A Legacy of Inclusivity and Opportunity

Telescope at the Britannia Royal Naval College, earning a First in Electrical Engineering at the University of London, and obtaining an MBA from Harvard Business School. Today, I work as a software executive in San Diego, and I still use the mathematical skills I learnt in those old houses at Latymer along Rivercourt Road.

in my heart, and I’m thrilled to be able to give back to the school that gave me so much.

My parents came from a humble background. My mother had to leave school early to support her family after her father was killed on the Somme, and my father, the youngest of eight children, was the son of a factory worker in Tottenham. Neither of my parents finished high school; in fact, my father won a place to study at the then Merchant Marine Academy but couldn’t attend as his parents couldn’t afford the bus fare to Greenwich. Despite their struggles, they believed in education and helped me with reading and schoolwork. To my family’s delight, I was accepted at Latymer under the Direct Grant free place scheme (which is the Bursary of today). Latymer truly transformed my life, and that of my family. I was inspired by my teachers and peers and went on to achieve great things, including winning the Queen’s

I joined the 1624 Society because I do not want anyone to be denied a Latymer education because of the 21st Century equivalent of not being able to afford the bus fare from Tottenham to Greenwich. By giving back to Latymer, I hope to ensure that future generations have the same opportunities that I did.

Joan CHANDLER

As I sit down to reflect on my time at Latymer Upper School, a flood of memories wash over me.

Having studied at Godolphin and Latymer, I always felt ‘part Latymerian’ – even more so when

In 1978, an opportunity arose to become a teacher at Latymer Prep, I eagerly applied and was fortunate enough to join the faculty (it helped that I was already well known from leading the Cubs group!). After 17 joyous years of teaching, I retired, believing that my time at Latymer had come to an end. However, retirement didn’t suit me just yet, and I was soon invited back to Latymer Prep—this time as Principal until 1997. Returning to Latymer felt like coming home, reuniting with the boys and staff I had grown to love.

When I reflect on my fondest memories at Latymer, the Jantaculum springs to mind. This unique Latymer tradition, where students and staff gather together for an evening of drama, symbolises the sense of togetherness and