On Tuesday 30 April, we were delighted to host a special workshop event for alumni representing all our Foundation schools and heritage schools to look at the key Strategic Pillars for our alumni and development programme, which cover: Connectivity and engagement, careers and networking, social events, the structure and responsibilities of the committee and how the alumni can best support the Foundation’s development efforts.

Over 40 alumni took part; they were grouped according to their leaving decades from the 1960s right up to the present day. Guided by the Foundation team, they gave their opinions and enthusiastically discussed activity for each of the pillars as outlined above.

We were overwhelmed by the buzz in the room and the positivity and support expressed by the group. Listening to the feedback, the first thing we need to focus on is the structure of the Committee, as we feel this is central to the success of the association going forward.

It was clear that we need representation on the Committee from across all the Foundation schools and Heritage schools (St Mary’s, St Bede’s, St Joseph’s, Abbotsford, Crackley Hall, Crescent School and Princethorpe), as well as from each decade of our existence, from the 1960s to the 2020s. Crucially, we need a current Sixth Former on the committee to ensure a close connection with the school. In addition, it is important that we have former parents and staff represented, as well as overseas alumni.

Some committee members may of course cover more than one category and therefore represent more than one group, and we would ideally be looking for 15 - 20 people who are willing to participate actively in the association.

The members would each be linked to one of the five strategic pillars according to their particular interest or skillset, and as such would drive and support that programme of activity by helping organise and deliver initiatives, enlisting the help of fellow alumni, attending or hosting events, suggesting content, etc.

Such programmes of activity could include creating more targeted communications according to age and interest areas, career industry spotlights and podcasts, additional locations for social meet-ups, e.g. Bristol, events specifically for those who left within the past five years, increased links with and support for the PTA, more testimonials of impact of fundraising, and raising the profile of the OP committee in the wider community.

If your interest is piqued by reading this, and you would like to get involved in the work of the OP Committee, we would love to hear from you. Please email us at oldprincethorpians@princethorpe.co.uk to indicate your areas of interest.

We would like to thank all those who took part in the workshop for giving their time so generously. It really bodes well for the future of the alumni association and the continuance of a mutually beneficial relationship with all our schools.