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Where do we begin to say goodbye to Katie, Brooko, or our personal favourite Katrina and the Waves, which was initially a joke lost on someone born in 1998!

Fran joined the Physics Department at College in September 2022 having completed the vast majority of her teaching up to that point in lockdowns and socially distanced classrooms.

Jamie joined us in 2019 as a Resident Tutor in Leconfield and Sports Professional at both College and The Prep.

Though the UK has had a summer of electoral revolution, the rich tapestry of College had already been added to by our very own political maverick – Paul Floyd.

It is with great sadness that we wish a fond farewell to Dr Elizabeth Gerry, a jewel in the crown of the MFL Department.

The English Department is extremely grateful to Simon for stepping into the demanding and complex role of acting Head of English to cover Sarah Price’s maternity leave.

Ollie came to College in September 2021 from Reed’s School. He initially joined as Second in Charge of Maths, but quickly was promoted to Deputy Head of Lower College. In this role he was able to have a positive impact on Third Form and indulge his love of spreadsheets

Andrew leaves his wide-ranging role at College after seven years. An infectiously enthusiastic teacher, tutor and musician, his many talents were an instant hit with pupils and staff.

Harry joined College in September 2021 and with his confident and outgoing personality from the off, it was clear that he was going to throw himself into College life.

There are few people who can say that they have made more of an impact on a Department in one year than Alex.

David has been a remarkable asset to College over his 11 year tenure, making a significant impact both as an educator and a leader.

It has been lovely getting to know Lucy over the last year. She joined us from Tunbridge Wells Grammer School for Boys and now leaves us to continue her career at Woodbridge School in Suffolk.

It is with mixed emotions that we say goodbye to Gill who is retiring after 36 years of distinguished service to the College Music Department.

Annette has not only been a colleague to us all but more importantly an inspiration simply through being the woman she is: first and foremost an unbelievable mum; a wife; a friend; and a role model to all College girls and staff.

Rachel leaves her part-time role at College after four years with the school. Deftly balanced with well-chosen games, videos and interactive tasks, her thoroughly organised and well-planned lessons and exam preparation have drilled grateful Cheltonians into shape during that period.

Jo was appointed inaugural Housemistress of College Lawn in 2017, when the beautiful home- from-home the girls know today was still an NHS Foundation Trust Headquarters.

You will see from this publication and other communications that College is in good health. Speech Day yet again provided a great opportunity to celebrate the multiple individual and team successes that the College community enables

The Digital Archive has been made possible thanks to a donation from Cheltonian Endowment Trust (CET). At its launch, it includes copies of The Cheltonian magazines from the 1960s to 2013, along with several editions from the 1860s.

Our fond wishes to all Society members who have recently got married or had a baby. Please share your news by completing the form on our website

We asked some recent leavers two questions: What is your best memory from College or your House? What have you been doing since leaving College?

Details of Cheltonian Society professional networking events, OC reunions, and social events.

Our thanks to all Society members who are involved in running clubs. We hope to expand the range of clubs available, including for interests that are not sport related.

This has been another remarkable year for Ashmead, marked by our supportive community and diverse achievements. This year’s journey began by welcoming new Third Form girls and those joining in Lower Sixth.

At College we aim to support our pupils to fulfil their ‘Cheltenham Potential’ by developing and encouraging them toward the virtues of Character, Creativity, Curiosity, Community and Continuous Excellence.

It was a successful year for the Talented Athlete Programme (TAP) with individuals developing the skills needed to juggle a busy academic schedule alongside the physical and technical skills needed to progress within their chosen sport. All deserve praise for their application and effort this year.

The year started with the annual Leckhampton Hill Clan Walk which allowed us to get to know the new Third form. We also had our first House Darts Tournament.

Every Monday after lessons, Third Form to Fifth Form pupils enjoy a range of activities including: debating, Mock United Nations (MUN) and mock trials; sports and dance; board games, chess and Majong; horse riding, cooking and coding.

With numbers increasing from last year, excitement was certainly building towards the Athletics season.

Despite one of the wettest and coldest Summer Terms that I can remember, the College Cricket Club had a very productive term. We played 95 competitive fixtures across our boys’ and girls’ teams, winning 53% of the matches completed.

The Third Form Challenge (3FC) brought together the entire year group in spirited competition for the esteemed Melvill Cup, named after the brave Victoria Cross recipient and OC, Teignmouth Melvill (1858).

All students in the Lower Sixth either take part in College’s extensive Community Action Programme or choose one of our Elective courses.

Our boys’ badminton team improved this season, winning three out of 11 matches. This was a welcome step up from last year when we didn’t register a single victory!

