The latest OV News straight to your inbox |
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OV Josh Shines at the MCG |
England needed a win. So they rang an OV. He picked up five.
OV Josh Tongue (Br 09-16) was named Man of the Match in the Ashes at the MCG (Melbourne Cricket Ground), taking 5-45 as England won the fourth Test. The performance also earned him a place on the MCG Honours Board.
Josh’s name is already on the hallowed Honours Board at Lord’s following taking five wickets in the second innings in a one-off Test against Ireland – a game where Josh secured his first cap for England.
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We believe Josh is the first OV to have these significant honours!
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Also in attendance at the MCG were OV Will Palmer (S 08-15) and Julie Palmer (Hon OV).
Will and Josh had played cricket together at King’s, including the memorable Sri Lanka Cricket Tour in 2013.
Julie added, “It was fantastic to be at the MCG in person and see Josh take 5 wickets and England win the Test!” |
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From Australia to Alma Mater: OV Pete’s Return |
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Here follows a précis of the full article about Pete's visit, which you can read by clicking HERE
OV Pete Ratcliffe (S 82-89 and Old St Alban’s) returned to King’s during the first week of the spring term, while back in the UK visiting his family over the Christmas period. Pete, who moved "Down Under" around 15 years ago with his wife and daughter Niamh, took the opportunity to show Niamh some of the buildings that held special memories for him. |
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Their visit began in College Hall, where Pete reminisced about assemblies and exams, keen to show Niamh the Christ in Majesty. He peeked into the Undercroft, sparking happy memories of his time in there when it was his Common Room. Next was Edgar Tower, now the Classics department, in Pete's day the library, and English with Stephan Le Marchand (Hon OV) still vivid in his memory. Niamh was fascinated by Edgar Tower’s history.
Exploring further, Pete revisited Castle House, now the music school, where he briefly boarded. |
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Then onto School House, where Pete spent his formative years. Now featuring Café 1541 and the Matthew Armstrong Library, Pete fondly pointed out familiar layouts and shared tales from his days as Head of House - and how he and his predecessors had inscribed their names on the inside of one of the cupboards in their bedroom, unfortunately now painted over and is a classroom. A trip down memory lane included pointing out the Willow Tree across the river to Niamh, to where they had had to run as punishment for various misdemeanours. |
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At King’s St Alban’s, Pete toured his former dormitories, now classrooms and offices, and was delighted by unchanged details like the boys’ changing room. He shared memories with staff, recalling friendships and how he is still friends with two of his dorm-mates, OVs Adam Wyse (Br 82-89 and Old St Alban’s) and Neil Robinson (H 79-89 and Old St Alban’s) – whom Pete met for a drink back in London after his visit to King’s!
His visit concluded at the John Moore Theatre, sharing how performing helped him overcome shyness. Pete particularly recalled playing Banquo in MacBeth, among many other plays, not forgetting the spectacular House productions too.
Pete encouraged current pupils to cherish their time at King’s, a truly special place. Niamh, amazed by the differences from her Canberra school, thoroughly enjoyed seeing her father’s alma mater. |
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The King’s Foundation Strategic Plan 2026-2031 |
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This month, Head of the King’s Foundation, Ben Charles, shared the future-focused strategic plan for the Foundation.
This Strategic Plan for 2026-2031 charts an ambitious course for the next five years. It builds on the strengths of the three schools and reflects the aspirations of the entire King’s community - pupils, parents, staff, Governors, alumni, and partners.
Ben adds, “Collectively, we have shaped a vision that honours our past while embracing the opportunities and challenges of tomorrow.”
You can read more about the Strategic Plan on the School website HERE |
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OV Wedding Congratulations |
Many congratulations to OV Alex Styles (W 08-15 and Old St Alban’s) who married husband Alex in a beautiful ceremony last year. Alex shared more details, “It was really the perfect day, it was 30 degrees and we got married in Shelsley Beauchamp Church where our lovely dog Vinney joined us, followed by reception at Curradine Barns. I met my husband when I rowed at Thames rowing club on my placement year, strangely enough he is also called Alex! Niamh Vincent (K 08-15 and Old St Alban’s) and Henny Styles (K 12-19 and Old St Alban’s) were two of my bridesmaids and Matt Bladen (W 08-15) was our Master of Ceremony and took the role very seriously. Other OVs in attendance were Jo Boyce (Cr 13-15), Charlie Norton (Br 08-15), Jamie MacDonald (W 08-15) and Katy De Cothi (W 08-15).”
