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DISCOVERY
1884
AUTUMN 2026
Alumni
ISSUE 5
Careers Support
TH E KINGSLEY SCHOOL Camaraderie Leamington Spa
CEDARS
K I N G S L E Y A L U M N I NEWS
REC E N T E V E N T S CO F F EE M ORN ING A spring coffee morning was enjoyed by many returning alumni, providing a wonderful opportunity to reconnect over coffee and pastries in the Learning Resource Centre at Kingsley School. Historic whole-school photographs were on display, prompting the sharing of fond memories and stories.
Sally Hill, Catherine Robbins, Becky Birkin
Theresa Ball, Kate Parker, Jane Bostock
Gillian Glover, Julianna and Elizabeth Hall
S U M M E R P R I ZE G I V I N G
Charlotte Wheeler-Smith and daughter Evelyne
This special recognition event was an opportunity to reflect on academic excellence, activities, experiences, sport, trips and initiatives. It was a chance to reflect on the progress of the school and the collaborative spirit within Warwick Schools Foundation.
Susan Thompson, Mary Moreton, Susie Thompson
Victoria Inchley on the podium
Karen Hughes-O’Sullivan, Janet Savage, Marlys Wright, Alan Savage
We were fortunate to welcome back alumna Victoria Inchley, TKS 2004-2013, as our guest speaker.
Victoria attended The Kingsley School along with her two sisters. After leaving Kingsley with A levels in Economics, Geography and English Literature, she studied Geography at Durham University before completing a Master’s Degree in Public Policy at the London School of Economics. Victoria joined the Civil Service in 2016, holding a variety of policy roles across government including in the Cabinet Office, Foreign Office and Department for Health. More recently, she spent two years at No.10 as the Prime Minister’s policy advisor on work, welfare and poverty under Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer. Victoria is now the senior civil servant responsible for employment strategy in the Department for Work and Pensions. She ended her talk reaffirming what Kingsley School gave her with a message to work hard and have the confidence to believe in your capabilities.
Becky Birkin, Sally Hill, Vicki Palmer-Gee
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We wish the Class of 2026 every success as they embark on their exciting journey ahead.
K IN GSLEY ALUMN I N EWS – RECEN T E V E NT S
Y EA R 12 EX PERIE NC E DAY
LONDON DRINKS In May, we were delighted to meet Roz Hobley née Hunt, TKS 1990-95 and Kate McGurk, TKS 1989-95 who were able to reunite as old friends at the Seventy5th Balcony Bar in the Southbank Centre, London. Champagne flowed as cherished memories and stories of school life in the 1990s were fondly shared, bringing laughter and a touch of nostalgia to the occasion.
In June, Kingsley Sixth Form welcomed back a number of alumni who generously gave their time to support students at the Year 12 Experience Day. The event provided an opportunity for students to hear first-hand experiences, explore future possibilities, and gain confidence as they begin making important decisions about university, degree apprenticeships, careers, and the ever-changing world of work. Alongside alumni, a range of professionals, university representatives, and industry experts shared their knowledge, advice, and personal journeys, inspiring Year 12 students as they look ahead to Year 13 and begin preparing for the UCAS application process.
Maisie Dixon and Jasmine Spencer,
Rebecca Hayward, Vicki Palmer-Gee, Katie Neal and Amy Walker
Maisie and Jasmine gave an insight into university life, exploring both the opportunities and challenges of higher education, giving students the opportunity to ask questions. Rebecca, Vicki, Katie and Amy each brought specialist knowledge from their respective fields: Rebecca from her work at JLR, Vicki from her experience in NHS Neonatal Care, Katie from her career as a musician, and Amy from her role within Formula 1. Liz Booth (TKS 1997-2004) also gave a valuable insight into working for the NHS at Warwick Hospital.
Both Kate and Roz are excited about the upcoming 1990s reunion in October and have enthusiastically offered to help spread the word and encourage others to come along. Roz has lived and worked in different parts of the world and is now settled in London with her family. She is a Leadership Coach for business and charity leaders and their teams. She enjoys tennis, outdoor swimming and people! Since leaving Kingsley, Kate has been working across different media as a presenter, producer, journalist, writer, musician and actor.
Sarah Whitehouse and Julia Donoghue – Alumni Relations with Roz Hunt and Kate McGurk
M O C K I N T E RV I E W E V E N I N G We are pleased to offer students the opportunity to develop their interview skills by hosting a Mock Interview Evening on Tuesday 17 November at 6pm. We are looking for alumni who would be willing to volunteer their time to interview students. If you can help, please email tks-alumni@ warwickschools.co.uk.
