Friendship, Connection and Gratitude: Celebrating our Alleyn’s Cornflowers

October 8th 2025

We were delighted to welcome our Alleyn’s Cornflowers back to school on 7 October to celebrate their friendship, loyalty and generosity that helps shape Alleyn’s for generations to come.

Alleyn’s Cornflowers are a remarkable group of supporters who have pledged to leave a legacy gift to Alleyn’s in their will. Their thoughtful contributions sustain and enrich the school, ensuring that future pupils can benefit from the same transformative education and community spirit that has defined Alleyn’s since its foundation in 1619. Legacies have supported Alleyn’s from its earliest days, underpinning bursaries, buildings and opportunities for young people to thrive.

This lunch was an expression of our gratitude to this dedicated group, which is made up of alumni, former staff and friends, and which is open to all.

Adding vibrancy and warmth to the occasion, our Development & Alumni Prefects – Aviyah, Marcus and Matilda – joined guests to share their experiences of life at Alleyn’s today. They spoke about their pride in being part of a school community that not only values academic achievement and creativity but also embodies a deep spirit of philanthropy.

They spoke about how intrinsic giving back is to Alleyn’s - from their own involvement today supporting House charities and partnership work such as Alleyn’s Academies as well as school-wide fundraising initiatives, which Marcus said “make me very proud to go to Alleyn’s”, but also, the historic philanthropic Foundations of Alleyn’s thanks to our benefactor, Edward Alleyn.

For Matilda, the Cornflower lunch was a reminder of this long, evolving story:

“The fact that the school still stands today and has undergone so many transformations since 1619 is an inspiring legacy to be part of. From becoming co-ed 50 years ago to the changes we see in our own time, it feels special to belong to something that’s always growing. The Alleyn’s community continues to be strengthened by not just those of us who are here currently but also those who have come before us and still wish to make a difference in our community.”

Aviyah beautifully captured the sense of shared community that continues beyond school life:

“Alleyn’s isn’t just shaped by us – it’s shaped by the pupils, staff and parents who have come before us and poured their hearts into making it the amazing place it is today. Events like this remind me that Alleyn’s doesn’t end when you leave at the end of Year 13; The Alleyn’s community continues to be strengthened by not just those of us who are here currently but also those who have come before us and still wish to make a difference in our community.”

They spoke about why they had chosen to become Development & Alumni Prefects, each mentioning the unique connection between past and present that Alleyn’s fosters. “Getting to see the wider Alleyn’s community felt really special,” said Matilda. Marcus added, “I’d always known that this extensive network of alumni and former staff existed, but the opportunity to engage with them before leaving school is truly unique.” For Aviyah, the role was “a way to make a bridge between Alleyn’s past, present and future.”

Guests were gifted handwritten notes from the prefects and copies of the 2025 Scriblerus, offering both a glimpse into the vibrant life of the school today and a tangible reminder of their ongoing connection to Alleyn’s.

Head Mrs Jane Lunnon spoke warmly, sharing updates on exciting new chapters in the School’s story – from welcoming Alleyn’s Oakfield and Alleyn’s Regent’s Park into the Alleyn’s family to the forthcoming Alleyn’s Hampstead next September.

“I just want to thank you so much,” she said. “Your philanthropy, your support, your dedication to the School – we are so grateful, and we never, ever take it lightly. Thank you for your friendship, and thank you for your generosity.”

During the day, many guests enjoyed a tour of the School – a nostalgic journey through familiar corridors and a chance to see the newest facilities including All Studios as well as spotting themselves in the photos that are now up in the Main Building.

We are deeply thankful to all our Alleyn’s Cornflowers, including those who were unable to join us for this year's lunch.

If you would like to learn more about becoming an Alleyn’s Cornflower, please contact us on [email protected].

Flickr album: 2025 Alleyn's Cornflower Lunch | Height: auto | Theme: Default | Skin: Default Skin