OE Reunion Weekend 2026

It was a pleasure to welcome more than 200 Old Elizabethans back to RGS for this year's OE Reunion Weekend, which once again provided opportunities for alumni across the generations to reconnect with friends, revisit familiar surroundings and celebrate their shared connection to the School.

The Alumni Golf Day

The 55 competitors made this the biggest alumni golf event to-date. With players ranging in ages from the Class of 1960 through to recent leavers from 2020, there really was a fabulous mix of RGS eras on the course. Handicaps ranged from 28 to +1, while the mix of the team Stableford scoring and individual stroke play meant everyone was in the hunt for prizes. The course was in great nick despite the long summer heatwave and players enjoyed competitive golf in a wonderful setting followed by a tasty lunch and cool drinks.

Prizes were distributed widely: Matthew Jones, Ben Jones, Richard Wilkinson & Simon Gerrard-Jones won the Biggs Rodway Quaich (team Stableford event);  Simon Phillips won the Old Elizabethan Cup (men's stroke competition); Gail Halford won the Britannia Plate (ladies Stableford competition); Longest drives went to Mike Freely and Maggie Thompson; Tim Curtis scooped nearest the pin and Simeon Chapman was the inaugural winner of the Ian Smith Memorial Cup.

The Class of 2021 Five-Year Reunion

Friday evening saw a brilliant turnout for the Class of 2021's five-year reunion, with 28 OEs gathering in Joe's Cafe, formerly their Sixth Form Common Room. The evening was filled with laughter, conversation and the opportunity to catch up on life since leaving RGS.

During the event, the Headmaster Mr Pitt reflected on the unique challenges faced by the Class of 2021, whose final years at School were disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic. As a result, many missed out on the traditions, celebrations and shared experiences that normally mark the end of a pupil's time at RGS, making the reunion an especially meaningful opportunity to come back together. The strength of the friendships on display was evident throughout the evening, and many attendees have already expressed their intention to return for future reunion events.

The Class of 2016 Ten-Year Reunion

On Saturday afternoon, members of the Class of 2016 returned to School to celebrate ten years since leaving RGS. 35 guests attended a tour of the School before continuing their celebrations over drinks at The Talbot.

For many, it was their first opportunity to see how the School has evolved over the past decade. Guests enjoyed revisiting familiar classrooms and locations while sharing stories and memories from their school days. Several remarked that, despite the many improvements and developments, "it still smells the same". It was especially wonderful to welcome back two married OE couples, alongside another OE couple who are now engaged, highlighting the lasting relationships that can begin during a person's time at RGS.

Many commented on how much they enjoyed seeing the School in such excellent condition and learning more about the developments that have taken place since they left.

The OE Reunion Dinner

The weekend culminated in the annual OE Black Tie Dinner, where more than 80 diners gathered in Perrins Hall. Before the drinks reception, guests were invited to tour the School and view the Mahjoor Innovation Centre. Despite the weather's best efforts, an unprecedented number of guests joined the pre-dinner tour of the School. Thankfully, a ready supply of umbrellas ensured that black tie suits and evening dresses remained protected as OEs explored the campus before making their way to Perrins Hall. The rain did little to dampen spirits, and the excitement of returning to RGS shone through.

During the drinks reception, guests enjoyed musical accompaniment from Upper Sixth student Rachel, whose harp performance provided a fitting backdrop to the evening. A selection of archive material was also on display, with many attendees enjoying the opportunity to browse historic photographs, publications and memorabilia from their years at School.

This year's Reunion Weekend celebrated alumni marking milestone years since leaving RGS, with particularly strong representation from the Classes of 2016, 1996 and 1986. The Class of 1996 was especially well represented, filling two tables and helping to create a wonderful atmosphere throughout the evening.

Once guests had taken their seats, Chair of the Foundation and former RGS pupil and teacher Tim Curtis unveiled a commemorative plaque recognising the generosity of Ian and Maggie Carmichael, whose support has helped to renovate the Perrins Hall frontage. The unveiling provided an opportunity to thank Ian and Maggie publicly for their commitment to preserving an iconic part of the School for future generations.

Following dinner, Tim Curtis delivered a speech on behalf of the Headmaster, highlighting the many achievements, developments and successes enjoyed by the School over the past year.

Representing the Class of 1996, which was marking its 30th anniversary since leaving RGS, former First XV captain, Zane Kanderian (1989-1996) took guests down memory lane as he shared his anecdotes of his and his classmates time at RGS which resonated with fellow alumni.

The overwhelmingly positive feedback received throughout the weekend highlighted the strength of the Old Elizabethan community and the special bond that alumni continue to share with RGS long after they leave its gates.

From recent leavers taking their first steps in their careers to alumni celebrating 30 and 40 years since leaving School, Reunion Weekend once again demonstrated that being an Old Elizabethan is a lifelong connection. The Foundation Office would like to thank everyone who attended and helped make the weekend such a success. Whether reconnecting with familiar faces or welcoming alumni attending Reunion Weekend for the first time, it was a pleasure to see the OE community come together once again. We look forward to welcoming many old friends, and hopefully some new faces, back to RGS next year.