The OAK Magazine Issue 12 Spring 2026 by OAKSLytham

Welcome

from the Headmaster

I am old enough to remember there being just three terrestrial television channels, until the arrival of Channel 4 (and S4C) heralded a change. We now have countless channels, and TV dramas go on forever, plot threads building on plot threads.

Our ongoing story seems to be multiplying in a similar fashion, and I write following arguably the busiest term I can recall. We were pleased to welcome (and then to say goodbye to) a team from ISI, who awarded us a ‘Significant Strength’ for our Careers provision – a rare accolade indeed in this era of flat inspection reports.

A strength of this programme is the input of alumni, sharing their expertise and insight with current AKS students, through individual mentoring, informative talks and access to a range of industries. Such generosity runs parallel with the support people have given to our Bursary campaign, with another two fully-funded students having joined us this September. In turn, our Year 7 students enjoyed hearing the experiences of many alumni as part of the inspiring PEAKS Heritage Day. We are halfway through the latest season of AKS, and our story shows no signs of wrapping up. Thank you for helping this to happen.

David Harrow, Headmaster

AKS Lytham, Clifton Drive South, Lytham St Annes FY8 1DT 01253 784100 I www.akslytham.com

In

this issue

From our Director of Development Foundation

Patrons’ Lunch

PEAKS Heritage Day

AKS Focus

KEQMS Focus

Arnold Focus

King Edward Focus

Queen Mary Focus

Class of 2025

Carol service

Boxing Day

Game Changer –Change their world

From our

Director of Marketing, Development and Engagement

Since September, it has been a pleasure to see our alumni community continue to thrive, reconnect and support the life of AKS in such meaningful ways.

The Old Arnoldian Reunion Dinner in September brought together more than 100 alumni, former staff and friends of the school, reaffirming the strength of the bonds formed through our heritage schools.

In November, the AKS Lytham Foundation Patrons Lunch provided an opportunity to thank those whose generosity enables our transformational bursary programme to flourish. Alongside supporting our first fully funded bursary recipients now in Year 13, we were delighted to welcome two new students this September. Also in November, we welcomed Tehmina Hasware as our new Alumni Engagement Assistant, working alongside me in Development. Tehmina is an experienced primary school teacher with international school experience and brings valuable alumni relations expertise from her time at the British School, Alexandria. She is already making a positive impact through data cleansing and strengthening our alumni records and engagement processes. Together, we are also exploring new initiatives and are keen to create more opportunities to host alumni reunions further afield from AKS, enabling us to engage with a wider network of former students.

Our alumni presence was felt strongly at the AKS Futures Fair last Autumn, where former students returned to share guidance and insight into life beyond AKS. This sense of connection was further strengthened during our

first PEAKS Heritage Day, when alumni joined Year 7 Students for interviews and conversations. These exchanges brought our shared history to life and sit at the heart of this special magazine edition.

We also welcomed back the Class of 2025 in December and enjoyed the Old Boys Boxing Day Rugby Match at Fylde Rugby, which raised over £10,000 for the Gamechanger Campaign.

As we look ahead to the spring and summer terms, I am delighted to introduce the inaugural OAKS Alumni Hockey Match in March and look forward to many more opportunities to come together as one community.

If you have any suggestions or would like to arrange a school reunion for your class, please do get in touch.

Warm regards,

Sarah Walton Director of Development

01253 376040

sarah.walton@akslytham.com

AKS Lytham Foundation

Patrons Lunch celebrates community, impact and future ambitions

On Friday 7th November, AKS welcomed guests to the third annual Foundation Patrons Lunch in the OAKS Hall. The event provided a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the progress made over the past 12 months while expressing heartfelt gratitude to those who have supported the Foundations ongoing work.

Alongside supporting our first cohort of fully funded transformational bursary recipients who are now in Year 13, we were delighted to welcome two new students this September - one joining Senior School and one starting Sixth Form.

During the lunch, Sarah Walton, Director of Marketing, Development and Engagement shared the progress made so far. A total of £316,936 has been raised since the Foundation launched on 5th May 2023 up to 31st August 2025. This has exceeded expectations and is driving strong momentum toward the Change Their World bursary appeal target of £1.6 million. The campaign will enable 10 new students to join AKS on transformational bursaries from Year 7 to Year 13, opening doors for talented local young people who would otherwise not have the opportunity to access an AKS education.

Sarah Walton also reaffirmed the Foundations broader purpose. The ultimate goal is to be an enabler of social mobility for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds in our local area through the philanthropic efforts of the school and alumni community.

“What began as an ambitious vision in 2019 to widen access to an AKS education has now taken firm root with measurable impact and growing momentum”, said Chris Dickson, Chair of the AKS Lytham Foundation.

David Harrow, Headmaster at AKS said:“As we have welcomed our second cohort of transformational bursary students this September, I dare say that some will contribute to the school’s story in an immediate and visible way, emulating last year’s Sixth Form who raised aloft the Lancashire Cup in rugby and notched us a super 45 percent A*/A grades at A level. Others though will make a difference in more diverse ways and over time, for example

by embarking on a medical career to help others or by realising their potential as sportspeople or performers and bring joy and inspiration to another generation.”

Guests enjoyed performances from the AKS Prep School Chamber Choir and a performance from the senior school student leads from the forthcoming AKS musical Les Misérables.

Attendees also heard how alumni continue to enhance the school’s careers programme. The expertise, mentorship and professional insight of former students are broadening horizons for pupils in Senior School and Sixth Form helping them gain a clearer view of potential pathways beyond AKS.

Looking ahead, Sarah Walton shared with guests the Foundations new regular giving campaign GameChanger which will raise funds to provide fully funded sports scholarships for talented young athletes. The scholarships will cover tuition fees and essential extras so that every student can thrive both in the classroom and on the field.

PEAKS Heritage Day inspires Year 7 Students through alumni stories

On Wednesday 26th November, over 20 alumni from across our heritage schools and graduates of AKS as it is today joined us in the OAKS Hall to support the first ever PEAKS Heritage Day. The day was created through collaboration between the Development Office and the PEAKS Senior School teaching team, with the student sessions led by Assistant Head (Teaching and Learning) Dr Chris Jessop.

The Pursuit of Excellence at AKS (PEAKS) is our bespoke framework for character education and future-ready skills. This transformational programme supports every student from Year 7 to Year 13 as they progress through a structured journey of personal development, equipping them with the character, confidence and capabilities they need to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.

PEAKS Heritage Day was designed to bring these futureproofing aims to life by blending inquiry, oracy and digital literacy into a one-day project. Year 7 students explored the heritage of our school and the blended tapestry that makes AKS what it is today.

Throughout the day, students met and interviewed individual alumni, discovering how school life has evolved and how the values and opportunities at AKS have shaped former students in their personal and professional journeys. These conversations strengthened their questioning and

oracy skills while deepening their understanding of the connection between past and present.

Students then transformed their interviews into professional-style newspaper articles for our alumni magazine. Through researching, interviewing, drafting and editing, they produced polished writing that will be published in the OAKS Magazine in the new year.

We are looking forward to featuring these printed news articles in a special edition of OAKS Magazine in January. This edition will be available both as a hard copy and as a digital flip book that will be shared widely across the OAKS Alumni and AKS social media channels.

Heritage Day is a powerful example of how PEAKS brings learning to life. It develops essential skills, strengthens meaningful connections and equips our students with the confidence and adaptability they need to be fully prepared for the future.

How Sixth Form Rugby Changed the Life of James Shepherd

By Brooke, Emily and George

When James Shepherd walked through the gates of KEQMS, he had already developed a love for rugby. His highlight of his time at school was his time on the rugby pitch and in the Sixth Form. He says he would go back in a heartbeat to relive those memories. James explained that his journey at school taught him about teamwork – the biggest life lessonthat changed his life on and off the pitch.

