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9th June 2025
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As the school settles back into its rhythm following the Half Term break, it feels like the perfect moment to share an update on school life and to highlight some of the exciting developments within our Hillian community.
We’re delighted to confirm that The Big KHS Picnic will take place on Saturday, 27th September 2025. Full details and booking information can be found below—and we very much hope you’ll be able to join us.
School life has remained full of energy, with pupils throwing themselves into cricket, athletics, and a wide range of co-curricular activities—despite the recent turn in the weather, which has brought a more traditional British spring mix of wind and rain. Public exams are now underway, and we know the entire Hillian community joins us in wishing our pupils every success during this important time.
Since our last newsletter, we’ve been reviewing the results of the recent Alumni Survey. Your insights were a key focus of our second full Hillian Committee meeting held two weeks ago and are already shaping our future plans for engagement and growth.
In this edition, you’ll find updates on School News, Alumni News, and more details on several key Hillian initiatives, including the Alumni Ambassador Programme and the Hillian 10 Advisory Board.
We continue to welcome alumni visits to the school—it’s always a pleasure to reconnect and hear your stories. I also remain in regular contact with Hillians around the world, and I’m constantly reminded of the strength and reach of our global community.
Kind Regards,
Andrew
Andrew Mitchell, Alumni Engagement and Development Lead
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Connect with Andrew
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School News
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Team KHS Run the Bidwells Oxford 10K for MDUK
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As mentioned in the last newsletter, Team KHS was preparing to take part in the Bidwells Oxford 10K in support of 5th Form pupil Meriel and the MAP Nemaline Fund at Muscular Dystrophy UK. The event has now taken place, and the team has raised an impressive £2,785 so far.Houseparent and Head of Wellbeing, Mr Martin, said:
"What a morning! Well done to everyone—runners and supporters alike. It was incredible to see so many people come together at the event. Friends, family, and the wider community united to raise funds — and it was a joy to spot so many blue hats giving their all! We have already raised an amazing amount of money. Thank you to all the family and friends who have helped so far, but there is still time to raise even more!"
Meriel’s family, alongside the Kingham Hill community, hope that by raising awareness of this little-known muscle condition, they can directly support research to make the challenging journey easier for children diagnosed with nemaline myopathy in future generations. Over the past decade, significant progress has been made in identifying the various genes responsible for the condition. However, gene therapy is still in its early stages, and ongoing research will be essential to advance treatments and improve lives.
For those wishing to support, donate here.
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Prefects and Heads of School for 2025/26
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Congratulations to our newly appointed Prefect Team and Heads of School! As they take on these important roles, they will play a key part in supporting the wider pupil body, setting a positive example, and contributing to the ongoing life of the school. This is both an honour and a responsibility, and we are confident they will rise to the challenge with enthusiasm and integrity. We look forward to seeing them grow in confidence and flourish as leaders over the coming year.
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CCF Passing Out Parade Celebrates Cadet Achievements
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On the afternoon of Friday 23rd May, Kingham Hill’s Combined Cadet Force (CCF) held its annual Passing Out Parade, marking a proud milestone as our 3rd Form Cadets completed the first stage of their training with the Army and RAF sections.
The school was honoured to welcome Kingham Hill Governor and Army Nurse, Debra Ritsperis, to inspect the Contingent and present a series of awards to Cadets who demonstrated outstanding performances during their training and recent Recruit’s Camp.
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Alumni Activities: How to get Involved
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Alumni Ambassador Programme
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The Alumni Ambassador Programme is a global initiative to bring alumni together from across the world.
We are particularly interested in Alumni who want to represent the 1960's, 1980's, Sydney Australia, Hong Kong and North West England.
We are looking for individuals to lead regional, school year and interest-specific groups related to sports or other shared passions.
As an Ambassador, you’ll be responsible for hosting at least one event per year; this could be a casual meet-up at a local pub, a virtual gathering, or any other creative event that fosters connection within your alumni group.
If you’re interested in becoming an Alumni Ambassador to help build these connections, please reach out to Alumni Engagement & Development Lead, Andrew Mitchell, who will be happy to schedule an online meeting to discuss the programme in more detail, including guidance on setting up a group and event ideas.
We look forward to hearing from you and hope you’ll consider getting involved.
