An Ovation for Achievement: Awards for Georgina Castle and Professor Michael Houghton

Congratulations to Georgina Castle (Dutton's 2011) and Nobel Laureate Professor Michael Houghton (Tyson's 1968) on being voted the winners of the 2026 Alumni Achievement Awards!

This year's Awards provided a wonderful opportunity not only to celebrate the achievements of our alumni across a range of fields and interests, but also to welcome one of our two winners back to Townley Road. 

West End actress Georgina joined us in person for Celebration Day 2026, where she was warmly welcomed by current pupils, staff and fellow alumni. During her visit, Georgie enjoyed reconnecting with familiar faces from her school days, including Charlotte Ody (Tyson’s 2011), now a member of staff, and Faith Locken (Roper’s 2011), now a Governor. She also met with the Development and Alumni relations prefects Aviyah, Marcus and Matilda, and Head Jane Lunnon, sharing reflections on her career and time at the School.

The highlight of the day came during the ceremony, when Georgie was invited to the stage as our 2026 Young Alumni Achievement Award Winner, to receive the applause of the Alleyn's community in person and be presented with a commemorative print of the School. On being notified of her award, Georgie had commented: "Wow! I am so thrilled. So lovely to see some of the nomination quotes – that's very special and cool. I'm genuinely touched." 

Georgina is insanely talented. It is inspirational seeing someone so successful in my field of interest come from the same school - it is encouragement to keep working hard. Musical theatre is competitive, so staying as an established actress is impressive.

Throughout the day, pupils who had followed Georgie's work were keen to meet her, with several sharing how they had been inspired by her performances and career journey. It was a powerful reminder of the purpose of the Awards: making visible the many different paths an Alleyn's journey can take, and inspiring those who will follow. 

Professor Houghton is a lifesaver, was awarded a Nobel Prize and was knighted by the Queen for his outstanding breakthrough in revolutionising science. Tough to argue against that!   

This year's other Alumni Achievement Award winner was Professor Sir Michael Houghton. Although based in Canada and unable to attend, he was recognised during the ceremony by the alumni prefects, who paid tribute to his extraordinary contribution to medical science and global public health. 

Now in their third year, the Alumni Achievement Awards recognise and celebrate the activities of Alleyn's alumni in the wider world, providing inspiration for pupils, parents, staff and alumni alike. Nominations are open to the entire Alleyn's community, with a dedicated committee including the Head, the President of the Edward Alleyn Club and the Director of Development and Alumni Relations curating a shortlist before winners are selected through a community vote. 

This year saw the highest number of pupil votes to date, and early nominations reflecting an especially broad range of interests, professions and achievements. 

As we continue to evolve the awards, we are pleased to announce that nominations for the 2027 Awards will open in December 2026. We look forward to receiving submissions from across our community! 

Explore the Alumni Achievement Awards