James highlighted that his favourite teacher was Mr Rudd. Not only did Mr Rudd give him private Math lessons, but he was also his rugby coach, something James really valued. Rugby became an integral part of his school experience and a huge part of his development during his school days. Regularly, he would grab lunch and head straight to rugby practice. In 2007, James was lucky enough to go on a fourweek rugby tour to New Zealand. KEQMS proudly won most of their games.

QMS sparks Creative Energy

By Alexander, Joshua and Lily

Sarah Shepherd is a very creative person who turned her love of creativity into a passion for Art and Photography.

In 1995, Sarah attended QMS. After four years, the school merged with King Edward, which she admits felt a little awkward at first. During her time at school, Sarah loved expressing herself and even played rugby. However, she decided to channel her creativity into Art and Theatre Studies and went on to study Film and Media at University.

Sarah loved every part of school life, but Art was the subject that truly captured her interest. Her art teacher, Mr Grundy, always encouraged her to express herself with bold ideas, and there were no limits, which she loved. Of course, she wasn’t perfect all the time. For example, one day in class she was chatting with friends and doing funny impressions of a teacher, only to discover that the teacher was standing right behind her! When Sarah moved into Sixth Form, the school became KEQMS after the merger,

Reflecting on his time in Sixth Form, James said he loved the Sixth Form life and learned how to be confident when speaking in front of large groups. He made lots of friends during his school years and still keeps in touch with six or seven of them today.

In conclusion, the key message James shared with us was clear: teamwork, friendship, and confidence are essential for success in all areas of life.

however, this didn’t dampen her passion for the arts and anything creative.

In addition to her love of the creative subjects, Sarah also enjoyed rugby and played with her friends, joining the girls’ team. She was fond of dancing too, both at Queen Mary and KEQMS. However, Today, Sarah works as the school Marketing and Development Manager, and she credits the foundations laid by her art teachers as a creative key in her current work.

Looking back, Sarah wishes she had worked a little harder, but she doesn’t regret any of the fun times—even the moments she got told off for talking or messing around with friends. Her advice to current students is: “These are the best years of your life, so don’t waste them. Have fun! Don’t just focus on grades, enjoy yourself, embrace every opportunity that comes your way, because once you leave for university, it gets a lot harder.”

Sarah also shared this advice, which we believe is perfect to end this piece on: “Arguments may happen with your friends but believe in yourself when times are tough and try to keep friendships even when things go wrong.”

We’ll remember this as we continue our journey at AKS.

From King Edward’s to Blackpool Council: A Short Trip but a Huge Journey

By Benjamin, Henry and Sienna

After leaving King Edward School in 1994, Mark Windows worked his way up through numerous commercial sales roles and is now in a senior role at Blackpool Council. With strong grades in Math, he joined the Council’s commercial department and now manages various businesses for the organisation.

Mark was thankful for his time at school and reflected that his love of sports played a key role. He played both hockey and rugby; the hockey team’s biggest rivals were Rossall, and for rugby it was Kirkham. He also enjoyed Physics because he enjoyed doing practical experiments, which offered a different side to his education. During our discussion, we enjoyed hearing about one of his most memorable moments, which was getting a Saturday detention over a Mars bar! A new rule had been announced in assembly: no eating in the changing rooms. So, what did Mark do? He walked straight into the changing rooms eating a Mars bar—and earned himself a Saturday detention. This showed us that even if we make mistakes, we can still go on to achieve success.

Mark left KES in 1994 after seven years. His original plan was to go to university and become a mechanical engineer, but when he received his A-levels, he changed his mind and went straight into work. He started in

Two Careers in One Working Life

By Henry, Isaac and Olivia

Paul Beatty started at Arnold School in 1955, and his career journey turned out to be anything but ordinary. He dreamed of becoming an engineer but also had a passion for teaching. In fact, Paul switched between teaching and engineering several times before finally retiring at 60.

Upon joining Arnold, Paul began as a boarder in Dorm Five. His daily routine was strict including being awake for the first bell (7:15), he had to be downstairs for 7:30, breakfast was at 8:00, he started school at 9:00 and finished at 4:00.

Pauls funniest moment was at the winter ball where a boy that was dishing out trifle had tripped over spilling trifle over the boarding housemaster!

Paul shares other fond memories saying, “The Boss could, and did, walk through the school yard in the middle of a snowball fight. Immediately silence reigned. No snowballs were thrown until he entered the school building”

pubs and a brewery, eventually becoming an assistant manager. Later, he moved into sales and enjoyed being a sales manager for several years before joining Blackpool Council, where he now works in commercial.

Mark always tried hard in school and in sport, and that effort paid off. He became a successful salesman before moving into his current role at Blackpool Council.

His favourite phrase is: “Never judge a book by its cover.” Mark says that taking part in sports taught him teamwork, which is an important skill in most jobs. Today, working at Blackpool Council, he uses those skills every day to communicate and collaborate with colleagues. He also told us that one of the best parts of school was spending time with friends—something you never quite get back once adult life begins.

Mark’s advice to current students is simple, believe in yourself, because your teachers already do.

He shared that Fridays were devoted to CCF and Saturday mornings were taken up with sport, showing us that sport and extra-curricular played an integral part to school life.

At 16, Paul started as an apprentice engineer and loved it. At 23, he became a teacher and loved that even more. Later, he returned to engineering, then back to teaching, and then engineering again! Paul says he enjoyed every role and stayed busy until retiring at 60.

Paul shared two key lessons: “Life is too short, make the most of it.” and “Be yourself and don’t try to be someone else.”

Retired Student Returns to the Classroom!

By Clarke, Evarose and Sophia

Sue Hainey, a former student, attended Arnold School from 1976 to 1983. Her time there inspired her to become a teacher and later a teaching assistant, helping children who struggle with listening and mental health. Sue believes in supporting students through observation and simple acts like listening, rather than relying only on traditional teaching methods.

Going back to her school days, Sue’s first day was incredibly scary, she was one of only 24 girls in the school. Her favourite subject was Geography because she really liked the teacher, and she loved school trips, saying, “You can just be yourself.” For her examinations, Sue chose to study English Literature, English Language, Chemistry, Math, Biology, and French. However, she wasn’t just an academic, she was active in CCF and remembers crawling through mud and even melting her fork on the fire!

After leaving school in 1983, Sue became a teacher and worked in education for 20 years. Despite doubts from her parents, Sue didn’t give up and continued to pursue

Ashley: School to Success

By Charlie, George, Georgiana and Josef

Ashley Harter joined KEQMS in 1999. Today, she’s a leading accountant in finance, but her journey started as a science enthusiast. During her school years, Ashley was very active insports, playing rugby and hockey, and performing in drama productions such as A Midsummer Night’s Dream. She became captain of the hockey team and later head girl in Sixth Form.Ashley’s first memory of school was walking through the doors for the very first time. Overthe years, she collected many happy memories, residential trips, great teachers, and lifelong friends. One of her favourite experiences was the hockey tour to Los Angeles, which she described as “absolutely amazing and so much fun”. Whilst there, she visited Beverly Hills and saw celebrity homes and played hockey in 34-degree heat; a once-in-a-lifetime experience! Ashley also travelled to New Zealand, where she stayed with local families, which she thought was “a really cool experience”. She also enjoyed major sporting fixtures, playing rugby for the North of England, and went on other school trips, including an art trip to the Czech Republic, where she did silk painting at a local school. Ashley loved Biology and chose it for GCSE, but her least favourite subject was Maths.Ironically, she later became an accountant! After finishing her GCSEs and A Levels,

her passions by enrolling at Myerscough College at 40, to continue learning and follow her interests. In 2010, she won Student of the Year for writing a 25,000-word essay on herbal medicine. Around this time, she developed a love for gardening and blended this with a job as a teaching assistant. She still enjoys gardening and reading, and for her dad’s 75th birthday, she even wrote a book about him. Her favourite flowers include tulips, marigolds, and wisteria.