EVERY PICT URE TE LLS A STO RY We were delighted to welcome back former Kingsley student Heather Wilson, TKS 1964-71, to talk about her work as an artist whose deeply personal portrait paintings capture the stories of families in remarkable detail. Returning to the school where her own creative journey began, Heather spoke about the storytelling at the heart of her artwork and the unique process behind each of her commissions.
Throughout the talk, Heather’s natural gift for storytelling held students’ attention. Her visit was a wonderful reminder that art is not only about technique or style, but about understanding people and the stories they carry.
As she guided students through examples of her work, Heather showed how every detail within a painting is rooted in the stories families share with her. Names might appear in the trees or as shaped clouds in the sky, a favourite teddy bear might sit in a child’s arms, or subtle references to heritage might appear through animals, landscapes, or flags, to name just a few examples.
To read more about Heather’s personalised portraits and other creations visit her website at www.hwilsonart.com
It was wonderful to see Heather sharing her work and giving students a thoughtful insight into how creativity, listening, and empathy can come together to tell powerful human stories through art.
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K I N G S L E Y A L U M N I NEWS
FOR T H COMI N G E V E N T S 1990s DE C AD E RE U N IO N Saturday 10 October 2026 – 2pm-5pm The numbers are growing for our 1990s Decade Reunion!
Please help us spread the word.
Come along and reconnect with old friends, share your memories, and see how Kingsley School has changed over the years. This reunion is open to anyone who left Kingsley School at the end of Sixth Form between 1990 and 1999, plus classmates who may have left earlier.
We look forward to welcoming you back! Please scan the QR code to register your attendance or visit: https://forms.cloud. microsoft/e/sqUSwzzPT2
Join us for a relaxed afternoon including a warm welcome from the Head of The Kingsley School, Mr Peter Bucknall, tours of the School and Sixth Form Centre, followed by a complimentary afternoon tea.
The Kingsley School 1996 ©Gillman and Soame
RECENT L E AV E RS ’ D RIN K S
C R O S S C O U N T RY R AC E
Tuesday 15 December – 5pm-7pm
Saturday 12 September – Wimbledon Common
2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 and 2026 leavers are invited back to Kingsley School to catch up with fellow recent leavers and enjoy mulled wine and mince pies.
KI NGSL E Y CHRISTMA S C A RO L SERVIC E Thursday 10 December – 6.30pm You are warmly invited to the Kingsley Christmas Carol Service at Holy Trinity Church, Beauchamp Avenue, Leamington Spa. Refreshments from 6pm. Come and enjoy the musical talents of our students.
Alumni from Kingsley School are invited to join the race for the annual inter-schools Alumni Cross-Country Race over Wimbledon Common on Saturday 12 September 2026. The five-mile Thames Hare & Hounds Alumni Race starts at 3pm sharp at the Thames HQ (SW15 3DU) near the Robin Hood roundabout on the A3, two miles southwest of Putney. There is a £10 per person entry fee. There are separate scored competitions within the one race for teams of V40, 50, 60 and 65; Age Related, Open, Ladies; First finisher, First lady finisher. Guests are also welcome, entering their team as ‘GUEST’. If you would like to take part, please contact Julia Donoghue at j.donoghue@warwickschools.co.uk by Monday 7 September.
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K INGSLEY ALUM NI NE W S
ALU M N I SPO T L I G H T S Insights into some of our alumni
LOT T IE’ S PA S SIO N F O R FA SH IO N Lottie Stanley, TKS 2016-2021 We were delighted to welcome Kingsley alumna Lottie back to school, as she returned to interview current students as part of her final year dissertation.
E V E RY C LO U D H A S A S I LV E R LINING Louise (Lally) Rogers (Nicholls), TKS 1970-1978 In 1970, Louise began her Kingsley education, as a weekly boarder in Dilke House, before moving to Cedars. In her final year she became a termly boarder. She is one of the unique club of Kingsley girls who have ever achieved the prestigious Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.