The College Cadet Force has had another hugely enjoyable, rewarding and fulfilling academic year. Cadet numbers continue to be extremely high, with pupils attracted by the ability to develop their leadership skills, learn new things, have fun outside the classroom and build confidence which will serve them well, long after they have left the school.

Once again the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) contributed a great many hours to the College’s community action efforts helping to instil in our pupils a sense of service and selflessness.

With 30 - 40 pupils training regularly the Club is going from strength to strength. We were especially pleased to see good representation from girls, including Lucille Kalindawalo, Iona Davies and Eniiyi Animasaun joining this year.

The dramatic year opened with the Boyne House, College Lawn and Queen’s House Play, an innovative retelling of Grimm’s Fairy Tales.

Equestrian has gone from strength to strength this year with more than 40 riders on our roll and our weekly Monday training sessions at Rectory Farm for everyone are paying dividends.

As another academic year draws to a close, it gives me great pleasure to reflect on the huge amount of music making that goes on at College.

The pupils have enjoyed another varied and exciting programme of Pilates, yoga, circuits and strength training.

The season started away with Malvern College and all performed well but eventually lost 2-1.

The football season saw the Club develop even further with over 100 Upper College members, both boys and girls. In fact, we had such a big interest from the girls, we now have two female senior teams!

Before this season started 17 students and three members of staff went on a tour of Malasia starting off in the vibrant city of Kuala Lumpur making their way up through Ipoh to the beach resort of Penang over 12 days.

We are proud that a number of OC athletes, many of whom were Talented Athlete Programme (TAP) members, achieve outstanding success in their sporting careers.

We had a fantastic start to the season with an exciting pre-season of friendly fixtures played against Severn Stars, Hucclecote Netball and Wrekin College squads.

The Bellamy Cup was established to recognise the House which has engaged most successfully with charitable endeavours.

Polo is a big part of College culture and Mondays and Thursdays at Longdole Polo Club are the perfect way to blow off some steam during the week. The speed at which the team exit the minibus on arrival is testament to this, or is that down to not getting stuck on Tony the pony? Poor Tony!

Dr Adam Dunning, Senior Chaplain and Director of Communities, Charities & Partnerships

A reflection first given on the evening of National Holocaust Memorial Day 2024 in the Council Chamber of Cheltenham Borough Council. The same reflection was then shared with the gathered College community in Chapel.

In December seven of our marvellous Matrons joined the Big Dip held at The Lido to raise funds for the local Leckhampton Court.

National Star was selected by the Pupil Leadership Team (PLT) as this year’s College charity. National Star is a local provider of specialist further education, training, personal development and residential services for people with physical and learning disabilities and acquired brain injuries.

This year Chandos has been full of exciting activities spanning sport, socials, charity, and tons of recreational fun. As per Chandos’ annual tradition we had the House family inflatable race with team ‘Princess Tiana’ winning.

It has been another busy season for the Club. Eighty boys and girls represented College in school fixtures, College singles and House doubles tournaments.

Inés Oliver (A, 2016)

For most of my teen years, I hated school. Every day felt monotonous and uninspiring, and as my motivation waned, so did my grades. I needed a fresh start, and so with the support of my family, I made the difficult decision to move down a year and change schools.

It takes courage to make a change, in the hope that it will lead to a brighter tomorrow. And that is exactly what we have seen from our pupils and staff over the past year as we continue to implement sustainable education initiatives and operational improvements here at College.

The 2023 season was one to remember! This can often be measured through performances, fixtures lists, participation and general smiles on faces after a muddy afternoon.

Heber Ackland (NH, 1987)

I attended the Junior School and College (Newick House) between 1979-87 and have two great enduring friendships and plenty of good memories.

A new pattern of services was introduced to Chapel this academic year. Recognising a need for pupils to spend a little more time with their families, we said goodbye to the expectation that every Sunday in term-time would see a Chapel service.

It has been a busy and successful year for the House with numerous events taking place. Our Christmas Dinner was a particularly impressive night held at The Queens Hotel. We also had many successful House trips ranging from paintballing with a lot of friendly fire on teachers, to Wibit (inflatables with a lot of water involved too!) which was a great success for the pupils with a few slips and slides along the way.

Trevor Davies, father of Steve Davies (S, 1980) and Rob Davies (S, 1984) and grandfather of Jonathan Davies (S, 2010), died on 11 April 2024, aged 91.

The year started well with the Cheltonian Society Regatta held at the Boathouse. This incorporated House Pots which was raced in a round robin format with Southwood eventually coming out on top for the boys and Queen’s for the girls.

