Founder’s Day: Celebrating Community, Connection and Continuity

July 1st 2025

Last Saturday, Alleyn’s School was transformed into a festival of colour, music, and community spirit for this year’s Founder’s Day. From wagging tails at the popular dog show to the thrill of the Ferris wheel, bungee jump, and abseiling in the summer sun, the site buzzed with life and laughter.

Visitors wandered between charity stalls run by enthusiastic Junior and Lower School pupils, picking up handmade crafts and trying their luck at games, all while raising money for causes including Spring Community Hub, Sparrow Schools, St Mungo’s, and London Wildlife Trust. The scent of sizzling food drifted through the air, mixing with the sounds of cheering from the cricket pitches, tennis courts, and netball games that kept passersby entertained throughout the afternoon.

Music from student bands for ROCCK Fest pulsed across the grounds, energising the crowds as they moved between activities. Some paused to take in the impressive Combined Cadet Force Pass Out Parade, where cadets stood proudly in front of families and staff, while others headed to the science block to watch brave participants abseil down.

Inside the MCT, dancers from Years 7–12 lit up the stage with original pieces such as Ex-Wives, Fire, and Dark Dreams, captivating audiences with their creativity and confidence. Nearby, curious guests slipped on headsets to experience the world of augmented virtual reality, marvelling at the futuristic technology on show.

We were delighted to welcome many alumni back to Townley Road for Founder’s Day, where they were greeted with a warm ‘Always Alleyn’s’ welcome and presented with a cornflower, Edward Alleyn’s favourite flower, by a current student to wear for the occasion. They enjoyed reconnecting with beloved traditions and exploring highlights such as the latest Art, DT, and Film Studies Summer Show, among many others.

Many alumni took part in, or cheered from the sidelines, the alumni vs School cricket and netball matches, with the alumni teams pipping the current sides to the post in both! The netballers won 18-10, while the cricket match, played each year in memory of Christian Berglund (Brown’s 1990), saw the alumni team win with one ball to spare. Christian Gray (Roper’s 2024) top scored with 44 runs, Will Verbeek (Brading’s 2024) scored 32 not out, and James Gray (Spurgeon’s 2024) took 4 wickets.

The day ended with laughter and applause as the Fringe Festival entertained with The Mjolnir Files, while pupil guides continued to lead tours of the School, sharing stories old and new with proud alumni and first-time visitors alike. Guided by Year 12 volunteers, alumni took a trip down memory lane, showing their families the spaces, they remembered and learning about what has changed since their time at Alleyn’s. We were especially delighted to welcome Philip English (Tyson’s 1953), who, at the age of 90, returned with his daughter and two granddaughters.

Founder's Day simply wouldn’t be possible without the dedication of our wonderful parent volunteers. The Alleyn’s Parents’ Association (APA) and Alleyn’s Junior School Association (AJSA) play a major role in making the day such a success, from organising activities to running stalls and ensuring there is something for everyone to enjoy. We are deeply grateful for their hard work and commitment.

This year, the APA supported their chosen charities, Link Age Southwark, Little Village, The South London Refugee Association, and the Alleyn’s Bursary Fund, through their Founder's Day activities. Meanwhile, the Junior School stalls, run entirely by the AJSA, raised money for The Spring Community Hub and Abbie’s Army.

Our alumni also got involved, with the popular Pimm’s Tent raising funds for the Alleyn Benevolent Fund (ABF), which provides Upper School bursaries at Alleyn’s.

We thank every volunteer and visitor who contributed to the spirit of community and giving that makes Founder’s Day such a special celebration.

Founder’s Day was a true celebration of everything Alleyn’s stands for - joy, generosity, talent, and togetherness - and a reminder of the vibrant community that makes our school so special.