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From the Headmaster
Contents
As I sit down to write this foreword for our latest OA Newsletter, I find myself reflecting with immense pride on the incredible strength and camaraderie that define our OA community. A huge thank you to Chris Laughton
themselves. The decisions we made – big or small – formed the foundations of the lives we lead today. Upon reflection, the poem’s themes also feel particularly relevant as we navigate the challenges facing independent prep schools today. The introduction of VAT on school fees under Keir Starmer’s Labour government has placed a significant burden on the sector, forcing schools and families alike to make difficult decisions about the future. Much like the traveller in Frost’s poem, independent schools now stand at a crossroads, required to adapt and respond to this new reality. Schools must weigh their options – raising fees, adjusting costs, or seeking alternative funding – while parents must consider whether they can continue on their current educational path or take a different route. This is uncharted territory, one that demands resilience, ingenuity, and a steadfast commitment to our values. Yet, as history has shown, our community is no stranger to challenges. St Andrews and Ascham have weathered change before, emerging stronger with each test. As a charity, we have had to be nimble, refining our strategic direction to meet these shifting circumstances while ensuring that our pupils continue to receive the exceptional education they deserve – and that their parents expect. The ripples of this phase will no doubt be felt for some time, but one thing remains certain: while our school may evolve in response to external pressures, its core values, its heart, and its spirit will remain unchanged. Tom Gregory
From the Headmaster
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Thanks to OAs…
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Dates for your Diary 2, 3, 5 Can You Name Them 2, 3, 6, 7, 19, 23 St Andrew’s Day 2024 4 OA Day 2024 5 Class of 2014 Reunion 6 Class of 2015 – Where Are They Now? 7 Digital Archive and School Website 7 St Andrews Revisited 8 The Long View – Malcolm White 9 Can You Name Them – Responses 9 Looking Back 10 Blue Sky Bursaries 11 Now And Then 14 School Ski Trips 16 Five Boys On The Field 18 Eastbourne’s Prep Schools 20 Peter Greatorex 22 News From OAs 23 Obituaries 25 The School Year 2024 28
for once again giving me the opportunity to put fingers to keys and share my thoughts with you. One of the standout moments of the year was OA Day in September—undoubtedly a highlight of the school calendar. It was truly wonderful to welcome so many OAs, pupils, and staff back to the school, where old friendships were rekindled, memories exchanged, and a deep sense of belonging reaffirmed. Seeing so many Aschamians in attendance was particularly heartwarming, a testament to the enduring bonds that tie us together across generations. I would like to take a moment to publicly thank Chris for his unwavering dedication in bringing us all together. His meticulous work in curating the archives and preserving our history is invaluable, ensuring that our heritage not only endures but remains a living, breathing part of our school’s identity. At the chapel service, Faith Banton, wife of OA Nicholas (1938), delivered a poignant reading of The Road Not Taken by Robert Frost. The poem’s reflection on choices and their lasting impact resonated deeply with all in attendance. We have all stood at those metaphorical crossroads, shaping our paths not just beyond St Andrews or Ascham but within our school years
Thanks!
researched and wrote the lengthy tribute to Tony Champion – Former Ascham Staff and Headmaster of Dorset House, which appears in the Obituaries section. I should also like to
of “Douglas’ Diary” which was recently released and Dr John Daniels (Old Androvian 1959)
who gave us photographs of Ascham that will certainly enhance our archive collection. Dr John Crook, Phil Hepburn and Ben Willis sent me pictures from different eras. John and Phil are Old Aschamians. Ben is a grandson of William Newcombe Willis (the founder of Ascham St Vincents) and his photographs date back over 100 years to when the Prep School first started at its original site in the late 19th century. Thank you one and all
As ever, this Newsletter would not be the same without your contributions and photographs. So many thanks to all those who have sent me material for this edition. A special mention should go to Gordon Price who sent me memories of his time at Ascham. As you will see from his article (page 18) these are incredibly detailed recollections of his last year at the Prep School. He also Saturday 17 May 5.30pm Class of 2015 10 th year reunion DATE FOR YOUR DIARY
presented us with a copy of “Butterflies of the Lebialem
thank two OAs who recently gave us copies of books they have written. Andrew Price (Old Aschamian 1952 and Former St Andrew’s Staff ) gave us a copy
Highlands” when he visited the school in October 2024 to talk to the children. Thanks also to three others
Can you name them? Answers to claughton@standrewsprep.co.uk
We will be holding a reunion dinner for members of this cohort on Saturday 17 May at St Andrew’s Prep in the School dining room. Details have already been sent out to the relevant OAs but if you have not received anything, and would like to come, please email me: claughton@standrewsprep.co.uk . The staff who taught at the school at this time have also been invited and I am hoping that many of them will be able to attend.
Elves on the field – circa 1986
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