Max Bygrave died on 4 April 2024, aged 84.

Jane Waller passed away in February 2024.

Jono Jamieson-Black (H, 2017)

In April, I was on my way to Morocco, to compete in the Marathon des Sables (MDS), a gruelling ultramarathon some call ‘the toughest footrace on earth.’

Simon Ayre died on 30 January 2023, aged 67.

Having volunteered to give a Chapel talk on Courage, I thought I should start by making sure I understood what courage actually is. Initially I thought courage and bravery were the same thing but through a little research I was quickly corrected.

Duncan Bennett, brother of Christopher Bennett (H, 1975), passed away on 30 November 2023, aged 61.

Christopher Boddy passed away on 17 December 2023, at the age of 85.

Christopher Brain died on 14 March 2024, aged 84, after a short illness.

Matt Burke died on 24 November 2023, aged 23.

Mark Carnegie-Brown, brother of Neil Carnegie-Brown (H, 1951) and Adam Carnegie-Brown (H, 1953), and uncle of Bruce Carnegie-Brown (H, 1977) and Ian Carnegie-Brown (H, 1979), died peacefully on 1 August 2024, aged 87.

Michael Green died on 26 November 2023, aged 85.

William Dibben, father of David Dibben (Xt, 1978) and brother of Richard Dibben (Xt, 1952), died on 24 June 2024, aged 87.

John Griffith-Jones, brother of the late Christopher ‘Bomber’ Griffith-Jones (Thirlestaine, 1963), died on 23 April 2024, aged 81.

Peter Haines, brother of Oliver Haines (H, 1959), died in November 2022, aged 82.

Guy Higson died in November 2023, aged 80.

Nick Lindo, father of Hugh Lindo (L, 1979) and Murray Lindo (Junior, 1979), died on 22 November 2023, aged 87.

Gordon Mellor, father of Anthony Mellor (H, 1974), Philip Mellor (H, 1979) and Christopher Mellor (Junior, 1977), died peacefully at home in France on 4 July 2024, aged 94.

Ian Moody, father of Charles Moody (Cheltondale, 1976) and grandfather of Cecelia Warren-Thomas (Ch, 2003) and Guy Warren-Thomas (H, 2004), died on 1 January 2024, aged 95.

Richard Orange-Bromehead, son of Col FE Orange-Bromehead OBE (Xt, 1905), passed away on 19 June 2024, aged 96.

The year started with a whole House trip to West Midlands Safari Park, where the girls took part in some family bonding. This was followed by our Christmas Meal, held at No 131.

The opening match of the season at Rugby School saw five of the team representing College for the first time.

Katie Locker (W, 2011)

My family has always loved cooking. My grandparents in St Andrews used to have a bed & breakfast and run the restaurant below them too. I grew up cooking and eating around a table with friends and family.

Stephen Page, brother of Gordon Page (H, 1962) and Alan Page (H, 1968), died on 26 June 2023, aged 77.

We saw Hazelwell undergoing major development with the refurbishment of ‘The Red Dragon’ - the Sixth Form Common Room now equipped with a darts board, pool table and TV.

Students at College have shown tremendous talent and determination to gain places at the most prestigious institutions for their chosen discipline.

We don’t teach too much Confucius at The Prep nowadays, but the old adage, often attributed to him, that a picture tells a thousand words is one we would strongly agree with.

The Nursery School and Pre-Prep continue to go from strength to strength. This year we have enjoyed a record number of children joining the school to start their journey at Cheltenham College.

Lower School continues to thrive with an incredible team delivering excellent day to day lessons as well as themed days, family days, exciting trips, visiting authors and a whole host of activities to ensure no two days are the same.

Middle School has enjoyed a truly remarkable year, marked by the exceptional efforts and achievements of its pupils.

We have enjoyed another challenging and varied year. Above and beyond their hard work in the classroom, pupils have experienced a range of new activities both in and out of school.

Squash at College has been a thriving and growing sport this year.

Boo Bruce-Smith (Q, 2015)

I began illustrating at university while studying Politics. These were sociopolitical cartoons capturing everyday conversations and observations on things such as gender roles, dating and culture.

Finn Keatinge on ‘The Ethical Significance of the Cuban Missile Crisis 1962’

Keith Pow died suddenly but peacefully in Salisbury District Hospital on 6 July 2024, aged 93

David Chikwe (BH, 1993)

Storyteller. It’s not really a job that’s listed in adverts. Or job fairs. Or careers advice. But it’s the best word I can find to describe both my passions and my journey through life.

Cheltonians never disappoint in ambition or scope for Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) ideas.

