It was an emotional and memorable afternoon at QE as we welcomed a host of former pupils back to the College for a special reunion event.
Over 30 former pupils who had attended what was then Queen Elizabeth Grammar School in the 1950s and 1960s returned to the College for our QEGS Old Boys Reunion.
It was a chance to reminisce with former friends, meet current staff and students and see how the College has changed over the last 70 years.
Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College has a rich history. It was established in 1970 on the site of the old Queen Elizabeth Grammar School, with the original school having been granted a charter by Queen Elizabeth the First.
We are proud of our heritage and history and were delighted to welcome back the Old Boys for tours, talks and afternoon tea earlier this month.
There was an insightful presentation on the history of QE by librarian Jane Spellman, as well as music performed on the organ by one of the former pupils, Melanie Plumley.
Jodie Freeman, Course Leader for Media Studies, arranged the QEGS Old Boys Reunion.
She said: “It was a fantastic afternoon and lovely to host so many former pupils who were all incredibly enthusiastic to come back for a look around their old school and reminisce about what school life was like in the 1950s and 60s.
“QE is a special place that has helped to shape so many lives, including mine as a former student, and people are always so happy to share their memories of their time here.
“It was a privilege to host former pupils of the Grammar School, hear about their experiences, but also tell them about the fantastic work that Queen Elizabeth College does today.”
A number of current students also attended the event and were involved in hosting tables, taking photographs and even recording a podcast episode where visitors were interviewed about their fascinating lives during and after their school days.
Liz Garfield, a first-year student studying Media Studies, English Literature and History, said: “The Old Boys event was absolutely brilliant – they were all so inspiring with a funny story or memory to share. Malcolm Henry offered us some sound advice that was taught to him by his headmaster – It’s better to go straight than to move in the best circles.”
Fellow student Lola Watson, who is studying Economics, Film Studies and media Studies, added: “I enjoyed hearing the stories and all the changes made to the school, but also finding out about what they did with their lives and how QE shaped them. It taught me that after college you don’t have to be sure what you want to do – you can have different careers until you find what you love.”
The QE Podcast, available on Spotify and YouTube, will feature a special episode on the event and will be released later this month.