Reflecting on her Sixth Form years, Sue admits she struggled with mental health and asking for help, but her teachers inspired her to believe in herself and keep moving forward. That advice stayed with her throughout her career.

Sue’s advice to current students is simple: “You don’t have to be perfect, and it’s okay to say no.”

Ashley studied Business Management at university, where she got a First-Class honours degree. At first, she wasn’t sure what career path to take, but quickly discovered finance, a decision that shaped the next decade of her life. This is interesting as maths was one of her least favourite subjects at school. Today, Ashley works as Head of Financial Planning and Analysis in the aerospace sector. She noted that accountancy isn’t just about numbers but more about how to translate them into context for how a business is performing, and it encompasses building relationships with the wider business community to get an understanding of how things are working; there is more breadth to finance roles than meets the eye.

Ashley’s advice to current students is simple: “Work harder than you think you need to and try a bit of everything if you can”.

Gabriella Mollart: Superb Results Lead to Success!

By Charles, Henrietta and Ralf

Gabriella Mollart attended AKS from 2016 to 2023. During our discussion she emphasised that she really enjoyed school, although she had her ups and downs! Her favourite subjects were Art, History, and Science, with Dr Jessop saying: “Gabriella was the life and soul of the class, full of energy and ideas, and was a superb scientist!”. She loved Art because she enjoyed seeing Mrs Wild, who always greeted her with a smile.

Gabriella admits she got stressed easily but always found someone to turn to when she felt anxious and she credits AKS for helping her grow in confidence and resilience. She highlighted how she was competitive and

always wanted to do her best. If she didn’t get the mark she wanted, she would go straight to the teacher and ask how to improve.

During her early school days, Gabriella had one special friend until Year 9. A residential trip saw her friendship group grow considerably; a group she maintains touch with now. She loved that trip because it pushed her out of her comfort zone, and she even tackled the high wire! She has other fond memories of school including when Mr Hayden draped himself across the wall and said, “This is how they would act when they were Victorian.”

After finishing her time at AKS, Gabriella headed to St Andrews University, continuing her love of Drama outside of her studies around artwork. Her dream job is to work in art dealership.

After hearing Gabriella’s story, we think it’s important to listen in class and work hard as it can lead to brilliant results and a superb future. Gabriella was so kind to us and has truly inspired us. We wish her the best of luck for the future!

From King Edward’s to Cambridge University

By Austin, Freya and Molly

David Barnett attended King Edward’s School in 1966. He arrived as a shy young boy, afraid of speaking in public and nervous in large crowds. However, he credits KES for helping him to develop his confidence and love of studying.

David was a keen sportsman and loved playing tennis, badminton, and hockey. He tells us that his confidence began to grow at the age of fifteen when he became captain of the tennis team, a milestone he is still proud of today.

He also enjoyed his lessons, especially Spanish, French, and Geography - which he later went on to study at A-level. Towards the end of his time at the school, he became a prefect and eventually Head Boy. David

described becoming Head Boy as “something of which I was very proud”. He believes his mix of academic ability and sporting success helped him earn this role. During this time, his fear of public speaking disappeared. When asked about his first speech to the whole school, he said: “No one was listening to me, so I felt relaxed!”

After leaving King Edward’s, David studied Spanish and French at Cambridge University. Surprisingly, he later became an accountant: “The reason I chose this is because you can do anything after the experience of this.” David also joined the Lytham Rotary Club, helping people in his local community. He also hopes to return for choir events and the school productions at AKS Lytham.

David Barnett wishes he could repeat his time at school, advising children in this generation to be open minded. He urges today’s students to “get involved” and to “stay on at Sixth Form at AKS.” His advice for current pupils is to “Have a go at every opportunity you get.”

Popping Paul Beverly

By Evie-Grace, Isabelle and Oscar

Paul Beverley joined King Edward’s School in 1984 at the age of 13. He described his transition as “daunting” and says he hopes never to experience anything like it again! After leaving school, Paul worked for a software company before retiring, but his confidence all started with cricket. Paul loved cricket throughout his school life and was talented enough that he played in a team three years above his age group. His favourite school trip was also linked to cricket, a trip to Barnard Castle during the

cricket tour. Being the only boy his age amongst older students was terrifying, but he said that this is the one memory he would love to relive. As well as his love of sport, Paul also enjoyed music and attributes success in both to KES. He played keyboard and was part of the school band and performed in the OAKS Hall. He is really pleased that his children have followed in his footsteps and play instruments too.

Paul shared two key pieces of advice with us: “Don’t try to be perfect at everything but try to be good.” When it comes to GCSE choices, Paul had the following advice: “Don’t pick subjects just because your friends do. Choose the ones you enjoy.” When our interview ended, we all agreed Paul was fascinating to talk to, and we’d love to speak with him again.

Ex-Student Turns Public Relations Expert, Shares Her Journey

By Arran, Darcy, Ellie and Maja

Elizabeth (Liz) Bickerstaffe joined Queen Mary School (QMS) in 1972 and left in 1979. After a career in Public Relations, Liz is now retired, but her school days left a lasting impact.

Liz joined QMS with her best friend from primary school, also called Elizabeth. She describes QMS as “a very disciplined school,” where pupils even had to walk down the corridors in single file and in silence! She remembers one lesson in which the Latin mistress was furious with the whole class for having ‘split an infinitive’ in their homework translation. They had never heard of the grammatical blunder before but never forgot it after her tirade!

During her time, one of Liz’s proudest memories was entering a national writing competition; Liz was one of only 36 UK winners and her prize was a trip to visit the European Parliament in Brussels and Luxembourg! She was at QMS during a ‘golden era’ when teams were reaching the national finals in all sports and remembers going to Wimbledon to watch QMS play in one of their tennis finals against Millfield School.

Liz loved languages and studied Latin. She had a great relationship with her teachers, especially in the sixth form, when teachers invited pupils to social evenings at their homes. She also had to face the challenge of spinal

surgery and lengthy follow-up treatment during her school years. After leaving school, Liz pursued a career in Public Relations writing articles for trade magazines, giving talks and organising events. She says QMS instilled discipline and helped with her love of language. However, she regrets that she should have applied to Oxbridge but wasn’t bold enough to attend the meeting at school.

Liz is currently editing her book about the history of QMS. Her advice to current students is clear: “Take every opportunity you get and read around the subjects you love”.

From Drama and Dance Student to Incredible Journalist

By Conrad, Joshua, Luke and Winnie

Bridget Chandler, now 53, joined Arnold School in 1983, with a passion for Drama and Dance. During this time, she studied English, Math, French, German, History, Physics, and Biology, before going on to become a journalist, a career she had always dreamed of.

One of her fondest memories came from her time in Sixth Form, which was a history trip to Normandy with 15 other students and three teachers. She highlighted that she enjoyed languages, commenting that she can read French magazines but struggles with

The Student That Didn’t Want to Leave

By Emily, Ivy, Maisie and William

Rosemary Brown joined Queen Mary School in 1993. On her first day, she was apprehensive and completely lost. Little did she know that after leaving in 2000, she would one day return, this time as a teacher.

On her first day, Rosemary was late because the bus did not come. She was alone and had no idea where to go. Luckily, a Year 8 student spotted her and helped her find her way and she started to understand what a great school this was. One of her favourite memories was her Geography A-Level trip to Snowdonia in Wales. She loved visiting tourist attractions and recalled: “I loved spending time with all my friends and had so much fun exploring.”

