What a wonderful afternoon of memories, connection and celebration at The Bicester School as we welcomed back the Class of 1974 on Monday 13 July 2026.
The reunion began after Headteacher Sam Knowlton was contacted by a former student with the idea of bringing classmates back together to see how their old school has changed. Working alongside our fantastic Ambassadors of Change, the vision quickly became a reality, creating a warm and memorable event for our alumni.
Guests enjoyed a presentation showcasing life at The Bicester School today, discovering how the school has evolved while remaining committed to supporting every young person to thrive. A history quiz sparked plenty of friendly competition and laughter, before alumni shared their own stories and memories from their time at school, bringing the past vividly to life.
One of the highlights of the afternoon was a series of four guided tours led by our exceptional Ambassadors of Change. The tours gave former students the chance to revisit familiar places, explore the many new developments across the site and hear first-hand what school life is like for today’s students.
The feedback from our visitors was incredibly heartwarming:
“The young Ambassadors for Change are a credit to the school and its values; courteous, attentive and respectful at all times and willing to engage with us, which was refreshing.”
“The school site was a real ‘eye opener’. Parts we remembered fondly… and new buildings everywhere, making its overall appearance very different to ‘our days’.”
Perhaps the most meaningful reflection came from the group’s comments about the ethos of the school today:
“Our overriding impression was of a Headteacher and staff who care very much about the personal growth of the pupils in their charge. We are sure they will continue to thrive and become engaging citizens.”
The alumni also reflected on the lasting impact of education beyond the classroom:
“School isn’t just about academia. It’s so much more: social skills, leadership, friendships and igniting interest in subjects that, at the time, may not always feel relevant or even interesting, but will stay with you throughout your life and help you grow into a more rounded member of the community.”
As the visit came to a close, the Class of 1974 summed up the day perfectly:
“It was a wonderful, nostalgic experience which, no doubt, we will be talking about for many years to come.”
A huge thank you to everyone who helped make the reunion such a success, especially our incredible Ambassadors of Change, who represented The Bicester School with pride and professionalism. We hope this is the first of many alumni events, celebrating our rich history while inspiring future generations.
