Founder's Day 2026

The Alleyn's community came together on Saturday 27 June for another fantastic Founder's Day, celebrating everything that makes our School so special. Pupils, families, staff, alumni and friends enjoyed an afternoon of entertainment, sport, creativity and community spirit across our Townley Road campus. 

With something for everyone, visitors explored a packed programme of activities including fairground rides, House and Junior School charity stalls, live music, creative showcases, sporting fixtures, CCF displays, a dog show, abseiling, House stalls and much much more. Throughout the afternoon, the school was filled with energy as pupils showcased their talents and the wider community came together to celebrate the end of another successful year. 

One of the day's highlights was the Combined Cadet Force Pass Out Parade, where cadets proudly marked the culmination of their training in front of family, friends and staff. Across the site, audiences also enjoyed performances from Alleyn's musicians and dancers, while Cricket fixtures and various staff MCs kept visitors entertained throughout the day. We were also thrilled to hold the official unveiling of some new archive boards which celebrate 50 years of co-education at Alleyn's. 

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. On arrival, each guest was presented with a cornflower - Edward Alleyn’s favourite flower - by a current student, to wear for the occasion. Throughout the day, there was a wonderful sense of energy and nostalgia, with alumni reconnecting. 

Many joined in, or cheered from the sidelines, as the alumni took on the School in cricket and netball matches, with the School pipping alumni in both contests. The cricket match, played annually in memory of Christian Berglund (Brown’s 1990), saw Will Verbeek (Brading’s 2024) named Player of the Match for the alumni side. Recent leavers also had the opportunity to dive back into water polo, taking part in a fast-paced training game that brought back fond memories of matches with Mr Green from their school days. 

We were also pleased to offer tours for alumni and their families. Many relished the chance to stroll through the corridors they remembered so well, while also discovering newer parts of the School, guided by current students. Meanwhile, the much-loved Alumni Pimm’s Tent - once again run by the Edward Alleyn Club and dedicated volunteers – raised money to support Upper School bursaries through the Alleyn Benevolent Fund.

At its heart, Founder's Day is a celebration of community and giving. House stalls, Junior School activities, the Alleyn's Parents' Association, the Charity Committee and alumni all raised money for a wide range of House, School, alumni and local charities, reflecting the generosity and spirit that define the Alleyn's community. 

Sincere thanks to the many staff, parent volunteers, pupils and alumni whose enthusiasm and hard work made the day such a success. Their commitment ensured another memorable Founder's Day filled with friendship, fun and shared celebration. 

We look forward to welcoming everyone back for Founder's Day 2027.