During her school years, Rosemary learned how to behave and dress appropriately. Maths was her weakest subject because she didn’t believe in herself, but her teacher did. She encouraged her and taught her so well that she grew to enjoy Maths, turning her weakest subject into one she liked. She recalled that she realised the difference teachers make. For example, in Biology in Year 7, she remembers a teacher who terrified her, especially if she answered questions incorrectly, repeatedly testing her on classification of species. This made her dislike the subject initially. However, she went on to study A -level Biology after being inspired by a different teacher!

conversations because people speak too fast, the same goes for German. During our discussion, she also talked about being particularly good at reading and writing long stories, perhaps hinting at her future path!

Bridget achieved her dream of becoming a journalist and later worked as a teaching assistant whilst continuing her journalism work. She reflects on how fortunate she was to attend a private school like Arnold and says she never took that privilege for granted. Looking back, Bridget believes her time at Arnold shaped her success, suggesting that she was ‘super lucky’ to go to Arnold School and if she did not, she could have had a very different career. She is proud that AKS continues to teach inquiry skills, which she values highly.

Bridget’s advice to any students now, “Just be yourself. Don’t follow the crowd, and be true to yourself.”

Any challenges Rosemary encountered only made her stronger. She looks back at her time at Queen Mary with mixed feelings but now appreciates the skills she learnt and experiences she had. She described it as character building. Rosemary became a teacher and later got a job at AKS Preparatory School. She now meets lots of different people every day and even bumps into old friends when they bring their children to the Prep School.

Her advice to current students is to get involved in as many extra-curricular activities, clubs, and opportunities as you can. Rosemary hopes to continue teaching and meeting new people. She tells us that the skills and lessons she learned at school will stay with her for life.

From Chemistry Pep Talks to BAE Recruitment

By Austin, Holly, and Millie

Rebecca Collier-Baker attended Arnold School from 1985 to 1999. She loved subjects like Math, all the Sciences (especially Chemistry) and Geography. Rebecca was also very active in school clubs, including athletics, rounders, gymnastics, cross-country, swimming, and choir. She says Arnold taught her confidence and the determination to pursue her goals.

Rebecca was a phenomenal triathlete. In 1994, at just 14 years old, she became the British U14 Triathlon Champion. She explained: “I wasn’t the best runner at Arnold, nor was I the best swimmer. But my friends who were good at swimming weren’t strong runners, and vice versa—so I balanced the two and worked on them individually.”

Academically, Rebecca excelled in Geography, Maths, and History, but her biggest success was Chemistry. At first, she struggled with the subject, but her teacher, Mr Kirkham, believed in her. He arranged three one-to-one Thursday lunchtime sessions to teach her the fundamentals.

Rebecca said: “I’d never have thought Chemistry would become one of my best subjects, but with Mr Kirkham’s help and support, I felt comfortable and confident.”

Rebecca’s favourite time was in sixth form, and she remembers achieving her Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award.

Sport Pro to Top Lawyer

By Logan, Nancy and Nithin

Georgina Read, a former pupil of Arnold School, has worked her way to becoming a successful lawyer thanks to the dedication and teamwork she learned during her school years. Georgina was sports captain and took part in many co-curricular activities, including Duke of Edinburgh and CCF, which she says helped her throughout her journey into law.

One special memory Georgina shared was a hockey tour to Australia and Fiji. When leaving Fiji, she decided not to pack her shampoo as the bottles were almost empty. As she was leaving the hotel, a cleaner ran up to her with the shampoo she had left behind. Georgina let them keep it, and she said: “Their honesty and integrity opened

After hiking across the Italian and French Alps, her group celebrated with a bottle of champagne, spraying it everywhere! Later, all the students who completed the award went to Buckingham Palace and met Prince Philip.

Rebecca said, “Arnold taught me confidence, a strong work ethic, and to always try hard.”

After Sixth Form, Rebecca spent a year teaching in Australia before returning to the UK to study Chemistry at Exeter University, where she graduated with First-Class Honours. Rebecca said that if she were to go back in time and give herself a piece of advice, it would be “to take every opportunity because you might not get that opportunity again.”

my eyes.” That moment inspired her to pursue a career in law so she could help people in need.

Georgina loved PE and sport, which led her to become captain of both the hockey and netball teams. Her favourite teachers were Mr Sobey, who made Math fun, and Miss D, who was like a mother figure to her. She remembers captaining the hockey tour to Australia and Fiji. ‘Georgina thanks Arnold for teaching her determination, motivation and commitment, all of which have helped shape her into the lawyer she is today’.

The advice that Georgina has to offer is “follow your passion”. She seemed to have enjoyed her time at school and didn’t have too many mishaps. She would also tell her eleven-year-old self to just have a go at everything. Looking ahead, Georgina plans to continue thriving in her career while balancing family life. She says her school trips will always stay in her heart as treasured memories.

Shy Student to Laudable Lawyer

By Amber, Charlie, Harriet and Kaitlyn

Lucie Grant joined Arnold School in 1992 as a shy sixteen-year-old, terrified of everything. She left with confidence, leaving for King’s College, London, where she studied law and became a successful lawyer, and now, General Counsel of a FTSE 250 company.

Lucie’s parents travelled to Scotland, so that she could be born a Scot. She grew up in Newcastle, moved to Norwich in Year 7 when her dad changed jobs, and settled in Lytham when she was 16. By the time she arrived at Arnold, Lucie had been “the new girl” many times. But when she joined Arnold, she said: “I felt like I had found somewhere I belonged.” though she wasn’t a fan of the grey suit uniform!

Lucie was quiet and preferred working in small groups. Her favourite subjects were History, English and French,all essay-based subjects. Her favourite teachers were her English and History teachers, especially Mr Davey, who she and her friends affectionately called “Wavy Davey” because of his hair.

Her confidence grew when her mum signed her up for

drama club, something Lucie initially dreaded. Over time, drama helped her become more outgoing. She even took part in a school play about Anne Frank and regrets not auditioning for the lead role. A teacher who worked with Cambridge hopefuls told Lucie she had the potential to get in. Though she didn’t make it to Cambridge, she did earn a place at King’s College, London.

Since leaving university, Lucie has worked for major companies including United Utilities, BAE Systems, Thermo Fisher Scientific, and now Genus PLC. Today, she is a lawyer for a company listed on the London Stock Exchange, managing a team of 25 people. She has been in law for 25 years and says her career hasn’t been without challenges, but she loves what she does, particularly, the tricky issues!

Lucie credits school for helping her be prepared to think on her feet, be brave and be her best self. Lucie went on to a podcast called Lessons in Law to talk about her career in law, as well representing big companies and once, a pop star!

If Lucie could go back and tell her Year 7 self-anything, it would be to “Revise hard, do extra-curricular clubs, though you may not like it.” She advised us to learn as much as we can, there are no limitations. To use AI effectively and be wary of social media, especially TikTok. Finally, she concluded that “you are running your own race not racing against each other, so focus on you. And if people say you cannot do something prove them wrong by going above and beyond.’’

From the Love of IT to Traveling the World!

By Alice, Darragh and Seb

When Derek James walked through the gates of King Edward School in 1968, he was a quiet student. Eight years later, he was studying Physics at Bristol University before starting his career as a Physics teacher.

For A-levels, Derek studied Math, Physics, and Chemistry. He took his A-levels at 17 and left school in 1974. Upon completion of his A-levels, he achieved four passes out of four, which gave him plenty of options for universities and chose to study at Bristol University.

Derek wasn’t just academic; sport played a big part of Derek’s school life. Introduced to hockey by coach Rod Evans, Derek played as a goalkeeper for an adult hockey team, even though he was only 16! He stayed in the team despite being several years younger than his teammates and opponents.

After teaching, Derek became a programmer for BT and IBM and travelled the world, visiting places like Costa Rica, Cyprus, and several states in the USA. He says: “I aim to travel at least 100 days a year for holidays.”

Derek’s advice for the current Year 7’s is:

“Always try your hardest and make sure that you always do your best in all subjects.”