Lottie, who left Kingsley in 2021, is currently studying Fashion Management at Nottingham Trent University and has recently been accepted onto a Masters programme at the same institution. Her dissertation focuses on beauty products for teenagers, inspired by her own experiences with skin issues during her time at school. Through her work, Lottie hopes to support others facing similar challenges. At the heart of her project is a marketing campaign that encourages a positive relationship with makeup, promoting its use as a form of self-expression rather than something to conceal perceived imperfections. Following her Master’s, Lottie plans to travel before pursuing a career in fashion marketing, which remains her long-term ambition. We hope her journey will inspire our current students as they begin to explore their own future pathways.
CLASS REUNION OF 1974
Her career began in Harrods and progressed to the John Lewis Partnership where she worked for 30 years in various roles. She is now busy enjoying her retirement in the glorious Vale of Glamorgan, Wales. She has recently published her first book “Ultimately Lucinder” by Lally Chillson. It’s available on Amazon: hardback £16.99, paperback £11.99, kindle £6.99. An audio version will be released in due course. The book recounts many of the ebbs and flows in the unique tapestry of Lally’s life journey, including her time at Kingsley and a few of her poems. It is a beautiful story, resonating hope, humour and a positive attitude, with the strap line “Every cloud has a silver lining.” As an author, Louise has kindly offered to return to Kingsley School in the future to give a talk to students.
YO U R N E W S M AT T E R S Top: Genevieve Tudor (Lucas), Mandy Marriott (Ellis), Sue Hill (Carr), Rachel Newsome (Williamson) Middle: Julie Walker-Brown (Walker), Rosanne Reed (Mann), Pip Say (Jones), Alison Daeppen (Hayward), Jane Brown (Baldwin) Bottom: Mandy Shields (Gasson), Bea Price (Bailey), Clare Blenkinsop, Jane Symonds (Gorman)
Thirteen ‘Class of 1974’ celebrated their 70th birthdays with a reunion lunch in May. Each brought a dish to share, creating a wonderful feast at Rosanne’s beautiful home in a village just outside Leamington. On a glorious sunny day, they reminisced about old times, caught up on each other’s lives, and rekindled friendships that have stood the test of time. They are now in touch with 26 classmates and are planning to meet again in 2031 to celebrate their 75th birthdays or sooner if any of their overseas friends are visiting the UK.
It is always wonderful to hear your news, stories and special achievements. Perhaps you’ve enjoyed a holiday or special trip with a fellow alum, celebrated a work-related achievement, taken on an exciting new challenge, or been on an adventure you’d like to share. Whatever the occasion, if you have something you would like to feature in the next newsletter, please do get in touch. We would be delighted to include your story in the next edition. tks-alumni@warwickschools.co.uk
Please email your news and images to tks-alumni@warwickschools.co.uk
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K I N G S L E Y A L U M N I NEWS – AL UMNI SP OT L I GHTS
ANYONE F OR TE NN IS?
CRUISING ON THE RIVER MOSELLE
Susie Thompson, TKS 1972-79
Wendy Mitchell (Glover), TKS 1946-58 and Bridget Salmons (Martin), TKS 1948-58 Wendy and Bridget enjoyed a river cruise on the river Moselle in Germany in March. Both were at Kingsley School in the 1950’s. Bridget was a boarder at Milverton Lodge and Wendy was a day girl. They have kept in touch all these years and had a very happy holiday.
At the Alumni Coffee Morning, Susie wondered what had become of the school’s old sports trophies which used to be on display. Her question sparked a search through the archives, where two long-forgotten Lawn Tennis Trophies were eventually uncovered. Time had left it rather tarnished, but after a careful polish it was restored to its former glory and reunited with Susie for this special photograph. She fondly remembers the tennis courts on the old games field in Northumberland Road, where students would organise their own matches and take the opportunity to play during lunchtime and after school. Susie was a talented player, winning the Lawn Tennis Trophy in both 1978 and 1979. She recalls being presented with the trophy on the last day of the summer term in the old gymnasium as part of the annual end-of-year prize-giving ceremony. She remembers the whole school had the opportunity to watch the final. She also remembers her teachers with great affection, particularly Mrs Lloyd-Brown, who taught tennis, and Mrs Dance, the PE teacher, both of whom encouraged generations of pupils to enjoy sport and competition. The Kingsley School Lawn Tennis Singles Championships Other names on the trophy include: 1963 GILLIAN DUNNETT 1964 GILLIAN DUNNETT 1965 GILLIAN DUNNETT 1966 JANE M TURNER 1967 ROSEMARY HISCOCKS 1968 ANNE TAYLOR 1971 ROSANNE REED 1972 ROSANNE REED 1973 LUCINDA CARSLAKE 1974 LUCINDA CARSLAKE 1975 LUCINDA CARSLAKE 1976 LUCINDA CARSLAKE 1977 KAREN ELLIOTT
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Wendy and Bridget on a River Cruise.
