The Gerry Thornton and Andy Wilson Bursaries: A Collaboration Between Dulwich College and Alleyn’s
Gerald (Gerry) Thornton (1926-2007) was a much loved former member of Dulwich College staff who devoted 31 years of his career to serving the community here from 1955-86: as former Assistant Master, Housemaster of Ivyholme, master in charge of cricket, and as a teacher of literature. Former staff members described Gerry as equally capable of keeping the brightest boys interested whilst motivating the weaker boys to overachieve - and as a housemaster, his civilised, unauthoritarian style struck the right chord for its times. He was characterised as the kindest and most cheerful of colleagues, full of encouragement and common-sense advice. remembered by generations of Old Alleynians and by former colleagues. Dulwich College is honoured to pay tribute to him by fostering a legacy of opportunity - extending his values and spirit to inspire future students. His service to this school was exemplary, and he is fondly
Endowing a Bursary
Earlier this year we were excited to announce a very special collaboration – the first of its kind – between Dulwich College and Alleyn’s: The Gerry Thornton and Andy Wilson Bursaries. The Thornton and Wilson families have a long- standing connection with the Foundation Schools. It began with Gerry Thornton’s time as a Master at Dulwich College, where he also served as the boarding house Master of Ivyholme. Gerry, his wife Ann, and their three children- Damian, Emma and James- lived alongside 53 Dulwich boarders. Both James and Damian attended Dulwich, while Emma went to JAGS. Today, this family connection continues with the next generation attending both Dulwich and Alleyn’s. In honour of their late father, Gerry, and Emma’s late
husband, Andy, the Thornton and Wilson families have generously committed to launching these endowed bursaries, and hope that OAs and friends of the family will join them. This support will provide free places for talented pupils from the Camberwell area, ensuring that more students can benefit from the transformative education both schools offer. A fully endowed bursary at Dulwich College will support 10 pupils every 70 years, offering life-changing opportunities for many years and generations to come and we are immensely grateful to the Thornton and Wilson families to celebrate the lives and values of Gerry and Andy by establishing these named awards.
“We can’t think of a more fitting tribute to the memories of our father and Andy than to create awards in their names that will benefit local children now and in the future.” “The groundbreaking nature of the collaboration between the two schools is especially meaningful for our family as well as beautifully aligned with the founder’s original intent.” Damian Thornton OA (1976-80), James Thornton OA (1967-75), and Emma Wilson
A gift of £500,000 will create a bursary place in perpetuity
If you would like to learn more or would like to support the Gerry Thornton Bursary at Dulwich College please contact development@dulwich.org.uk or donate online via the QR code.
From left to right: Fiona Angel, Acting Master of Dulwich College, James Thornton OA (67-75), Emma Wilson, Ann Thornton, Damian Thornton OA (76-80) and Jane Lunnon, Head of Alleyn’s
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