How Fun on Computers Turned into an IT Professional

By Jasper, Matthew, and Kristina

Robert John Murray attended King Edward’s School from 1977 to 1983. He loved playing rugby and was a keen sportsman for his team. Academically, Robert excelled in Math but struggled with English, History, and Geography.

Originally, he was going to attend Lytham St Annes High, but after an argument, his dad signed him up for the King Edward’s entrance exam. His mum didn’t believe he would pass, but Robert surprised everyone by earning a free place at the school.

Robert learnt when he was at school not to take things for granted, treat the teachers with respect and be kind no matter who someone is. These are values he has taken on into adult life. Having said this, he did share a funny memory from his school days about how he let the fire extinguishers off in the hall on his 13th birthday! He also gave the advice that we should not be too influenced by what others do and think because everyone is special in their own right.

Robert developed a love for computers and turned this into a career in IT. He used his experience to understand the strengths and weaknesses of AI; skills rooted in his time at King Edward’s School.

Robert’s advice to current students is that “Integrity is key, always ask for help if you are stuck and never take things for granted like the fact that our school gets special opportunities to learn life skills such as our lessons on learning to learn.”

From an Ordinary Schoolgirl to Head of Public Health!

By Ethan, Evie, Nathaniel and William

Deana attended Queen Mary School from 1970 to 1977, which she credits for helping her achieve her dream career. After leaving school, she trained as a nurse, a decision that eventually led her to become Head of Public Health. During her time at school, she studied subjects for her O Levels (now GCSEs), including English Language, English Literature, Math, Religious Studies, Domestic Science (her favourite), and Classical Studies. She remembers feeling excited, not nervous, on her first day because her big sister was already at the school and gave her lots of support. At school, Deana joined lots of clubs, including music and trampolining. Her favourite subjects were Domestic Science (taught by Mrs Hastings), Math (taught by Miss Jefferys), and Religious Studies (taught by Mr Pybon).

Upon leaving school, Deana thought she might train to become a teacher, but at the last minute she chose nursing - a decision she never regretted. She laughs about how surprising that was: “I used to faint when I saw blood!” Her favourite part of nursing was helping people who needed it most. Over time, she rose through the ranks and became Head of Public Health, a huge achievement for any nurse. After a long and rewarding career, Deana retired with fond memories of her work.

Deana has now retired and loves cooking food, a skill she sees as very important. Surprisingly, she still sees her old school friends from years ago and in 2012 she swam for the British Gas, Great North charity swim for women’s. For which she is now a Director and Trustee for Fylde Coast Women’s Aid. Deana commented that ‘I realised in my mid-thirties just how much school had changed me and how good the education really was.’

Looking ahead, Deana hopes to visit AKS again and continue learning Italian on Duolingo - she already has a 2,000-day streak! Her advice to current students is simple: “Make the most of your school life.” She believes Queen Mary gave her the confidence and skills to flourish and live life to the fullest.

Music Scholar to Operations Manager

By Matilda, Henry, and Lucca

Holly Moorhouse walked the halls of KEQMS in the 2000’s as a confident student who loved music and sport. Today, she is an operations manager, but her journey started as a music scholar. Holly says: “If it wasn’t for this school, I wouldn’t be the person I am now!”

Holly was involved in many co-curricular clubs and hobbies, including singing, playing the flute, hockey, netball, and history. She loved school trips, especially hockey tours to Barcelona and a three-week adventure in New Zealand. She also enjoyed a history trip to Belgium to study battlefields and a World Challenge Trip to Zambia and Malawi.

Her favourite subjects included History, and for GCSE she studied Spanish, Math, English, Triple Science, History, Music and Religious Studies - subjects she still uses in her career today. After leaving school, Holly studied at Leeds Metropolitan University. She worked small jobs to support herself through university, and after graduating, she became an operations manager, a role she has held for 10 years. Holly says English, Maths, and IT are essential skills for her job.

Holly shared two pieces of advice: “Don’t be afraid of who you want to be” and “Stay true to yourself—don’t just follow trends.” She also reminded us of some fun school facts, like how house colours used to be different: Talbot was red and Ashton was yellow, whereas today Rufford is yellow and Samlesbury is red.

We were delighted to meet Holly and learn about her history at KEQMS. She made us realise how you can mix sport and education as a platform for a future career.

Clare Law: How Drama and Music Sparked Her Confidence

By Freddie, Genevieve, Sienna and Violet-Rose

Clare Law spent seven years at Queen Mary School, staying through Sixth Form. During her time at school, she threw herself into every opportunity, sports like hockey and netball, drama productions, and music.

One of Clare’s best memories was landing a main role in West Side Story during her drama days at school. She stated the confidence she now carries comes from her school days at Queen Mary’s and still has lots of friends from there. Her advice to current students is simple: “Grab every opportunity and give it your all.” At school, she achieved excellent GCSE results, including two A*s, six A’s, and one B. She also joined lunch and after-school clubs for drama, piano, and clarinet, which helped her make friends and build confidence.

Clares favourite year at QMS was in Sixth Form. She really enjoyed school life in the Sixth Form because she

felt she had a fresh start and was excited to make new friends. This was also a big year for Clare. The boys had joined from King Edwards School following the merger with Queen Mary’s school. Clare said, “it was so much freer at sixth form”. This gave her opportunities to make new friends with the boys. She mentioned that the Sixth Form common room they used is the one we still use today! Clare says, “during sixth form my music lessons gave me so much confidence to do my first summer job - I was a pianist at a local hotel.”

Clare’s involvement in drama and music didn’t stop at school. She studied both subjects at Hull University after Sixth Form. She has had a varied career, working as a musician and then becoming a social worker due to a love for helping others though creative arts. She now is a Director at the NSPCC, where she has been for 15 years. She says: “Although my job isn’t based on drama or music anymore, school helped me get the incredible job I have today which involves a lot of public speaking – something you definitely need confidence for!.”

From Little Lemmings to Studying Stardom

By Elsie-May, James and Rebecca

Former QMS student Helen Docherty credits her time in the school’s IT room for sparking her passion for technology, a passion that led her to working for a master’s degree in Artificial Intelligence. When Helen first walked through the gates of Queen Mary in 1986, she was excited to learn. Forty years later, she says it all started with a computer game called Lemmings. Helen attended QMS from age six to eighteen. She remembers the orange and brown uniform as “very uncomfortable” and admits the sports kit wasn’t much better! Her year group was divided into four classes Q, M, S, and L standing for Queen Mary School Lytham. One thing that stuck in Helen’s mind was the school’s strict discipline system: instead of misdemeanours, they had “order marks.” Three order marks meant a detention, and three detentions meant suspension. Assemblies were led by the headteacher, Miss Richie, who Helen described as very dedicated. We were surprised to learn that sometimes; they even sang hymns during assembly.

One of Helen’s teachers was called Mrs Parker, and she found that Helen had a type of dyslexia called Compensated dyslexia. We were interested to hear how she could speed read but could not spell well. A discovery that helped her later in life.

Helen remembers that “the food that wasn’t great,” but loved spending lunchtimes in the IT room with her favourite teacher Mrs Payne, playing Lemmings. That game that sparked her interest in computers and eventually led her to study Artificial Intelligence.

At eighteen, Helen entered the job market. She found that her Queen Mary’s education opened doors: “Employers knew the school’s high standards, it opened

doors for me”. Today, studying for her master’s degree in Artificial Intelligence, she tells us her journey proves that even if you have challenges, you can turn them into strengths. Helen still sees old friends and teachers around Lytham, and recently experienced nostalgia when her daughter started at AKS. She praised AKS for its opportunities such as Heritage Day, which teach vital life skills like oracy and inquiry.

