Representatives from the classes of 1982, 1992, 2002 and 2012 returned for their respective 40th, 30th, 20th and 10th anniversaries of leaving, along with a smattering of OPs from other years including the 1970s and former and current staff. Guests had travelled from across the country and as far afield as Canada, Germany and Dublin to attend.

The evening started with an optional tour of school at 6.00pm ably led by Alex Darkes and Eddie Tolcher. The large group meandered excitedly around the campus, visiting areas such as the Chapel, the Library, the cloister corridors, Roundhouse, the newer Limes Building and Sixth Form Centre before venturing out to see the site of the new Science Centre which is currently under construction just off the Lime Walk.

After a glass or two of Pimms in the Quad, the group was warmly welcomed by Headmaster, Ed Hester and invited to take their seats in the refectory. Fr Alan Whelan, MSC, said Grace and the refectory became a hubbub of chatter and laughter as sat in their year groups or decades the gathered OPs happily caught up and reminisced over a delicious three course meal.

After dinner, Ed Hester, thanked the College’s wonderful catering team and spoke to the assembled gathering about developments at the College, including the new Science Centre, the recent ‘Excellent’ ISI inspection and how the Development Office is making a Princethorpe education more accessible for a wider range of pupils, through its Bursary Programme.

Ed then invited Alex Darkes to speak on behalf of the OPs Association. Alex who was kindly standing in for OP Chairman Peter Rollason, detailed the work of the Association and the annual programme of activity including OP Friendly Faces, networking, social events and the termly e-newsletter. He urged the OPs to spread the word, get involved and encourage others to join Princethorpe Connect, the College’s online alumni network. Finally, Alex presented gifts on behalf of the Association to three members of staff who had served the College for 12 to 13 years respectively, Julie Satchwell, Tom Knowles and Paul Whitehead.

As the supper came to a happy close, guests mingled over coffee, OP merchandise was purchased to be worn with pride, teachers enjoyed hearing of their pupils’ achievements and plans were made for the evening’s fun to continue in Leamington for old times’ sake!

Thanks go to our catering team, the OPs Committee and all who contributed to the success of the event.

We will shortly begin planning for the 2023 Supper Reunion, which will be aimed at all those with a leaving year with a 3 and will take place appropriately on Friday 23 June 2023. To sign up please go to Princethorpe Connect here.