2nd April 2026
Dear Hillians,

As we come to the end of term, I would like to extend my very best wishes for a happy and peaceful Easter.

It has been a term marked by energy and achievement across the School, and it has been a particular pleasure to welcome so many Hillians back to the Hill from around the world in recent months. These occasions are a powerful reminder of the strength and continuity of our community across the generations, for which we remain most grateful.

As we look ahead, we are keen to ensure that Hillians continue to play an active role in the life of the School. We would be delighted to hear from younger Hillians interested in joining the Kingham 10 Advisory Board, as well as from those with fundraising experience who may wish to contribute to the work of the Development Board. A small number of places are available on both, and I would be very pleased to hear from you.

We are also keen to celebrate the journeys of our alumni. If you left the Hill after 2000, we would greatly value hearing about your educational and career path, and in particular how your time at Kingham has influenced your direction. These stories will be a source of inspiration for current and future Hillians alike. If you would be willing to share your story, please do email me.

We very much hope to welcome many of you back to the Hill in the months ahead, including at the Back to the Hill Summer Gathering in June.

With my very best wishes,

Andrew

Andrew Mitchell, Alumni Engagement and Development Lead
 
 School News
 
Easter Services

Last week, Rev. Hutchings and Mr Furst led two Easter Services with readings from pupils, prayers from staff, and music from the School Choir. You can watch a recording of the full Senior Service, available on YouTube:
 
New Arrivals on the Farm

Spring is in the air on the farm, and we are delighted to have recently welcomed two adorable kid goats! Their mother, Lunar, is doing a wonderful job caring for them, and our Animal Management pupils have been closely involved, helping to look after the new arrivals and gaining valuable hands-on experience during this exciting time.
 
 
 Alumni News
 
From Kingham to Calling: The Story of Rev. John Tonkin
(Clyde House 1939 - 1945)


Rev. John Tonkin (Clyde, 1939 –1945), one of our oldest alumni, visited the School last summer alongside Adrian Foster (Greenwich, 1967–1974). We recently had the privilege of interviewing him about his time at the School and the lasting impact it had on his life.

John Tonkin arrived at Kingham Hill School in September 1939, aged just 11, having travelled alone by train from Plymouth with a label around his neck. Recently widowed, his mother had few options, and it was through a recommendation that John found his way to Kingham—a decision that would shape the course of his life.

His first impression was of the school’s beauty and order, something that remained unchanged even when he returned more than 80 years later. Settling into Clyde House, John quickly felt at home. Life was structured and purposeful, particularly during the war years when boys took on daily responsibilities such as cleaning and food preparation.


Last summer: Seated from left to right: Rev. Tom Hutchings (KHS School Chaplain), Rev. John Tonkin (Clyde 1939 - 1945), Adrian Foster (Greenwich 1967 - 1974), and Andrew Mitchell (Alumni Engagement and Development Lead).
 
 School Alumni Events
 
Back to the Hill Summer Gathering - Saturday 20th June 2026

We are delighted to invite you back to Kingham Hill for our Summer Gathering, a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with friends, explore the School, and enjoy a day full of shared memories.

Schedule: 
  • Arrival: Coffee and welcome: 10:30 - 11:00am
  • Optional Chapel Service: 11:15am
  • Buffet lunch: 12:15pm
  • Afternoon: 1:30 - 4:00pm. Stroll in the grounds, explore archive materials, relax with friends.
This is a free event, with donations welcome to support Founder’s Pupils and/or other school causes.

To register, 
click here
.

On the same day as the Hillian gathering, the School is separately hosting a Classic Car Show. Alumni are very welcome to attend this free of charge. If you would like to bring a classic car to exhibit, please click here to register.

Kingham 10 Launch: June 2026
For details, click here.

Hillians Carol Service - St Philip's, Earls Court Road, Kensington - Friday 11th December 2026 
Details of this event will be published here in due course.
 
Regional Events (Hosted by Regional Ambassadors)
 
Stroud Jazz Festival, a very last - minute gathering, Thursday 9th April.

We are delighted to share an opportunity for Hillians to come together at the Stroud Jazz Festival.
Join us on 9th April, meeting at the Stroud Hotel at 7.00pm. The evening has been kindly organised by Hillian Mark Amis. Partners and friends are very welcome.

To register, click here.

London Meal: Thursday 23rd April from 6pm


Kingham Hill invites you to join fellow Hillians for a relaxed meal at
Amalfi Ristorante, St Paul’s. Partners and friends are very welcome.

To register, to attend click here.

Bradford House Reunion: Saturday 26th September 2026

Kingham Hill and Liz Herringshaw (Hillian Committee Member and Bradford House Parent 1981-2002) are hosting a reunion for those who lived at Bradford House between September 1981 and July 2002. Family members are also welcome.


To register to attend, click here.

Other Alumni Events


Click here for further details
 
 How to Get Involved
 
 Become an Alumni Ambassador
 
Become an Alumni Ambassador – lead a regional or interest-specific alumni group, host at least one event per year (virtual or in person).


For more information, contact Andrew Mitchell or click here.
 
 Join the Kingham Hill School Alumni Facebook Page
 
Join the Kingham Hill School Alumni Facebook Page - stay connected, share memories, updates, and celebrate our community.

To join the Hillians Facebook Page: click here

Administrators: Rich Purnell (Plymouth and Greenwich 1984 - 1991) and Andrew Mitchell
 
 Update Your Alumni Contact Information
 

Update Your Alumni Contact Details - help us keep our records up to date.

Click here.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Kingham Hill School
Kingham
Chipping Norton
OX7 6TH

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