Women at Alleyn’s Lunch: Celebrating 50 Years of Co-Education

October 21st 2025

On Saturday 18 October, Alleyn’s alumnae gathered at The Swan at Shakespeare’s Globe to celebrate an extraordinary milestone — 50 years of co-education at Alleyn’s. What began in 1975 with just five pioneering girls has flourished into a vibrant, inclusive community that continues to shape generations.

The afternoon was filled with many memories, stories, and the chance to reconnect with old friends. Guests enjoyed lunch overlooking the Thames from beside The Globe Theatre (giving a nod to our Founder, Edward Alleyn, who was a contemporary of Shakespeare), explored Alleyn’s archives, and shared reflections of their time at school.

It was very fitting that the celebration took place during the week that Alleyn’s celebrated a remarkable new accolade: being named Co-ed Independent School of the Year 2025!

Guests included alumnae from the very first cohort of Year 7 girls to join in 1976 through to those who joined later. It was inspiring to hear about their various journeys beyond Alleyn's - from doctors, lawyers and changemakers to BAFTA-winners and so many more personal and career milestones. Also among the guests were alumnae who have played significant roles in Alleyn’s co-educational history, including Alleyn’s first female School Captain, first female House Captain and first female Head of House, one of the first female governors, the first female EAC President, as well as other past female presidents, and our current and future presidents!

EAC President Aisha Bywaters (Brown’s 2002) spoke about the school’s journey:

“It’s such a joy to be here celebrating 50 years of women at Alleyn’s. What began in 1975 with just five pioneering students has grown into a legacy of incredible women — and of men lucky enough to learn alongside them. I loved being part of a co-educational school.”

“So, here’s to the women of Alleyn’s — past, present, and future. May the next 50 years be just as full of opportunity, achievement, friendship, and growth.”

Current School Captain, Chloe (Brown’s 2026) also reflected on the trailblazing women who came before her and who have inspired the generations that followed. And she spoke about Alleyn’s today – the things she loves, from Model United Nations and playing Cricket, to what she enjoys about co-education and how it reflects society today, and gives space to challenge the status-quo; enabling her and her fellow female students to step confidently into what have historically been male-dominated fields.

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us. And our warm thanks to EAC Executive Member and Social Chair, Lisa Pavlovsky (Roper’s 1981) for helping bring the event so beautifully to life. The lunch was a fitting tribute to Alleyn’s bold decision half a century ago — and to the women who paved the way for future generations of Alleyn's students.

See some photos from the day below and on our Always Alleyn's Flickr page.

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