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We include OV weddings in the annual OV magazine, Connect, so if you’d like your Big Day featured, then please do get in touch via alumni@ksw.org.uk; we’d love to hear from you! Simply send a few details about your day, your spouse, and any OVs joining your celebrations, accompanied of course with one/two/more photos.
We also love to hear if you have welcomed a new member to your family for Connect, also to alumni@ksw.org.uk with photo, name, and any other details you would like to share (please note, we do not include full dates of birth – month and year at the most). Although the main focus is on babies, if you would like to share details about the newest furry/feathered/scaley/other member of your family, please do get in touch! |
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Annual OVs vs KSW Football Fixture! |
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Thank you to King’s sports coach, Andy Holliday, for this match report for the most recent annual footie fixture between OVs and the King’s 1st XI:
“The OVs played their annual Christmas fixture against the King’s current 1st Team between Christmas and the New Year.
“The OVs, fielding a strong squad, got off to a perfect start to the fixture: scoring a goal directly from the first corner in the first minute of the game. It took the King’s team time to recover from this early setback, but in the 16th minute they did just that through a close range finish by Widmer. This started a period of King’s dominance, with the team taking the lead thanks to a good move down the wings and finish by Field. |
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“The period of King’s dominance was short lived however, with a spectacular outside the box finish by Powell who showed what King’s had missed last season when he was injured. The OVs then went from strength to strength with a further two goals: a penalty earnt and converted by Bowers, and then this lead was doubled by Chapman, both just before half time.
“The second half mirrored the first half, with the OVs getting an early goal following a wonder strike from distance by Moule. This appeared to inspire the King’s team again into a period of dominance and, following a defensive and goalkeeper mix up, Field slotted home from close range. This period was short lived as the OVs put the game to bed with goals by Perkins and Mason, to secure the victory for the OVs 7-3.
“Thank you to all the present and former pupils for playing the game in the right spirit and at a competitive level. Also, a thank you to Dr Poole (Hon OV), for taking charge of the OV team, using his vast amount of experience in Football Management.”
The OV Squad: Harry Sproule (Ch 15-22), Josh Carr (S 17-24), Ben Amos (K 13-22), Will Muirhead (Br 15-22), Sam Perkins (Br 17-24), George Campbell-Ferguson (Cr 17-24), Alex Moule (Cr 16-23), David Wills (Br 16-23), Ed Bowers (Ch 17-24), Hugo Chapman (Br 17-24), Zach Mason (K 12-25), Todd Pinner (Os 18-24), Elijah Broadbent (Br 17-24), Matt Dalton (Cl 18-25), Ollie Powell (Ch 18-25) and Jack Flood (Ca 17-24).
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Brain Waves: A World-First Row Across the Indian Ocean |
OV Lara Vafiadis (Os 06-08) is the 23rd woman in history to row any ocean solo. Having recovered from that solo journey across the Atlantic, she has decided to up the stakes and become one of the first women, and part of the first mixed crew, to go continent to continent with Brain Waves.
Brain Waves is a mixed crew of four elite adventurers with ocean rowing running through their salty veins. In June 2026, Brain Waves will attempt a world-first: an unsupported, continent-to-continent crossing of the Indian Ocean by a mixed crew. Covering an extraordinary 5,500 miles from Australia to Kenya, the expedition is expected to take around 100 relentless days at sea. : |
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But this journey is about far more than breaking records. Brain Waves is rowing with purpose, raising £500,000 for two life-changing charities: Race Against Dementia, supporting vital research into prevention and treatment, and Rock 2 Recovery UK CIC, helping veterans, serving personnel, and emergency responders overcome mental health challenges.
The expedition will also contribute valuable scientific research, studying plastic pollution in remote ocean regions and exploring the impact of sustained extreme exercise on mental health.
The Brain Waves crew is seeking partners to make history together, so if you are interested in supporting the team, then get in touch via alumni@ksw.org.uk |
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Get Ready to Rewind… VigFest is Going Full 80s! |
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Dust off those neon legwarmers and crank up the synths: the OV summer party, VigFest, is throwing it back to the 1980s this year!
Think big hair, bigger tunes, and all the retro vibes as we celebrate the decade that brought us iconic music, bold fashion, and unforgettable feel‑good energy.
Whether you’re channelling Madonna, Bowie, or your inner Top Gun pilot, come dressed to impress and ready to dance. With a live DJ, and plenty of space in the School Gardens to ‘throw some shapes’, this year’s VigFest is set to be totally radical.
