On Saturday 4th July we held our always anticipated Reunion Day, welcoming around 220 alumni and former teachers through the door. The range of years represented spanned an extraordinary 73 years this year, from former students of class of 2021 all the way to class of 1948 (1941 joiner). 

Once the doors opened at 12 and former students were checked in, the celebrations started in the Small Hall over a drink. Guests then headed off to the Great Hall for a lovely lunch provided by our very popular local café, whose owner has been feeding generations of Latymerians! The atmosphere in the hall was jovial, with stories aplenty recounted from everyone's school days. 

At the same time on the 3G pitch, another edition of the fiercely contested Latymer Old Boys FC tournament was underway, the excellent weather making for an extremely engaging spectacle. After a tense and nervy affair, ENLeague Allstars upset the odds, and secured a shock tournament win despite coming 4th in the initial league phases. Group winners Murder on Zidane's Floor had to settle for the 3rd place trophy, whilst bottom of the league No-Dubz managed to scoop up the Shield trophy, ending the day on a high despite 0 league points. Full results of the tournament can be found below.

Back in the main building, once lunch was finished, alumni could either head to their assigned classrooms to catch up with their year group or take part in a school tour delivered by our very enthusiastic Year 8 students. Benjamin, Daniel, Eloise, Lily and Yuki all received glowing reviews for their enthusiasm and knowledge! 

Not only was it an positive experience for our alumni, but it was also incredibly enjoyable for our student tour guides, as described by Year 8 student Eloise. 'I had lots of fun and I learnt really interesting things from [former students]! I toured alumni who joined in 1955 and they told me about how the Sixth Form common room was going to be a pool, but the school didn't have enough money to finish so they covered it up and made it into a gymnasium. It was enlightening to discover the history of the school and meet the alumni'. 

This sentiment was echoed by fellow student Yuki. 'It really gave me a sense of how being part of Latymer stays with you all through your life. I learnt so much about what school used to be like for children before me and for teachers who used to work at Latymer. Overall, it was an amazing experience, and I can't wait to see how Latymer changes for future generations before me.' 

Current students' involvement on the day didn't stop there – Amelia and Garvey, Year 9, held the merchandise stall for the day and jumped in on school tours when demand rocketed at 3pm. If you didn't get a chance to buy merchandise on the day, it's available year round here. 

Perrez and Idrees, Year 12 students, were also great volunteers on the day whilst Cemre Su, also Year 12, provided delightful harp music throughout the afternoon. Getting current students involved in the reunion is really important to us, as it helps build the link between the school, former students and future alumni.

Current students about to give a school tour to 1956 joiners.

Over in the Small Hall, Headteacher Mr Gilford was expertly manning the bar for a second year running, dishing out drinks aplenty, whilst photo exhibitions, uniform displays and a Latymer magazine showcase set up by our librarian Ms Bugg, allowed former students to physically delve back into their Latymer years, with everyone looking to spot a few familiar faces. 

Throughout the afternoon, every corner of the school was covered, smiles were firmly on faces and laughter was heard in various corridors. Some people hadn't been back for 50 years, others come almost every year. The furthest distance covered this year to attend was from Jane, class of 1983 (1976 joiner), coming from New Zealand. Australia, Ireland and the USA were also represented, whilst former students also came from pretty much all four corners of the UK, from Banff to Tiverton and Folkestone to Stockport. 

Class of 2006 Arun, Stephen, Kevin, Mike and Paras marking 20 years of leaving Latymer.

It was particularly lovely to see so many toddlers and children running around this year, as the alumni of classes of 2021, 2016 and 2006 brought their children to the event, whilst other brought their grandchildren to visit. Who knows, maybe future Latymerians in the making?!

The reunion finished with the tradition of singing the Latymer School song. At 4.15pm, everyone made their way to the Great Hall where a stirring performance took place from all generations of Latymer students, capturing the rare and unique essence of community which is so pertinent within Latymer. Once again, the song was accompanied by the organ, wonderfully played by Roland (class of 2025), much to the joy of all in attendance.

After the official moment in the Great Hall was wrapped up, alumni were able to stay and soak up the sunshine, enjoy a few more drinks or head home with warm feelings and continued affection for the Latymer School. 

The success of the day was wonderfully summed up by David Robinson, Class of 1963 (1956 joiner) who came with a good group of peers to celebrate their 70th anniversary of joining the school. 'Latymer holds a very special place in all our hearts, and we are delighted to see it continuing to serve the local community so successfully.'

Table of 1956 joiners at lunch.

The day also holds a special place for Pam Harris (née Catchpole), class of 1963 (1956 joiner), who reflected afterwards on the crucial foundation Latymer provided in her life. 'My children cannot understand why I keep coming back. To them it was quite normal to grow up in a spacious house filled with books and music; to go to a good school and then to university; and to find an interesting and well-paid job. What's the big deal? But for me and many of my contemporaries, born to working class parents and the first in the family to attend a grammar school, the experience was life changing. Latymer opened so many doors: to the sciences, literature, foreign languages etc. Our English teacher Colin Knight, playing that grand piano in assembly, inspired me to seek piano lessons. My piano has been my solace my whole life. Every year I say that this will be my final appearance: I'll be 81 tomorrow and am now living in Ilkley, West Yorkshire, so it's a long journey. But don't be surprised if I should show up again!'

Beatrice Cami, who organises the event as the Alumni Relations Manager, would like to give a special thank you to all the volunteers, including the years coordinators, who kindly gave their time to make the day such a success. Finally, a huge thank you to all our alumni who turned up in such high spirits and ensured the 2026 edition of Reunion Day was yet another special occasion!

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