WELCOME BACK Candy Stevens, TKS 1970-84 In March, Candy returned to the school for a tour, giving her the opportunity to revisit familiar places and share many memories from her time as a pupil. After leaving school, Candy studied Art at Leamington College before embarking on a successful 40-year career as an archaeological illustrator, specialising in producing artwork for archaeological projects. She is now happily retired. The Kingsley School has been an important part of Candy’s family history across several generations. Her mother, Ann Jones was head girl in the 1950s, her aunt Mrs Smart was an IT teacher at the school, her grandfather served as a Governor, and more recently her daughter attended King’s High School (part of Warwick Schools Foundation), leaving in 2022. Candy vividly remembers the school’s outdoor spaces and recalled several aspects of school life, including receiving triangular milk cartons and buns at break time. She also remembered teachers checking pupils’ posture and fingernails, and the strict uniform rules – skirts had to be long enough to touch the floor when kneeling. She also spoke fondly of two dear friends from her school days who passed away too soon.
Candy’s mum, Head Girl Ann Jones with Headteacher Miss Sweet
Please email your news and images to tks-alumni@warwickschools.co.uk
K INGSLEY ALUMN I N EWS – ALUMN I SPOT L I GHT S
BRINGING B O O K S TO LIF E Charlotte Davey, TKS 2005-2012 After training to be a journalist, Charlotte decided to pursue a career as an audio producer, a job she didn’t know existed when she was at school. In the past seven years, she’s produced over 200 audiobooks with the likes of Miranda Hart, Michael Palin, Ruth Jones and James Corden. Working as an audiobook producer combined her love of reading and literature with the skills she’s developed in language and linguistics during her degree at Lancaster University. She now produces The Archers Podcast for the BBC and she is in regular contact with her English teachers from Kingsley, all of whom are fans of the programme. After years of performing in plays and concerts at Kingsley, then at university, she’s rekindled her love of acting through her local theatre group. She’s also working on writing her first play.
C E L E B R AT I N G 2 0 YE A R S O F D E D I C AT E D N H S S E RV I C E Vickie Palmer-Gee, née Hurd, TKS 1988-1999 Vickie qualified as a Speech and Language Therapist in 2004 and has worked in paediatrics ever since. She began her career in community clinics and special schools, gaining experience in different working environments and with a variety of client groups, and she now specialises in neonatal care. She is the Neonatal Specialist Speech and Language Therapist at Birmingham Children’s Hospital, where she works with children of all ages focusing on developing early feeding and communication skills, an area that is both clinically complex and deeply emotional for families. A truly rewarding career so far.
EVE N T S AT A G L A N C E T HE KING ’ S S IN GERS CH ARITY GA L A C ONCERT Friday 18 September 2026 – Warwick Hall
Join the internationally acclaimed The King’s Singers for a special Gala Concert in aid of The Rufus Trust. The evening will feature a beautiful programme of music spanning classical, folk, jazz and contemporary favourites, followed by a drinks reception included within the ticket price. Tickets at www.bridgehousetheatre.co.uk
WA R W ICK SCH OOLS FOUN DAT ION C ONCERT Friday 27 November – Warwick Hall
O R C HESTR A O F THE S WA N C O NC E RT ( SID E BY SID E W ITH WA R W IC K SC HO O L STU D E NTS ) Thurs 15 October – Warwick Hall
Strauss Die Fledermaus; Chopin Piano Concerto No. 2, Sibelius Symphony No.5. Tickets at www.bridgehousetheatre.co.uk
HA RV EST THA NKS G I V I NG
Thurs 8 October, 16:15 – Warwick School Chapel All welcome. No need to book.
All welcome.
R EMEMBR A N CE
F R I ENDS O F K I NG L S EY S C HO O L C HR I STMA S FA I R
All welcome.
All welcome.