Helen’s advice to her Year 7 self: “Always try your best in everything. Help lift each other up, even when you’re feeling down, in life the failures contribute as much as the success. The past is the past; you can’t change that but always think about what you learnt from it and forward. Be kind to your teachers, as they give you the tools for future success.” In addition, her advice to current students: “There are no limits except the ones you set yourself. If you love a subject, do it, you’ll succeed. The teachers went above and beyond for me and for everyone else.”

Helen’s story shows that passion and perseverance can lead to incredible success. We wish Helen and her family the very best and thank her for inspiring us all.

Alumni return to inspire the next generation at the AKS Futures Fair

The AKS Futures Fair on Wednesday 19th November brought together students, families and a wide network of universities, apprenticeship providers and employers, but it was the strong presence of AKS and heritage school alumni that gave this year’s event a special sense of community. Many former students returned to school representing their companies and industries, offering guidance, inspiration and real insight into life beyond AKS. Their contributions highlighted the lasting connection our alumni feel with the school and the impact their experiences here continue to have on their careers.

Among those returning was Alex Cooke, AKS alumnus and STEM ambassador, who shared how his time at AKS helped shape his journey.

Alex said: ”I thoroughly enjoy returning to AKS as a STEM ambassador to support with various events – I have now supported with mock interviews and careers fairs across the school. As a recent OAKS alumni, many of the students at the school were present while I was in my latter years at the AKS Sixth Form. I feel privileged to be able to showcase the opportunities that AKS students can springboard onto following their time at the school and act as a role model for many. Throughout my time at the school, my involvement in the school musicals, co-curricular music programme, startup of the AKS Engineering Society and role as deputy head student all gave exposure to the skills and behaviours that have enabled me to adapt to the changes of going into the workplace at 18 years old. Additionally, many of the skills developed are highly relevant in my current role, and have helped me seek out additional opportunities to further support my development across my apprenticeship. For this, I could not be more grateful to the school and I am looking forward to continuing to give back where possible over the coming months and years.”

Also returning was Old Arnoldian, Helen Lucking, who reflected warmly on the importance of helping current students build confidence.

Helen said: ”I always enjoy speaking to the students and listening to what their interests are. As a former pupil of Arnold School which encouraged me to pursue my passions with confidence, I feel it is important to pass on that message to a new generation of students. Confidence is really important in the current business world and the support given by AKS to the students helps them make choices about their futures.“

For Declan Duffy, AKS alumnus, the Futures Fair was a chance to revisit familiar corridors while offering reassurance and guidance to aspiring lawyers.

Declan shared: ”It really is wonderful to come back to my high school and see how everything has changed. I had the best time at KEQMS and AKS and enjoyed seeing familiar names on the walls and even some familiar faces around. It somehow looks even bigger now than it did back then. I was very impressed with the enthusiasm of the students we spoke to, I see lots of potential for future lawyers. With A-levels in STEM myself, I hope that we could show that there is a pathway into a legal career for anyone, even where chosen subjects do not seem to link to law directly.“

Their involvement was part of a wider evening that included expert talks, including sessions on Oxbridge, the 2027 UCAS process and applying to universities worldwide, as well as opportunities for students to meet more than 20 exhibitors.

The event also highlighted AKS’s recently awarded Significant Strength from the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI), recognising the AKS Careers Programme as exceptional.

Zoe Uphill, Head of Careers and organiser of the event, reflected on the unique contribution alumni continue to make.

Zoe said: ”The Futures Fair at AKS forms part of the careers programme for our students which offers meaningful encounters with a wide range of professionals and personalised advice that grows with each student’s interests. It is a privilege to help students take their next steps with clarity, confidence and aspiration.”

The presence of alumni demonstrates the strength of the OAKS community and the value of continuing connections. Their willingness to return, share their experiences and guide current students reflects a shared commitment to helping each new generation flourish.

If you are an alumnus who would like to support future events, share your career story or get involved with the OAKS network, we would love to hear from you. Please contact us on alumni@akslytham.com

A career shaped by a last-minute change of direction

As we reflect on the wonderful success of our recent production of Les Misérables, it feels especially fitting to celebrate one of our own who once stood on the same stage and discovered a passion that would shape his life.

Tim’s story speaks to the heart of what our performing arts community has always aimed to nurture: confidence, creativity, resilience, and a sense of belonging. His reflections offer inspiration not only for our current students, but for all of us who understand how formative these early experiences can be.

When Timothy Edmundson, former KEQMS student stepped on to the stage, little did he know that this would be a pivotal moment that would change the course of his life. Today he is an accomplished performer and vocalist on the international stage, but his journey began right here, in that unforgettable school production.

After leaving KEQMS, Tim originally planned to study for a degree in Optometry. However, in his final year he withdrew, making a bold decision for his love of music, the thing that made him the happiest – a direction that truly felt right.

Having missed the UCAS deadline, Tim took a gap year to strengthen his vocal ability, which became of crucial importance before applying the following September. His dedication paid off, and he was accepted into the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in Glasgow, where he completed a four-year undergraduate degree in Vocal Performance, followed by two Masters of Music degrees in Vocal Performance and Opera.

During this time Tim performed in numerous productions and alongside nurtured a flourishing freelance career. Despite the Covid 19 pandemic bringing challenges and significant setbacks including multiple cancellations, Tim was able to continue to grow and build momentum. Since 2012, he has sung in the choir at Glasgow Cathedral, a role he took only in his second week of living in the city. A backdrop that later became the setting for another milestone, his wedding in 2019.

Tim’s career has taken him beyond Scotland across the world. He joined the Scottish Opera in 2022, performing in notable productions, a particular highlight being the role of Colline in La Boheme in 2025. He has performed across the world with notable performances in Berlin for Berlin OpernFest, Prague and the BBC Proms. Currently he is preparing for the world premiere of The Great Wave in Glasgow, hoping it will tour in Japan.

PapagenoDie Zauberflöte. Berlin.

Photo: Detlef Kurt OpernFotografie

MinskmanFlight. Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.

Looking back: A lifechanging role in Les Misérables

Before Berlin and beyond, it was the KEQMS centre stage that was pivotal to set it all in motion.

Although Tim was a music scholar, who sung in choir and played the trombone in various ensembles, he hadn’t yet performed in the musical. This changed when the Head of Music John Pennington asked him to sing a handful of solo lines in Les Misérables. What followed was transformative.

Tim recalls “a sense of both belonging on stage and making new friends across year groups” during the long rehearsals and performance. Having initially struggled to make friendships in school, the production gave him a new lease of life. A door opened to private music lessons, further appearances in school and external productions. A realisation that performing was much more than enjoyment, but a passion to pursue.

The lasting impact of Drama and Music

For Tim Les Mis became more than just a production; it became a transformation both personal and professional. He speaks with great gratitude for the support received at KEQMS, especially from John Pennington, who encouraged him to believe in his ability and take every opportunity available to him. The experience built confidence, stagecraft, and set a path for a career he later pursued. Describing the production being ‘the making of me!’

Advice for Students

For current students interested in drama, music, or performing arts, Tim’s message is clear “make the most of it as you never know who is watching.”

Tim also stresses resilience recalling a piece of advice by David Tenant at his undergraduate graduation. “If there’s something else you can do, do that.” Not to discourage, but to highlight the determination and stamina the industry requires. Audition rejections, Tim says, have far outweighed his successes, yet he wouldn’t change a thing.

A journey that began at KEQMS

From an unexpected invitation to join the Les Misérables ensemble to performing around the world, Tim’s story is a testament to the power of school productions, supportive teachers, and the courage to follow a passion.

His journey continues to inspire; not only as a celebration of what alumni can achieve, but also as a reminder to current students that sometimes, one school production really can change everything.

Old Arnoldian Reunion Dinner 2025 at AKS Lytham

The OAKS Hall at AKS Lytham was transformed on Saturday 20th September for the annual Old Arnoldian Reunion Dinner, bringing together 100 alumni, former staff and friends of the school for an unforgettable evening of history, connection and celebration.