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Hillian 10 Advisory Board
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Are you a Hillian aged approximately 30 or under? Do you want to shape the future of our alumni community and help younger Hillians stay connected across the globe?
We’re launching the Hillian 10 Alumni Advisory Board – a new initiative for younger alumni that will help guide and support the School’s alumni engagement efforts.As a member of the Hillian 10 Alumni Advisory Board, you will:
- Contribute to events, communications, and initiatives aimed at recent leavers.
- Connect with a network of fellow alumni in their teens, 20s, and early 30s.
- Support the development of global alumni ambassadors.
- Act as a representative and ambassador for your peer group and year.
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Offer strategic insights to ensure alumni engagement remains relevant to your generation.
The Board will meet online once per term, with flexibility for additional collaboration as needed. Members typically serve a two-year term, and a Chair will be elected from among the Board. The Chair will also sit on the broader Hillian Committee, ensuring younger alumni voices are heard across the alumni programme.
If you’re interested in joining the Hillian 10 Advisory Board please reach out to Alumni Engagement & Development Lead, Andrew Mitchell, who will be happy to schedule an online meeting to discuss the programme in more detail, including guidance on setting up a group and event ideas.We look forward to hearing from you and hope you’ll consider getting involved. |
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Alumni News
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Hillians from the 70's and 80's, including Committee members David Nock (Plymouth & Norwich), Rev David Walsh (Clyde) and Andrew Mitchell (Chair, Alumni Engagement & Development Lead) enjoying a drink at The Chequers, Chipping Norton on the 25th May
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Recollections and Reunions
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We’re inviting all Hillians to share their fondest memories of their time at Kingham Hill—whether it’s a standout story, a treasured photo, or highlights from recent meetups with fellow alumni. These contributions help keep the spirit and legacy of our community alive. Please send your reminiscences, photos, or details of alumni gatherings to Andrew Mitchell.
Please note that all submissions will be reviewed, and publication will be at the discretion of the editor.
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Hillian Events
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We’re pleased to announce The Big KHS Picnic.
This alumni event has been shaped by your feedback from our recent Alumni Survey and is designed to be simple, relaxed, and focused on what matters most: reconnecting with your friends in familiar surroundings.
Bring your own picnic, bring your family, and enjoy an afternoon in the grounds of Kingham Hill School on 27th September 2025, from 1:00pm to 4:00pm. We’ll provide complimentary tea, coffee, and cakes, and the Shep Bar will be open for those who’d like to purchase a drink. Plus, enjoy live music from a jazz band.
There will also be an optional chapel service at 2:00 pm for those who wish to attend.
What to Expect:
- A bring-your-own picnic with fellow alumni, friends, and family
- Complimentary tea, coffee, and a selection of cakes
- Access to the Shep Bar (card payments welcome)
- Live jazz music
- A chance to explore the school and revisit familiar buildings
- Archive material on display in the Shep Bar
- The opportunity to reminisce and reconnect
- A shared memory board – bring along photos, stories, or mementoes to post and help us celebrate the legacy of KHS
Please click here to reserve your place here as soon as possible.
Closing date: 30th August 2025. |
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Other Hillian Events
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We have an exciting series of events lined up this year and are actively exploring new ways to engage with the Hillian community. This includes streaming key events such as Armistice Day and our Christmas Carol Service. Additionally, some of our newly appointed Alumni Ambassadors are in the process of planning their own events, which will be added to the calendar once details are received.
Here's a taste of what’s to come this year:
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Inaugural Alumni Ambassador Conference: Wednesday 11th June (online)
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Hillian AGM: Saturday 13th September, 10am (in person and online)
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The Big KHS Picnic: Saturday 27th September Kingham Hill School
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Armistice Day Service Live-Stream: Tuesday 11th November, time TBC
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London Drinks Party: The RAC, Thursday 13th November, time TBC
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1886 Society Lunch: Saturday 7th March 2026, 12:30pm. See Legacies
Further information for some of these events will follow nearer to the event dates.
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In Memoriam and Celebrations
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As part of our ongoing efforts to honour and remember the members of the Kingham Hill community, we request your assistance in notifying us of Hillians who have recently passed away, as well as information regarding memorial services or commemorations.
If you are aware of such events, please kindly reach out to Alumni Engagement and Development Lead, Andrew Mitchell, so that we can ensure the wider alumni community is able to pay their respects.
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