Sun 8 November, 16:15 – Warwick School Chapel
Friday 4 December, 3-5pm
Please email your news and images to tks-alumni@warwickschools.co.uk
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K I N G S L E Y A L U M N I NEWS
SC H OOL N E W S WELCOMING THE NEW HEAD OF THE KINGSLEY SCHOOL
KINGSLEY SPORTS AWARDS EVENING
We are delighted to let you know that Mr Peter Bucknall has been appointed Head of The Kingsley School. Previously he held the position of Deputy Head (Academic). Mr Bucknall is a Historian, a graduate of the University of Warwick with an MA in International Relations, also from Warwick. He trained as a teacher through the University of Buckingham and prior to joining Kingsley he was the Head of History and Politics, and Head of Rugby, at Princethorpe College. He brings gravitas and leadership experience to the school, which will continue to thrive under his headship.
It was a pleasure to host another truly memorable Sports Awards Evening, bringing our school community together to celebrate an exceptional year of sporting achievement. The evening provided a fitting opportunity to recognise not only the breadth of talent across the school, but also the dedication, resilience and sportsmanship demonstrated by our students in representing Kingsley. From individual accomplishments to team successes, it was a wonderful celebration of the commitment and pride that underpin sport at Kingsley. A very special thank you to one of our outstanding alumni, Lauren Gregory, a multi-award-winning Fitness & Running Coach, for joining us as our special guest. It was a pleasure to welcome her back.
NEW HEAD OF PREP APPOINTED AT THE KINGSLEY SCHOOL The Kingsley School is delighted to announce the appointment of Mrs Julie Johnson as the new Head of Prep from 1 September, 2026. Mrs Johnson joins Kingsley from Warwick Preparatory School, where she currently serves as Director of Studies. An experienced and highly regarded educational leader, she brings a wealth of expertise in academic leadership and primary education.
SUPPORT ING P O ST 1 8 PATHWAYS As part of our ongoing careers and guidance programme, Kingsley School hosted a UCAS Information Evening for parents in collaboration with Aston University. The session provided practical guidance on UCAS applications, personal statements and entry requirements, alongside valuable insights from Foundation alumni about their own pathways, including degree apprenticeships. The evening also explored the future of work, considering the impact of AI and the skills students will need in a changing landscape.
Head of PE and Sport, Mrs Warrillow commented: “It is a real pleasure to celebrate the dedication, growth and success of our students. These awards go far beyond results or trophies; they recognise the commitment, character and pride our students show every time they represent Kingsley.
SENIOR SCHOOL AND SIXTH FORM STUDENTS ROCK THE STAGE IN ‘WE WILL ROCK YOU’ Senior School and Sixth Form students delivered an electrifying run of performances in this year’s school production of We Will Rock You: School Edition, wowing audiences with a high-energy celebration of music, individuality and rebellion. Featuring iconic songs by Queen, the production was packed with wellknown hits that had audiences tapping their feet and singing along. From the striking performances on stage to the tireless work behind the scenes, We Will Rock You was a true celebration of creativity, collaboration and talent.
OPE N DAYS Senior School Open Afternoon Monday 21st September, 2pm-6pm. Sixth Form Open Evening Wednesday 7th October, time to be confirmed Whole School Open Morning Saturday 23rd January, 9.30am-12.30pm.
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Please email your nwews and images to tks-alumni@warwickschools.co.uk
STU DENT DE STINATIO N S At Kingsley there is a strong emphasis on careers guidance and our priority is to prepare students for the responsibilities and freedoms of adult life. For many of our students, this means continuing their education at university. They choose from a wide range of courses and establishments as illustrated opposite.
ALTERNAT IVE PATHWAYS Although the majority of our Sixth Form Leavers go on to study academic subjects at leading universities, students have access across the Warwick Schools Foundation to expert support on Conservatoires, Drama Schools, Art Colleges, Degree Apprenticeships and Global Universities. This year, our students are progressing to a range of universities, including the University of Birmingham, the University of Worcester, the University of Exeter, the University of Gloucestershire, and the University of Warwick. Some students have also chosen to take a gap year before continuing their studies.