With a heritage spanning nearly 300 years across Arnold School, King Edward VII School, Queen Mary School and KEQMS, the event was a vibrant reminder of the enduring bonds that unite our alumni community. Among the distinguished guests was Suzanne Mayer Pennington, accompanied by her husband Jonathan Sawyer. Suzanne is the great niece of Arnold School’s founder, Frank Truswell Pennington, and it was an honour to welcome her back to AKS.

The evening also marked the appointment of Dr Steven Mannion (Arnold School 1968–82) as President of the Old Arnoldian Association. Dr Mannion, recognised earlier this year with the Companion of the Most Distinguished Order of St. Michael and St.George (CMG), shared inspiring reflections on his time at Arnold and how a direct grant place transformed the trajectory of his life. His extraordinary career has combined NHS consultancy with decades of humanitarian surgical missions worldwide.

We were also delighted to welcome Sandro Monetti (Arnold School 1979–84) as the new Vice President of the Association. An acclaimed journalist, broadcaster and Royal commentator for CNN, Sandro has interviewed some of the world’s most recognisable figures while dedicating much of his career to mentoring and inspiring young talent. He reflected on his fond memories of Arnold School and noted that his recent visits to AKS, where he shared insights into the entertainment industry with current students, showed that the spirit of Arnold School continues to shine brightly at AKS today.

Guests also enjoyed an exclusive preview of the AKS Lytham Foundation’s GameChanger Campaign, the Foundation’s first regular giving programme. This initiative will fund fully supported, means-tested sports scholarships for exceptional young athletes facing financial barriers. On the night, alumni and friends generously contributed £2,000 towards the campaign’s launch.

Reflecting on the evening, David Harrow, Headmaster, said: “It was extraordinary to spend an evening with so many Arnoldians from across the generations. As always with such events, there was an intangible magic in the room, as the history of the school was made real in the OAKS Hall once again.”

Arnold School Focus

If you’d like to look back on the evening, you can watch the video here:

The Development Office at AKS Lytham works closely with the Old Arnoldian Committee and is always seeking new members to join and support. To find out more, please contact alumni@akslytham.com

Dr Steven Mannion

Honouring our past: A Thoughtful Gesture to Preserve Our Heritage

When alumni return to AKS, they often bring memories, stories, and warm connections - but sometimes, they also bring something truly unexpected.

During our recent PEAKS Heritage Day event, alumnus John Murray, who attended the school under the name Robert John O’Neill, noticed our original heritage uniforms on display. The garments, rich with history but showing their age, immediately caught his attention.

Drawing on his expertise as the owner of a chain of dry-cleaning businesses –incuding Lytham Road Library John recognised that the delicate, decades-old fabric needed specialist treatment. Without hesitation, he generously offered to take the uniform away for professional restoration at his own expense. What began as a casual moment of recognition became an act of care that beautifully reflected both his professional skill and his continued fondness for the school community.

King Edward VII School Focus

Soon after collecting the uniform, John shared that the pieces were “quite fragile,” and that he and his team were already taking “great care over them” as the cleaning process began. His dedication to preserving the garment’s integrity ensured that our heritage piece received the respectful, meticulous attention it deserved.

We are delighted to share that the uniform has now been returned to us in pristine condition - refreshed, carefully restored, and ready once again to be part of our heritage displays.

Thanks to John’s generosity and expertise, the uniform has been restored to pristine condition, ready to be shared once again with our school community. The photographs featured here showcase the remarkable care taken in bringing this important piece of AKS heritage back to life - a testament not only to the craftsmanship of the past, but also to the continuing support of our alumni today.

Jean Moffatt: A Legacy of Literature and Leadership at QMS

As part of their oral history project two of the QMS archive volunteers, Liz Bickerstaffe and Cath Stevenson, have recently recorded an interview with former Head of English, Miss Jean Moffatt. At 92 and still sharp as a tack, Jean shared a wealth of her entertaining memories.

Born in Liverpool in 1933, Jean was brought up in Bradford where her father was a shipping agent in the wool industry. Wartime shortages meant that school uniform was makeshift and since there was no official tie, the girls had to borrow one from their fathers.

Jean graduated in English at University College, London, during the mid-fifties when opportunities for women were still very limited. Although she would like to have entered the diplomatic service, she trained in Birmingham as a teacher with English and Geography as her two subjects.

Following posts at Gainsborough High School in North Lincolnshire and The Collegiate Girls’ Grammar School in Leicester, Jean taught at Leeds Girls’ High School, where QMS Headmistresses, Miss Joan Harley and Miss Margaret Ritchie, had both been pupils. In 1971, she moved across the Pennines to become Head of English at Queen Mary School.

Amongst her early tasks was the introduction of new English texts and the reorganisation of library facilities. The junior library was then run by Jessie Schofield who used to censor words deemed unsuitable for younger pupils! All the old Walter Scott novels were dispatched to Africa via a charity.

At that time there were 120 girls per year group and sometimes as many as 64 studying English A Level, since subject choice was more limited. “Pupils used to study two Shakespeare plays and now they only do one. In my view they’ve weakened the syllabus with more modern ephemeral American novels and fewer classics.”

Jean remembered that annual trips were organised to Stratford and several regional theatres including the Octagon. “One year the sixth formers had free time in Stratford, as usual before the play, and two of the girls fell in the river as they got out of a rowing boat. The accompanying teachers sacrificed the two new M&S dresses and knickers they had just bought so that the students could go to the theatre in dry clothes!”

Queen Mary School Focus

Also appointed Head of Sixth Form Jean organised various conferences to encourage pupils to consider careers in industry and co-ordinated the charitable Fun Runs which involved the whole senior school running from Squires Gate to QMS. Following her retirement in 1995 she volunteered and travelled extensively for the educational charity, Jet, working to secure subsidised places at independent schools for disadvantaged pupils. In addition, she served on the committee for the charity Relate, and volunteered for 24 years at Lancashire Archives.

Having largely recovered from a significant hit and run accident last year, Jean is still an avid reader and pursues her many interests including gardening. She loves to meet up with former pupils and, remarkably, can usually also remember their parents and other family details!

All the oral history recordings and scripts are stored in the archives at AKS. Thanks are due to Harriet Brown, former QMS pupil, who devotes hours to transcribing the recordings.

Spotlight on Student Photographer: Cody Forrester

Year 12 student Cody has become a familiar and valued face behind the camera at many of our school events. Studying Photography, Art and History, Cody brings a natural creativity to everything he captures; an interest inspired early on by his dad, a photographer himself.

Cody’s work has already featured across school publications, including his striking images from PEAKS Heritage Day, the Carol Service Concert, and the Manchester Cathedral Concert. He has cropped up time and time again this year, always ready to step in, support the school, and take any opportunity to develop and showcase his talent.

His enthusiasm, reliability, and growing portfolio make him a standout young photographer and one we’re proud to have documenting our school community.

Welcoming Back the Class of 2025

On Tuesday 16th December, we were delighted to welcome back the Class of 2025 to AKS, as they returned to the OAKS Hall from university and other destinations since leaving school. It was a pleasure to see so many familiar faces back at school, reconnecting with one another and returning to a place that remains an important part of their journey.

You can see more of Cody’s photography on his Instagram: @Cody.Forrester.artz

A Celebration of Light and Hope: AKS Christmas Carol Service 2025

The AKS Christmas Carol Service took place on Tuesday 16th December at St Thomas’ Church in St Annes, bringing the school community together for a moving evening of music, readings and reflection that beautifully told the Christmas story. Set within a reverent and atmospheric setting, the service united students, staff, families, alumni and friends of the school in a celebration of faith, tradition and musical excellence.