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This is one event you won’t want to miss: 📅 Saturday 11 July 2026 ⌚️6.30pm – late 📍School Gardens 🎫£25 per person, including a Welcome Drink and two course buffet
Booking is now open! For more details and to grab your ticket visit the Vigornian Hub HERE
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Share your Gap Year Story |
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Did you recently take a Gap Year after King’s or Uni? Whether you travelled, worked, volunteered, learned new skills or simply explored a new direction, our current Lower Sixth would love to hear from you at the Gap Year Talks 2026, being held in June. |
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Each year, OVs share their real‑world experiences - from ski seasons and international work placements to travel adventures and personal growth - giving current students invaluable insight as they start planning their own next steps. Your story could be exactly the inspiration someone needs.
If you're happy to come back and speak, or even share a short virtual presentation, we’d be delighted to hear from you! Get in touch with the Alumni Office to take part. |
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Rededication for OV Martin Warren |
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An OV who is listed as one of the missing of the First World War has this month had his grave identified in France – his obituary in the 1918 edition of The Vigornian helped in part to identify him.
OV Martin Warren was a dayboy at King’s from 1908 - 1914. He was Captain in the Worcestershire Regiment and was killed in the fighting near Pargny, Somme, France on 24 March 1918 aged 20. His body was never found.
In 1919 the battlefield grave of an unidentifiable captain of the Worcestershire Regiment was discovered in Morchain Wood and buried in nearby Pargny British Cemetery as an unknown captain of the regiment.
Six years ago, researcher James Uzzell submitted a case to the authorities with evidence (including his obituary from The Vigornian, supplied by the then King’s Archivist Harriet Patrick) to show this grave was that of the missing |
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Captain Martin Warren. Earlier this month James and members of Martin's family heard the news that this has been approved.
Therefore 107 years after he lost his life, a full military honours public ceremony will now be held at Pargny British Cemetery in France on 17 March this year, where the Ministry of Defence and Commonwealth War Graves Commission will rededicate Martin’s grave with his name.
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Can you, or someone in your professional network, help with any of the following careers support requests from current students and OVs? If so, please email alumni@ksw.org.uk – your support would be hugely appreciated:
L6 student looking for work experience within 30 minutes of Worcester in a role related to Classics, which may help her in her aim to read a Classical Studies course at University U6 student seeking work experience in July / August, after his A-level exams, in Worcestershire, Birmingham or London. He’s interested in gaining practical skills and understanding day-to-day tasks in different roles, in general business operation roles L6 student open to work experience in any location that can help him learn more about business development and management, as well as learn more about his own strengths and interests Two OVs currently studying at the University of Exeter are each looking for a placement from this summer for 9-12 months - it doesn’t have to be with the same organisation for the entire period. They are both happy to share their CVs and can also be found on LinkedIn:
James Raybould (W 22-24) seeking an industrial placement in personal and corporate financial services – particular areas of interest in audit, accounting, asset/wealth management and insurance. Flexible and mobile across the UK. Monty Jelfs (Os 17-24) – focus on financial markets, with a particular interest in asset/wealth management and trading, ideally in London. L6 student wishing to understand more about working in the Legal profession. He is flexible on timings and ideally looking for somewhere in the West Midlands OV Olly Bladon (Ch 17-24) is also looking for an industry placement from September this year. He's currently studying Chemical Engineering at Newcastle University and would be grateful for any leads or tips. Please contact the Alumni Office if you can help! |
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King’s is in the top 2% of sporting schools in the UK |
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King’s Worcester has been named among the top 2% of the UK’s highest-performing sporting schools by School Sport Magazine.
This marks the third consecutive year King’s has featured in the top half of the top 200 rankings, and the second year running that King’s is the only school in Worcester to make the list!
You can read more about it HERE
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Beyond King's: December's OV Professional of the Month |
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Congratulations to OV Alex Wenyon (Cr 07-14) who is December's OV Professional of the Month.
She joins OVs Steve Perera (Cr 86-93), Prof Bill Baker (W 85-90), and Matt Jones (W 90-97) in the running for the inaugural OV Professional of the Year! |
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Beyond King’s: January's OV Professional of the Month |
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This month we have two wonderful OVs for the Beyond King's OV Professional of the Month: OVs Dr Jonathan Cox (W 80-83), and Lindsey Matthews (Cl 81-88) who was nominated by OV Charles Annable (Cl 78-88).