IG N I TI N G F U T U R E S Over two hundred and thirty people across our Warwick Schools Foundation community joined together in June to support students by donating to our Igniting Futures Giving Day – helping to increase the number of bursaries we offer, and to grow our hardship fund. On the day, students took part in various sponsored events including an aquathon, a chess tournament, a Year 7 Decibel Challenge (singing as loudly as a passing train), a House fitness challenge, a Riverside Rally, an ‘Alternative Sports Day’ and a cricket match against Marylebone Cricket Club. It was wonderful to see children, current and former staff, parents, alumni and other friends uniting to provide a safety net for families who need our help during these tough times, and to give other children the chance of a Warwick Schools Foundation education. Kingsley School had a brilliant time enjoying an Alternative Sports Day. The students and staff threw themselves into the fun, taking part in everything from egg-and-spoon races, welly wanging, water relays and blindfold challenges to a fiercely contested parent vs teacher tug of war. As you’ll see from the video ‘soak the teacher’ proved especially popular! https://www.instagram.com/p/DZu3vEQMv6G/
Please email your news to tks-alumni@warwickschools.co.uk
The enthusiasm, energy and good humour helped create a wonderful afternoon full of laughter, teamwork and community spirit. It is a testament to the generosity of our community that 239 donors have collectively raised more than £57,000. Huge thanks to all the students for taking part and to everyone who kindly contributed. In the long term, our aim is to almost double the number of bursaries we can offer over the next decade by increasing our endowment so we can fund a further hundred places at our schools. This is an ambitious campaign, and the Igniting Futures Giving Day has set the tone brilliantly as we continue to work together to bring a real step change in social mobility for local young people. If you’d like to find out more about supporting our students please visit www.thekingsleyschool.co.uk/community/ support/ or contact Susie Carr, Director of Development or Emily Gladman, Head of Philanthropy, at development@ warwickschools.co.uk.
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K I N G S L E Y A L U M N I NEWS
KING SLE Y S C H O O L A R C HI VE S A H O ME AWAY F RO M H O ME Current students may be surprised to learn that the school once had boarders, but it was a necessity almost from the start in the days before family cars and Kingsley minibuses. The first few boarders slept in rooms at the top of No.19, but in 1890 the school leased Arnold Lodge as a separate boarding house. When this and a second house became too small, they leased and then bought The Cedars on Warwick New Road, convenient because the trams ran past it into town. After the war they opened a second senior boarding house at Milverton Lodge which lasted until the mid-60s. 1n 1947 the school leased and eventually bought Dilke House for junior boarders from the Fetherstone-Dilke family who had a long association with the school both as students and as members of the School Council. When junior boarding ended and The Cedars was sold, senior weekly boarding continued for a while in the corner house next to Dilke but ended in 1992.
When you spend your day in school but then in addition your evenings, and for some girls weekends, then clearly your experience of school life and the relationship with other students and boarding house staff is bound to be more intense. Often boarders have strong memories of school but also the fun and games they had, both organised and more illicit. There were plays to rehearse, Halloween parties in the cellars, outings and picnics, games in the gardens, feasts in the dorms and ice-skating on the morning of prize giving. If you have any treasured memories from your days as a boarder, we would love to hear from you. Whether they are stories of friendship, adventure, or special moments that have stayed with you over the years, it would be wonderful to share them with our community in the next newsletter. If you have any stories, images or items of interest for the school archives, please email tks-alumni@warwickschools.co.uk or call 01926 776404.
SC HOOL M E MO RIE S F RO M THE 4 0s AND 50s Scilla Edwards, TKS 1946-57 Scilla went to Kingsley School in the 40s and 50s. She has fond memories of her time there and remembers it as a very good school, with a very good head teacher, Miss Sweet. Her older sister, Andrea also attended Kingsley, although she was a boarder at The Cedars. Rear view of The Cedars (1950s) with In those days, there Matron and girls were three boarding houses: Cedars, Milverton and Dilke, which was the junior house. When Scilla’s parents moved closer to Kingsley, her daily journey to school changed. Before that, she travelled by bus, but afterwards she was able to cycle there each day. She remembers turning the corner from the front of the school onto Hall Road, where everyone entered the school.
The Cedars (1930s): view from the garden
The Cedars (1930s): the dining room
Just to the right of the entrance was the bike shed. It was open to everyone, and in those days, nobody thought about locking their bicycles. She cannot remember a single bike being stolen. She also remembers the little routines of school life, such as having to wear separate indoor and outdoor shoes. These small details have stayed with her and bring back memories of a very happy and well-loved school. Her lovely school friend Rosalind Berrill went on to Bristol University, as did her friend Ruth Edwards. It was through Ruth that Scilla met her cousin, Michael Edwards, and their meeting ultimately led to a 40-year marriage. The Cedars (1930s): the dormitories.
