St. Edmund’s Celebrates 150th Anniversary with OSE {Old St. Edmund’s } Alumni Reunion
This weekend we marked the culmination of the school’s 150th anniversary celebrations with a special OSE reunion. Alumni from across the decades, spanning from those who left in the 1930’s to more recent leavers, returned to reconnect and reflect on their time at the school, which has since evolved from a boy’s Prep School founded in 1874 to a co-educational through school for children aged 2 to 16 years old.
One alumni, who had travelled from London to attend, shared: “St. Edmund’s holds a special place in my heart. I am grateful for the wonderful memories, and for the foundation it provided me—leading to further education at Westminster and Cambridge, and a successful career. Some of my happiest days were spent here.”
Throughout the event, former pupils enjoyed reconnecting with old friends, some of whom they hadn’t seen in decades. Lively conversations filled the air as memories and stories were exchanged. Tours of the school, led by current staff, allowed alumni to revisit familiar spaces, such as their former dormitories, now repurposed for modern use. While much has changed in terms of the school’s infrastructure and growth, the essence of what makes St. Edmund’s unique remains steadfast.
Mr. Toby Wright, Head of OSE Relations, remarked: ‘’The day was a joy from beginning to end. I had a marvellous time catching up and sharing memories with a friend of my father’s from the 1930s, my brother and some of his peers from the 1960s, several of my old friends form the 1970s and of course dozens of younger OSEs who I had taught. I was stunned but not surprised, by the successes of our alumni in a variety of fields. I chatted with OSEs who were doctors, professional musicians, artists and actors and lots who are at differing stages of what appear to be glittering military careers to name but a few! They all spoke fondly of St Ed’s and one said to me ‘St. Ed’s was a fantastic experience – where the magic began’ – a sentiment that I, and I am sure others share. Per manendo vincimus!’’
Pupils were involved with the celebration with a 'Design a Cake Competition' where the winning entry was made into a cake, which was enjoyed on the day. Well done to Alex V in Form 9 for the winning entry made into the cake and special commendation to Freya C in Form 8 for her entry which will feature on the front of 'The Arrow' newsletter.
''Thank you so so much for last weekend to celebrate St Ed’s 150th Birthday!! It was a wonderful day and so very generous of you and the School to put on such a memorable event. We all have such fond memories of our time at St Ed’s and it was clear to see that the School continues to keep the same ethos and is a happy place for the pupils - even 30 years on!! ''
OSE 1995
''Just a quick note to thank you and your colleagues for giving us all such a good day yesterday. It was lovely to see all over the school, including the grounds, bringing back many memories to us all. It was very funny to hear ex-old boys describing incidents as we entered various rooms and at the same time helping our tour guide understand what various rooms were used for 50+ years ago!
Every member of staff I met was hugely welcoming and a great ambassador for St Edmunds.
Thank you for all the time and effort you all put in to make it such a special day I left the school in 1967 having told my parents at the time that it was the happiest days of my life, yesterday’s visit brought it all back and I can now see why I was so happy-and most of all I am sure the current generation of pupils will leave with the same view.
Do please thank the Head on my behalf for a great day. Happy 150th.
OSE 1967