You can read about Lindsey and Jonathan's careers below, then vote for your OV Professional of the Month via this form linked HERE, or via the poll in the Old Vigornians' LinkedIn Group, which will be going live on Monday. If you're on LinkedIn but not yet a member of the Group, you can request to join it HERE
Nominate yourself or others for February's OV Professional of the Month
We're inviting OVs to nominate themselves or fellow OVs to be featured on LinkedIn, the School website HERE, and the OV e-newsletter. Your feature will then be put forward for voting at the end of the month via the e-newsletter and the Old Vigornians' LinkedIn group to be nominated as OV Professional of the Month. A great opportunity to showcase your career trajectory since leaving King's and inspire current and future OVs.
Each OV Professional of the Month will then be entered into the running for OV Professional of the Year, which will be announced in the summer.
You will need to submit a short bio to include highlights of your time at King's, which A-levels you took, any further education beyond King's, a précis of your career to date and an accompanying photo. You can either get touch via LinkedIn or email alumni@ksw.org.uk for more details, or to submit your own nomination or nominate another OV!
The aim of Beyond King's remains to showcase the diversity of the OV network and inspire all those in our Vigornian Community.
Get in touch to celebrate your career, no matter which stage you're at! |
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OV Dr Jonathan Cox (W 80-83) |
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OV Dr Jonathan Cox (W 80-83) joined King’s to study Biology, Maths, Physics and Chemistry A-level, alongside enjoying rugby and athletics. His passion for science then led to a BSc and a PhD in Chemistry at Durham University.
Moving to Cambridge, Jonathan was a postdoctoral research assistant in the Chemistry Department. Onwards to the MRC Centre for Protein Engineering, where, with 2018 Nobel Prizewinner Sir Greg Winter, Jonathan cloned human antibody genes for therapeutic antibodies.
In 1993, he became a lecturer in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Bath and has been there ever since. At Bath, amongst other things, Jonathan invented a colourful educational magnetic model of DNA, and discovered various tricks that sharks use to detect scent. The shark work is on display at the Natural History Museum, London. |
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Jonathan added, “Currently I am developing a shark-inspired device to detect tiny concentrations of chemicals involved in disease, security (e.g. explosives) and well, anything!” |
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OV Lindsey Matthews (Cl 81-88) |
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An 11+ entrant and King’s Scholar, OV Lindsey Matthews (Cl 81-88) triumphed in academics at school, securing a place at Cambridge with A-levels and S-levels in Maths, Further Maths, Physics and Chemistry.
In addition to his studies, Lindsey also enjoyed spending time with the photography club and 6th form cinema club, scoring for the cricket team and supporting behind the scenes in the Theatre.
Having completed his MA in Natural Sciences and Computer Science at Cambridge, Lindsey began his career in financial markets by joining SBC (soon to become UBS) in 1992.
Lindsey remained with UBS for 28 years in various roles, including Global Head of Investment Risk and European Chief Risk Officer of UBS |
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Asset Management, Co-Head of UBS Delta (a risk software platform for clients) and a Senior Advisor to UBS Wealth Management.
He now has over 30 years’ experience in financial markets, now as Chief Risk Officer for the Universities Superannuation Scheme. Lindsey has also served as Chair of CFA UK and became a governor of CFA Institute in 2024, the industry body for the global investment management profession. He is also a Visiting Fellow at Henley Business School. |
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Vote for January'sBeyond King’s: OV Professional of the Month |
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Remember to vote for your January's OV Professional of the Month via this form HERE, or via the poll in the Old Vigornians' LinkedIn Group, which will be live on Monday. If you're on LinkedIn but not yet a member of the Group, you can request to join it HERE |
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Reunions and Events: dates for your diary! |
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The Year of 2016's Ten Year Reunion - Saturday 28 February 2026
Your Ten Year Reunion will begin with (optional) tours of School from 4pm, followed by drinks and light bites from 5-7pm, with the chance to catch up with your friends from School, and some of your former teachers! You can book now via your Vigornian Hub HERE - booking closes Wed 18th February
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BOOKING OPEN
VigFest - Saturday 11 July 2026
The School Gardens will once again welcome OVs from across the generations for an evening of eating, drinking and dancing! Grab your tickets on the Vigornian Hub HERE
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SAVE THE DATE: The 123rd Annual OV Dinner - Saturday 19 September 2026
Bring your OV friends together for an evening of food and friendship in memory-filled College Hall. Open to all OVs from across the eras, with a special focus on those celebrating milestone year reunions - we're looking at you, the Years of 2006, 1996, 1986, 1981, 1976 and 1966! |
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Get in Touch |
Don't forget to get in touch if you too have news you would like to share with the OV community: alumni@ksw.org.uk or on 01905 721737. |
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