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K IN GSLEY ALUMN I N EWS – SCH O O L A R C HI V E S
Milverton Lodge (1950s)
Dilke House (1957)
Milverton Lodge (1950s)
DONATION OF OLD SCHOOL BOOKS
Junior boarders sitting round the table (1957)
Junior boarders collecting eggs (1957)
The staff photograph of the Old Girls’ Production of ‘Romeo and Juliet’ in 1905 to celebrate the school’s 21st birthday. Costumes were worn to mark the occasion. Winifred appears in the front row, second from right.
Miss Phillips, Housemistress at Milverton Lodge in her study (1946-66)
In March, The Kingsley School Archivist, Rebecca Dyson, met with Elaine Fayerman, whose two aunts attended Kingsley school in the late 19th century, when it was located on The Parade in Leamington Spa. Elaine is a descendant of their brother, John. The family lived nearby in Clarendon Square, and their father worked as an estate agent. Winifred was born in 1880 and her sister, Margaret, was born in 1879. Both sisters attended the school and were exceptionally bright, earning scholarships. Elaine remembers her aunts’ playing games with her and encouraging her learning as a child, helping to foster her love of knowledge before she started school. In 1904, Winifred returned to the school as a Mathematics teacher before becoming Head of Tonbridge School. She died in 1958.
Christmas at Dilke House in the now Prep School hallway (1980)
Elaine kindly donated several treasured books that had been awarded to her aunts as school prizes, including a copy of Pride and Prejudice. Each book bears the original Leamington High School for Girls stamp on the front, providing a tangible link to the school’s history.
Elaine Fayerman
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K I N G S L E Y A L U M N I NEWS
IN OT H E R N E W S INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS OF THE YEAR AWARDS We are delighted that our Foundation schools have been commended in the Independent Schools of the Year Awards, for the following categories: Independent Prep School of the Year Warwick Junior School Warwick Prep School The Kingsley Preparatory School Independent Girls’ School of the Year King’s High School, Warwick Independent Boys’ School of the Year Warwick School
IN REMEMBRANCE Evelyn Magness – Head of Geography, TKS 1986-2000 Evelyn Magness passed away in April. She will be fondly remembered by former colleagues and pupils who knew her. The Heart of England Association of Retired Teachers (formerly called ARM) is a friendly group of those who have been previously involved in education and live in the Midlands. The purpose of HEART is purely social. The committee organises about 8 events a year, which occur during the day, and typically consist of a meal and a visit to a place of interest or a talk. Members are welcome to bring work guests to the events. The annual subscription is £12, to cover administration costs. If you are interested in joining, or would like more information, please contact the membership secretary for details at heartmembers@yahoo.com
We look forward to the announcement of winners later this year.
CANTICUM Canticum is the Warwick Schools Foundation community choir, comprising members of staff past and present, alumni and members of the wider school and Warwick community. The choir meets on Wednesday evenings and generally performs in two or three concerts each year. All welcome to come along. If you are interested in joining Canticum please email Stuart Thompson on s.thompson@ warwickschools.co.uk
WARWICK SCHOOLS FOUNDATION LAW AND FINANCE PROFESSIONAL NETWORKS Our newly created Professional Network events are an essential component of ‘The Warwick Futures’ programme. These events build connections and support across careers such as law, finance, property, entrepreneurship and bio sciences. These formal yet relaxed gatherings are equally valued by alumni professionals, graduates and students. They offer invaluable networking opportunities in increasingly competitive professions. Earlier this year law professionals met at historic Middle Temple with High Court Judge Sir Jonn Cavanagh as our guest speaker. A Finance Network event is scheduled for this autumn. To find out more about upcoming events and opportunities contact r.ashworth@warwickschools.co.uk or join on Warwick Foundation Connect: www.warwickfoundationconnect.com
STAYING IN TO U C H All former students, parents of students and staff are part of our community. We welcome contact with you all and invite you to get and stay in touch. Perhaps you have a memory you’d like to share, an old photograph to add to our archives, classmates with whom you’d like to reconnect, reunion plans or maybe you’re happy to inspire our current students by sharing your career journey or offering mentoring support.
Julia Donoghue, Alumni Relations, The Kingsley School tks-alumni@warwickschools.co.uk Tel: 01926 776404
U P DATE YO U R DE TAIL S If you wish to update your details, please go to www.thekingsleyschool.co.uk/community/alumni
Kingsley School Alumni Relations, c/o Warwick Schools Foundation, Myton Road, Warwick CV34 6PP Tel: 01926 776404 tks-alumni@warwickschools.co.uk www.thekingsleyschool.co.uk/community/alumni