The evening opened with a confident and expressive solo performance of Once in Royal David’s City by William C (Year 7), setting a reflective tone for the service. The First Lesson, Genesis 3, was read by Alfie K, Head Student, followed by a choral performance of For the Beauty of the Earth by John Rutter, which highlighted the warmth and clarity of the choir.

The Second Lesson from Genesis 22 was read by Evangeline D, Deputy Head Student, before a powerful solo rendition of O Holy Night by Adolphe Adam. The Third Lesson, Luke 1, was read by Archie M (Year 6), leading into a moving performance of Do You Have Room? by Shawna Edwards, sung by a Year 13 trio.

Nancy H (Year 7) delivered the Fourth Lesson from Luke 2, after which the Chamber Choir performed Away in a Manger to the Normandy tune with sensitivity and poise. The Fifth Lesson, Luke 2, was read by Maxwell K (Year 11) and followed by two contrasting and uplifting choral works, Bring a Torch by Lloyd Larson and Mary Did You Know by Lowry and Greene.

A special moment in the service came with the Sixth Lesson from Matthew 2, read by former member of staff David Smyth. This was followed by a vibrant performance of Carol of the Bells by the Flute Ensemble. The Prep School Chamber Choir then charmed the audience with Winter Carol by Fiona Lander.

The Seventh Lesson, Matthew 2, was read by Sally Yelland, member of staff, before a heartfelt solo performance of Breath of Heaven by Maisy M. A thoughtful reflection was delivered by the Reverend Canon Anne Beverley, providing a moment of stillness and contemplation. The Chamber Choir continued with Scots Nativity by Alan Bullard, followed by a stirring solo of Bring Him Home from Les Misérables by Henry C, and a beautifully blended performance of May It Be by Enya and Roman Ryan.

The Ninth Lesson from John 1 was read by David Harrow, Headmaster, drawing the narrative of the service to a powerful conclusion. The congregation joined together in traditional hymns, including Once in Royal David’s City, In the Bleak Midwinter, Hark the Herald Angels Sing and O Come, All Ye Faithful.

The evening concluded with a joyful and inclusive final performance by the choir of At This Table by Idina Menzel, leaving the audience with a strong sense of togetherness and celebration.

We were also delighted to live stream the performance on the night, allowing audiences near and far to share in the occasion. Within just 12 hours of the service, 3,800 viewers from across the world had enjoyed the concert via the live stream, making it a truly global celebration of the season.

Our sincere thanks go to St Thomas’ Church and Reverend Canon Michael Manley for their warm welcome and support, to the Music Department for their exceptional preparation, musicianship and dedication in bringing the service to life, and to all the performers, readers and staff whose contributions made the evening so memorable.

Old Boys’ Boxing Day Rugby Fixture: A Celebration of Tradition, Rivalry and Impact

The annual Old Boys’ Boxing Day Rugby Match once again brought together alumni, families and friends for one of AKS Lytham’s most cherished sporting traditions. Held at Fylde RFC’s Woodlands Memorial Ground on 26th December, the fixture between the Old Arnoldians’ and Old Lidunians’ was a celebration not only of rugby, but of shared heritage, enduring friendships and a collective commitment to supporting future generations.

Played in true festive spirit, the match delivered an entertaining and competitive contest. This year, the Old Arnoldians’ reclaimed the title with a well earned 27 to 10 victory. Yet, as ever, the scoreline told only a small part of the story. From the first whistle to the final handshake, the afternoon was defined by sportsmanship, camaraderie and a genuine sense of occasion, with players spanning multiple generations of AKS and its heritage schools taking to the field.

Beyond the action on the pitch, the day achieved something truly remarkable off it. Thanks to the generosity of those who attended, supported and donated, £5,039 was raised on the day and subsequently match funded to an outstanding £10,078 for the Gamechanger Campaign. These vital funds will go directly towards providing fully funded sports scholarships and bursaries, ensuring talented young people can access the outstanding sporting and educational opportunities at AKS, regardless of background.

The success of the event was made possible by the collective efforts of many. Our sincere thanks go to Fylde RFC for once again hosting the fixture and providing such

a welcoming home for this much-loved tradition. We are also extremely grateful to King Street Dental Surgery (Blackpool) for their generous sponsorship of the players’ post match refreshments, a contribution very much appreciated by those who took part.

Special thanks are extended to Mort and Pal Video Production and Editing (Old Arnoldians), for capturing the spirit and drama of the day so beautifully, allowing the wider AKS and OAKS community to relive the occasion through the video highlights. Their work ensures this tradition continues to be shared well beyond the touchline.

Above all, thank you to every alumnus who pulled on a shirt, every supporter who braved the winter weather and everyone who contributed to making the day such a success. The Old Boys’ Boxing Day Match remains a powerful reminder of what makes the AKS and OAKS community so special, pride in our past, enthusiasm in the present and a shared determination to create opportunities for the future.

We look forward to welcoming everyone back again next year for the next chapter of this enduring Boxing Day tradition.

The Change Their World Campaign is the flagship fundraising initiative of the AKS Lytham Foundation. Our goal is clear and ambitious – to raise £1.6 million to fund 10 transformational, means-tested bursaries covering Senior School through to Sixth Form, for talented local students who would not otherwise have the opportunity to access an AKS education.

The Gamechanger campaign is a key part of this wider mission. It focuses specifically on funding fully supported bursaries for talented young athletes – enabling them to thrive both in the classroom and through sport.

Whether you choose to support Gamechanger or the broader Change Their World bursary fund, your gift helps us widen access, unlock potential and change lives.

We have come so far but there is so much more to do…

Support for from Senior School through to Sixth Form NEW STUDENTS 10

Transformational Bursaries 110%

Need to raise

over the next few years £1.6m

WHAT IS Gamechanger?

At AKS Lytham, we believe talent should shape a student’s future – not financial background. Through the AKS Lytham Foundation (charity number 1191646), we are committed to providing means-tested transformational bursaries for students with exceptional potential.

Gamechanger will raise funds to provide fully funded sports scholarships for talented young athletes covering tuition fees and the essential extras so that every student can thrive, both in the classroom and on the field.

These life-changing opportunities reflect our commitment to inclusion, ambition and widening access to our school. Why Sport? Why Now?

Sport is central to life at AKS. Our students and alumni compete at national levels in rugby, hockey, athletics, cricket and more. Yet many gifted athletes still lack access to the education and coaching they deserve.

Gamechanger helps remove those barriers – ensuring talent, not background, drives opportunity.

OTHER WAYS TO GIVE

Corporate and payroll giving options are also available – simple, tax-efficient ways to give individually or through your business. These can reduce employee contributions through pre-tax giving or be tax-deductible for companies.

✔ Tax-deductible for companies

✔ Lower cost to employees through pre-tax giving

✔ Easy to set up via HMRC-approved schemes

Double Your Impact with Match Funding

We’re proud to partner with King Edward VII alumnus and major donor Anthony Pilkington, who has generously pledged a £50,000 match-funding challenge to kick start Gamechanger.

Every single donation over £2,000 will be matched pound for pound doubling your impact and transforming even more young lives.

Anthony shared:

“I was fortunate to benefit from and enjoy KES. I’m in the position of having spare funds in my company. When I saw the Foundation prospectus, it just clicked and I was keen to support this excellent endeavour. A welcome bonus was the ability to reduce our Corporation Tax bill. I am very impressed with the progress made by the Foundation since it launched in May 2023. The Gamechanger campaign is a major boost to the ambition of the charity. It’s really gaining momentum and I would encourage your support – Why not now?”

Every gift, large or small, helps remove barriers to opportunity. Here is what your support can achieve:

• *From just £25 a month (with Gift Aid: £31.25)

• 59 supporters giving £25 a month together fund a full bursary

• Find out more and donate at oaksconnect.com/supportus