It seems that we always begin by saying that we have had another good year in swimming, but actually that really undersells what has been a vintage year in swimming.

Meet the Team: Paulo Oliveira, Front of House Manager. Roving reporter, Carys Bradford, interviews our very own Paulo.

Dan Rees, father of Aled Rees (Xt, 1982) and Morgan Rees (Xt, 1988), brother of the late David Rees (Xt, 1952), Henry Rees (Xt, 1959) and the late John Rees (Xt, 1962), cousin of the late Michael Rees (Xt, 1953) and Martin Rees (Xt, 1958), and uncle of David Rees (Xt, 1983), died on 24 February 2024, aged 87.

Ben Nelson (NH, 2007)

I attended College from 2002 to 2007 and I recall these years very fondly. Now, at 35, I am a father and a business owner, spending most of my time juggling these responsibilities.

It was, as always, a full-on year in Leconfield. In the Autumn Term we took part in the annual paintballing at Combat Splat. This was a great way to form bonds in the new year and many paint covered smiles emerged from the battlefield after a long day.

‘Form Square!’ is not a cry that has resounded much from within College precincts since the 1880s.

Barney Richards, father of David Richards (Xt, 1987), died on 1 May 2024, aged 89.

Eunice Chen (Ch, 2012)

Next time you watch anything with visual effects, spare a thought for me working behind the scenes programming the software tools for digital artists to make their work more efficient.

As always, Newick has had a colourful calendar crammed with activities and dinners. We started off the year with some great nights gathered around the fire pit with freshly made pizza, laughing and talking between the year groups.

Open seven days a week, the Library provides support to staff and pupils across all years, supporting reading, research, revision and relaxation and is always buzzing with pupils.

Anthony Sollars, brother of Christopher Sollars (L, 1964), died on 6 February 2024, aged 80.

At the start of the academic year College launched a new model for grouping academic Departments into faculties. The first new faculty to be established was the STEM Faculty.

Archives - Sometimes we don’t notice the things we see every day. This is certainly true of the College coat of arms.

Jo Stewart died on 24 May 2023, aged 73.

This year we’ve expanded opportunities for our pupils with teams participating in prestigious competitions such as the Cambridge Biology Challenge and the Science in Medicine School Teams Prize by Homerton College, Cambridge and Imperial College London.

College remains a driving force behind the work of the Cheltenham Education Partnership (CEP). CEP continues to grow and this year we welcomed Pate’s Grammar School and High School Leckhampton into the partnership.

Chemistry is a word that iconically conjures up images of lab coats and conical flasks filled with colourful solutions. Indeed, the Chemistry teachers and technicians have been busy with countless experiments and demos to illustrate the underlying theory being taught in the classrooms

The Department has had another great crop of A Level and GCSE pupils, completing a range of interesting and fun projects.

The Department has gone from strength to strength with creativity flourishing under the guidance of Mrs Sarah Tradgett, Miss Noleen Farmer and Mrs Rebecca Evely, supported by their skilled technicians Miss Eunice Wilson and Mrs Grace Gatley.

We pride ourselves on our family system where different year groups form part of a family - named after a crown jewel. Diamonds won the Garden Olympiads and the Easter Egg Hunt, whilst Pearls dominated the Rounders tournament.

The Department continues to enjoy success in national Mathematical competitions. Every year we enter the UKMT challenges, these papers are designed to test not only mathematical skills and knowledge but also ingenuity.

Fenella Grigsby (née Bovill, Ch, 1996)

Whether it’s horses, dogs, cats, prize bulls or alpaca, it’s my job as an animal chiropractor to address issues that affect how the whole body moves and functions, and to reduce pain to improve general health and wellbeing.

This year is the first for a while where ALL pupils have been able to attend placements face-to-face! Although a slightly smaller cohort this year, placements have run smoothly, and everyone has really engaged with their new roles.

As a House we have hosted many events with everyone involved. Highlights included our charity casino night which brought parents and Upper College boys together for an evening of fun.

Our motto ‘Challenge and Wonder’ perfectly summarises the successes that have been achieved this year in the Physics Department.

Along with the day-to-day care and support of all our pupils aged from 2 years 9 months to 18+, the Health Centre Team continues to champion the Restart A Heart Campaign which teaches pupils and staff lifesaving skills and the confidence how to use them.

As the academic year draws to a close, we reflect upon a year brimming with an array of captivating activities and commendable achievements within the esteemed walls of Westal.

Gordon Mellor (H, 1947)

I was a member of the Manchester Liberal Club, as were many of my friends. There was a huge room within it, where we used to have lunch followed by a game of snooker.

