panel Q&A session offering perspectives from teachers, pupils and parents within our community.

GIRLS AT KING’S

2025 marks an incredible year in the history of girls at King’s. It has been 15 years since girls were admitted to the sixth form at King’s, as well as being the year that our governors agreed that it was their long-term aspiration for King’s to become fully co-educational once this was practically possible. We currently educate around 150 sixth form girls each year, whose presence and impact extend throughout the school, and our growing community of over 500 successful alumnae are thriving in their careers.

The King’s Association recently introduced a Women’s Knowledge Network to support King’s alumnae as they navigate their careers and lives beyond school. Our launch event, which was attended by over 60 members of our community, featured a panel of two speakers who talked about challenges commonly experienced by women in the workplace. Look out for more events under this pillar coming soon.

We were also thrilled to announce earlier

this year that we are now in a position to move to full co-education. As we embark upon our third century as a school, we are taking this step so that we can open our doors to any child who will flourish here. It is our belief that as a co-educational community we will enrich the educational experience of all our pupils and the preparation we offer them for their lives in the world beyond school. A King’s education is about the whole person and their future: as we support young people to grow in Mind, Spirit and Heart, to become thinkers and leaders who are ready to lead extraordinary lives and to make a purposeful contribution in the world, we want girls and boys to be able to take up this opportunity.

We are grateful to our entire community for the support and good wishes we have received since announcing this significant development for the school. If you would like to find out more about the timeline for the integration of girls across the entire school, please see here.

ACEN event panellists

King’s has been awarded a ‘significant strength’ for its extremely wide-ranging and highly effective co-curricular activities, partnership and enrichment programme in the most recent ISI inspection earlier this year, supporting the development of personal qualities on which to found their adult lives.

All UK independent schools are inspected regularly by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI). Inspectors visited King’s in spring 2025, and their newly released report is a wonderful tribute to our whole school community. Highlights of the inspection report are available below.

The inspection confirmed that King’s has met all the required standards in leadership, management and governance; the quality of education, training and recreation; pupils’ physical and mental health and emotional wellbeing; pupils’ social and economic education and contribution to society; and safeguarding.

We are especially proud to have been awarded the highest accolade, a significant strength. Our ‘extremely wide-ranging and highly effective co-curricular activities, partnership and enrichment programme’ was identified as a significant strength, playing ‘a major role in encouraging pupils’ selfconfidence, self-esteem and development of key personal qualities on which to found their

INSPECTION

adult lives’. A significant strength is an area of provision that shows a deep understanding of and aspiration for pupils’ development of knowledge, skills, and understanding, and a very clear and highly beneficial impact for pupils. Such recognition is rare, going beyond what would be seen in other schools, and is subject to rigorous quality assurance by ISI.

“We are delighted that King’s has been recognised as a community where pupils are able to pursue academic excellence at the highest level within a kind, supportive and outward-looking environment,” says Dr Anne Cotton, Head. “The observations of the inspectors reflect our commitment to offering our pupils a holistic education in mind, spirit and heart, and a fantastic preparation for their futures in the world beyond school – as well as our contribution to the communities of which we form a part. We are especially pleased that the report reflects that King’s is a place where pupils’ outstanding academic achievements are grounded in a ‘culture of kindness’ and where pupils are prepared ‘to lead purposeful adult lives’. I am grateful to our pupils, my colleagues and everyone in the wider King’s community who help make King’s such a special place.”

King’s awarded ‘significant strength’ in ISI inspection - King’s College School

In July, King’s Business School proudly welcomed its second cohort of students to this innovative summer programme, marking a continued commitment to nurturing young entrepreneurial talent. A total of 71 pupils joined the initiative, divided into two tailored streams: the Founders stream for years 9 and 10, and the Leaders stream for years 11 and 12. Over the course of the programme –which is run with the generous support of the Kusuma Trust who funds the scholarship places – students from King’s and other schools engaged in a series of expert-led workshops designed to build both commercial awareness and practical business skills.

A particular focus was placed on developing soft skills through training delivered by Guessworks, a specialist provider known for its dynamic and collaborative approach to personal development. Participants also had the opportunity to hear directly from several distinguished entrepreneurs. Amongst the speakers were Nick Wheeler, founder of Charles Tyrwhitt and Giles Humphries, co-founder of Mindful Chef. Each shared personal insights, challenges and lessons from

their journeys, offering invaluable inspiration to the budding business leaders. The weeklong programme was designed not only to educate but to empower, fostering confidence and creativity in the next generation of changemakers. The expansion of the business school to welcome students from other institutions, along with its first cohort of younger participants, significantly enhanced the initiative’s reach. The school gratefully acknowledges the Kusuma Trust for their invaluable support in broadening access to the programme.

King’s Business School 2025

Pupils enjoy the Business School sessions

Upcoming Events

We have a growing lineup of excellent events both at school and in central London to cater to the lifelong learning, career development and networking needs of our community. Please join us at the following events this autumn:

UNIVERSITY ALUMNI DRINKS

We have recently established King’s University Networks, that are manned by King’s alumni ambassadors. We have five in place currently, and they are each holding alumni get-togethers for all King’s alumni currently studying there in either late September or early October. Please find out more and register for Durham on 9 October, Oxford on 14 October and Cambridge on 17 October

SECTOR NETWORKING SERIES:

TECHNOLOGY – HOW AI IS REDIFINING OUR WORLD

TUESDAY 4 NOVEMBER 2025

18:30-21:00

This panel event will focus on the impact of AI on business and society, drawing on industry experts. We will welcome Professor Prasanna Sooriakumaran, Professor of Urology and Chief Academic Officer at LSDC Healthcare, and Professor Yi-Zhe Song, co-Director of Surrey’s people-centred AI Institute at the University of Surrey, with more speakers to be confirmed. The event is being held at King’s College on the Strand in London and all alumni are warmly invited to attend. Please register.

THE

OLD KING’S CLUB ANNUAL DINNER

FRIDAY 21 NOVEMBER

18:45-23:00

All alumni are cordially invited to the Old King’s Club Annual Dinner, at the prestigious Cavalry & Guards Club. Due to generous subsidies from the school and the club, places are available at the following prices:

• £60 (OK 2023 - 2025)

• £70 (OK 2019 - 2022)

• £80 (OK 2018 & earlier)

Find out more here

TOUR & TEA

WEDNESDAY 25 MARCH

14:45-17:00

If you would like to revisit the school and find out more about its history and development, you are warmly invited to join our school archivist, Dr Lucy Inglis, for a campus tour in March. Revisit familiar haunts such as the Great Hall and discover the stories behind the school’s evolution to the current day. The tour will be followed by refreshments and a chance to see a selection of documents from the school archive. Please register here .

NEW

YORK ALUMNI DINNER

WEDNESDAY 15 OCTOBER

19:00-21:30 380 Lafayette Street, NY 10003

All alumni in New York are warmly invited to attend an alumni dinner hosted by our Head, Dr Anne Cotton and Antony Berry, Director of Development, as well as the Co-chairs of the Regional Society US East Coast. This is a wonderful opportunity to share ideas on how we can best support our international alumni, network and catch up with other members of the King’s community.

King’s

+44 (20) 8255 5390 development@kcs.org.uk