Old Nottinghamians

As we look forward to this year's Sports Day, we're taking a look back at some wonderful moments from years gone by. Here are a few photographs that capture the fun and spirit of the day.

Do you recognise anyone?

1913 - Celebrating our heritage. Does the space look familiar?

The Geri Thomas Memorial Fund

Since the fund was launched in 2025, 29 donors have contributed over £24,000 (inc. Gift Aid) in Geri's memory. We are incredibly grateful for this support, which is a wonderful reflection of the affection, and respect, so many people had for him.

The income from the fund will help bursary students take part in the residential section of the Gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award. For many young people, this experience is a memorable and important part of their personal development, and this fund will help ensure that more students can benefit from it in the years ahead.

As we look ahead to Founder's Day 2026, we reflect on the origins of our school and the remarkable legacy of our founder, Dame Agnes Mellers.

In 1513, Agnes secured a Foundation Charter from King Henry VIII, with the support of Sir Thomas Lovell, establishing a "Free School" for the boys of Nottingham, regardless of their family's wealth. For a woman in Tudor England, this was an extraordinary achievement.

The School's first lessons were held within St Mary's Church in Nottingham's Lace Market. Agnes's vision was ambitious for its time: providing an education focused on Latin and Greek, underpinned by high standards of conduct and discipline.

Although Agnes Mellers died shortly after Nottingham High School opened, her influence remains woven into school life more than 500 years later. Each year, Founder’s Day provides an opportunity to honour her vision and generosity, while Mellers House and the three merles on the School coat of arms continue to celebrate her lasting legacy.



This photograph was taken in the 1930s

The Class of 1986 Anniversary Reunion was another wonderful occasion and a reminder of just how strong our school community remains.

Alongside the ONs, it was a pleasure to welcome former member of staff William Ruff, our Patron David Wild (ON 1964-1974), and current parents. Their presence added a great deal to the day and reflected the many different ways people remain connected to the School.

Thank you to everyone who joined us, shared their memories and helped make it such an enjoyable reunion.

A real strength of the ON community is the willingness of former students to support current ones.

At Friday’s Connect and Inspire London event, students once again had the opportunity to speak with ONs from a wide range of backgrounds, gaining valuable insights into different career paths, experiences and opportunities.

What makes this format particularly valuable is that the benefits extend beyond our students. Staff, recent graduates and ONs themselves all gain from the conversations, connections and shared experiences that emerge from bringing different generations of the Nottingham High School community together.

The event also coincided with our Employability Skills Challenge, where, last week and this, 16 ONs have been supporting Year 12 students through interview practice, workplace scenarios and employability-focused activities. Together, these initiatives demonstrate the significant contribution our ONs continue to make to our students and our School.

Thank you to everyone who took part and shared their time and experience. These conversations help students broaden their thinking and consider their options in a wider context.

A huge thank you to Ben Cullen (ON 1987-1996) for hosting the Connect and Inspire London event and helping to create such an engaging and welcoming atmosphere.

Are you in the picture?

Launched in 2025, we’re excited to be hosting our second Connect & Inspire event in London next Friday.

The event gives our students a valuable opportunity to build confidence, make connections, and network in a professional business setting.

A huge thank you to the Old Nottinghamians whose support and generosity make opportunities like this possible.

We’re looking forward to another inspiring afternoon!

The final preparations are underway as we prepare for the Geri Thomas Sports Hall Naming Ceremony, taking place on Sunday.

We thought you would enjoy seeing some photographs from the Archive reflecting his time at Nottingham High School as an Ambassador. His School tours were legendary — sharing stories, memories and experiences, and encouraging others to do the same.

We look forward to celebrating his remarkable contribution to the School community this weekend.

Old Friends, New Memories ✨

It was our pleasure to host the Class of 1966 Anniversary Reunion and the Old Friends, New Memories Reunions last weekend. Both occasions were a fitting reminder of the value of the Nottingham High School community long after leaving the School.

On Sunday, we were honoured to welcome a remarkable gathering of our community - including ONs and their family members, former staff, former parents, former governors, grandparents of current students, donors, legators, and long-standing supporters. Many had travelled considerable distances to be with us, and for some, physical challenges made the journey even more significant - yet nothing seemed to deter the determination to reconnect and share in the occasion.

There were moments of reflection too, as we fondly remembered those no longer with us - their presence was felt in the shared memories and the legacy they helped to create.

Events such as these strengthen the bonds felt across generations, reminding us of the shared experiences, values, and friendships that continue to connect our School community over time.

Thank you to everyone who joined us and for making the occasion so meaningful. We look forward to repeating this event in 2027.

We are especially grateful for the support of our Headmaster, Archivist, Patron, and incoming Chair of Governors in helping make this event possible.