2020 & 2021 6th Form Leavers Event

“Where?” I exclaim to Peter Wakeham as he suggests none other than the Saracens StoneX Stadium as the rightful venue for the Upper-6th Leavers’ introduction to the Old Millhillians Club. I say this, not out of not knowing the Saracens home ground, but because the idea seemed bonkers.

We had traditionally held the Leavers event at the National Liberal Club. Then, the year after our shiny Old Millhillians cards ceased to open those double wooden doors at Whitehall, we moved back home to the good old Dining Hall at school.

But this year was different. And Peter was absolutely right, after cancelled exams, ‘Teacher Assessment Grades’, meaningless grade-generating algorithms and of course appeals, the StoneX stadium was the venue that both the 2020 and 2021 Leavers deserved. And it was quite a night. The room was packed!

Quickly a queue formed to enter the space – several of the YOMS Ambassadors (me included) were quickly sent in to play bouncers at the door. The excitement was palpable. Drink was flowing and plates were filled, and it only occurred to me then that this was the first time since the last lifting of lockdown that most of the Leavers had seen each other.

We were fortunate enough to have a view over the balcony of the OMRFC playing below (expertly planned by Laura Turner). We had reps from the newly formed Old Millhillians Hockey and Football Clubs and a warm welcome by Gordon Mizner.

Ciera Radia gave an excellent introduction into the networking side – highlighting the vast array of career events on offer. It was a great success. But, having spent my last year at school with the 2020 leavers (when they were in 4th form) I was slightly sad to realise that the last people I remember from my time had finally moved on. I had now properly left school.

I’m particularly attached to my lot from Priestley after we spent many winter evenings rehearsing (with me trying to direct) for the House Play Competition (with pretty much all of the Priestley 4th Form in it). They’re a group I’ve seen grow from kids into young adults – and they’ve even looked after and directed my younger brother in later Priestley house plays (which we FINALLY won) – so it all carries on I suppose.

Now what the school had lost, the Old Millhillians Club had gained; and that’s really what the club is about. Aside from all the opportunities on offer – sports, networking - it is about staying in touch with the people who help form some of the most important years of your life. To help remember the excitement of House plays and endless rehearsals during cold and dark winter evenings. It’s sad to leave that part of your life behind. But I will always love to look back at school with the people I spent so much time with – remembering all the trips, matches, shows and funny moments, and it is that, which is most special about our Old Millhillians Club.

Edward Holland