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February 2026
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Dear Hillian,
Two weeks ago, Kingham Hill was buzzing with excitement for Science Week, as pupils explored, experimented, and discovered the world around them (more stories and pictures below). It was wonderful to see curiosity and creativity in action across the school.
We’ve also enjoyed welcoming several alumni to the school, where they explored the grounds, caught up with staff, and shared memories of their time here. These visits are a great reminder that the Kingham Hill community stays with us long after leaving the Hill.
Looking ahead, we’re excited for the Back to the Hill Summer Gathering on 20th June 2026 — a chance to return to the school, reconnect with friends, and enjoy the grounds. Full details are below.
Kind regards,
Andrew Andrew Mitchell, Alumni Engagement and Development Lead |
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School News
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Kingham Hill Science Week 2026 - Curiosity: What's Your Question?
This year’s Science Week invited us to think deeply about the world around us and to begin with a simple idea: curiosity starts with a question. Over the course of the week, we had the opportunity to explore science in action, both inside and outside the classroom. Our visits extended our learning beyond school. At Bletchley Park, 3rd Form pupils discovered how the work of the wartime codebreakers laid foundations for modern computing and artificial intelligence. At the Natural History Museum, pupils in 2nd Form examined fossils and explored how species adapt to their environments, before observing remarkable reptiles at Crocodiles of the World. A visit to Cotswold Wildlife Park further developed the 1st Form's understanding of biodiversity, including a fascinating Birds of Prey talk. Back at school, Sixth Form pupils took part in a full-day Crime Scene Investigation workshop, applying forensic techniques while developing teamwork, analytical thinking and data-processing skills. We also designed and launched water rockets, testing parachute systems to ensure safe landings.
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Alumni News
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Jonathan Bland-Hawthorn (Joss)
Last month, we shared news that Joss was named one of the world’s top 25 astronomers and inducted into the American Academy of Arts & Sciences. This month, Andrew Mitchell caught up with him over coffee in Sydney and later at Merton College, Oxford, where he was Leverhulme Professor and Visiting Fellow in 2010.
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Pictured (top clockwise): Vasily and Arten Bochagov with their partners and parents; Arten with Dug Ansley; Vasily and Arten with their parents.
Brothers Vasily Bochagov (Bradford House 2012–2019, Head of House 2018–2019) and Arten Bochagov (Sheffield 2012–2019) recently visited the school with their partners and parents. Vasily studied at Brussels University, and Arten at Loughborough University. While visiting, Arten bumped into Dug Ansley, who reminded him that he still had some schoolwork to collect.
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School Alumni Events
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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 memories.
Schedule:
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Arrival: Coffee and welcome: 10:30 - 11:00am
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Optional Chapel Service: 11:15am
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Buffet lunch: 12:15pm
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Afternoon: 1:30 - 4:00pm. Stroll in the grounds, explore archive materials, relax with friends.
Whether it’s been a few years or many since your last visit, we’d love to see you here.
This is a free event, with donations welcome to support Founder’s Pupils and/or other school causes.
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Regional Alumni Events
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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.
Alumni Drinks EventsFollowing recent meet-ups in London, Manchester, Stroud, and Exeter, more are being organised. Click here for details. |
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How to get involved
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Become an Alumni Ambassador
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Become an Alumni Ambassador – lead a regional or interest-specific alumni group, host at least one event per year (virtual or in person).
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Join the Kingham Hill School Alumni Facebook Page
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Join the Kingham Hill 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.
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Update Your Alumni Contact Information
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Update Your Alumni Contact Details - help us keep the database up to date.
Click here.
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