At the start of the academic year the international induction felt busier than ever, with a super group of 35 new pupils joining us from overseas in Years 9, 10 and 11 and managed deftly by a team of 12 Upper College student supporters.

The A-R Team is now 60 strong! In the Autumn Term members gave year group assemblies training the whole school on how to be an Active Bystander; how to help someone who suffers abuse or micro-aggression from their peers.

An inspiring and committed group of pupils and staff has met routinely this year to celebrate, reflect on, and discuss a range of LGBTQ+ matters. Particular highlights have included the passionate championing of inspirational queer figures during the themed meeting ‘Who inspires you?'

This year’s Summer Art Exhibition was a brilliant representation of free-thinking visual communication. It showcased our pupils’ growth as individuals through studying Art.

It was wonderful to have the opportunity of visiting Shamrock School again this Easter. However, the sad decision has been made to close the school at the end of this academic year.

During October 16 Lower Sixth students visited Kenya for an educational and sports development trip. The students volunteered at Gogar Primary School near Rongai in Kenya.

Meet the Team - Carys Bradford talks to two of our brilliant College drivers Mike Steed and Steve Dempsey about their fascinating careers.

The Business and Economics Departments returned to Cuba following two previous trips in 2016 and 2018. Our trip to Havana, Viñales, and Playa Larga was an enriching journey that provided 18 Sixth Form students with a diverse array of experiences.

It has been another strong year for Classics. We welcomed Mrs Katherine Coates and her infectious love of Latin, Greek and Classical Civilisation to the team.

The Department ran the CISI Fundamentals of Financial Services Qualification as an elective for Lower Sixth students.

Geography continues to engage College pupils with the contemporary issues of the day. The subject continues to be a hugely popular option within College and the Department has enjoyed another very successful year.

For this year’s AC Bradley Shakespeare Memorial Lecture, we welcomed scholar Professor Emma Smith, Fellow at Hertford College, Oxford, who gave us a fascinating lecture ‘Tragic Men? Toxic Men? Shakespeare’s tragedies and masculinity’.

It has been a brilliant term for the Club with an average of 15 teams playing each weekend accumulating to more than 80 competitive matches.

The unveiling of the restored portrait of OC Edward Wilson (Day Boy, 1891) by Hugh Goldwin Riviere with his father OC Briton Riviere (Day Boy, 1858) in the Library set the tempo for a prosperous year in this subject. In conjunction with the restorers, Mr Nick Nelson outlined the fascinating history behind the Riviere’s magnum opus College is fortunate enough to own.

Doris Wang richly deserved this year’s Cheltonian Endowment Trust Prize. Having started her College career a disembodied voice on the other side of the world.

Third Form pupils were thrown into the pBone Project at the start of the year and made quick progress in their playing of plastic trombones whilst developing their listening and ensemble skills.

Robin Temple passed away on 6 January 2023, aged 96.

It has been a busy year in the Department, with a number of notable highlights.

The year started with a meditation on the British Constitution from the foremost authority on the matter, Sir Vernon Bogdanor, research professor at the Institute for Contemporary British History at King’s College London and emeritus professor of politics and government at the University of Oxford.

In September, Miss Lara Beere, and our incredible students warmly welcomed Miss Shelley Carr and me (Ms Lissa Rogers), as two new members of our team of just three.

It has been a tremendously busy year again in Drama with the usual trips, workshops, performances and the everyday task of preparing our GCSE and A Level pupils for public exams.

Sports Science continues to thrive at College. Numbers are strong for the coming year’s Lower Sixth plus a new cohort of Third Form pupils will start the GCSE course.

In the Autumn Term, Professor Adrian Moore visited College to lecture on ‘Immortality and Infinity.’

Applications from 168 students were submitted by the Higher Education (HE) team to UK universities and conservatoires.

Cheltenham Muscat, Oman continues to thrive. With over 750 pupils now, and growing, the school has become a leader in the region.

The focus for fundraising at Cheltenham College over the past year has been creating a new Bursary Endowment Fund in memory of Guy Dodd (H, 1959, College Staff 1966-82, Leconfield Housemaster 1973-82, and College Council 1999- 2005).

It has been an action packed academic year in Cade House. Our 48 full boarders have made Cade House their home, and they have enjoyed utilising every opportunity that makes ‘full boarding’ such an adventure.

For a celebration of some very interesting and exciting futures’ choices, read on!

Our Fond Farewells

The Travel Awards are funded by the Cheltonian Endowment Trust (CET). This is just one of the ways CET uses its annual income to support Cheltenham College.