Alumni from Cambridgeshire High School for Boys Reunite

We were delighted to open our doors to alumni from the Cambridgeshire High School for Boys, welcoming back former students who attended before the school became Hills Road Sixth Form College, as well as those who experienced the transition first-hand. Representing decades of school history, alumni from the 1940s through to the 1970s joined us for an evening full of memories.

Future Principal Ali Kirkman shared an update on life at Hills Road today and reflected on how the site has evolved over the years. Guests also enjoyed exploring a specially curated display of archive materials from their time at the school, including photographs, newspaper articles, boys' school uniforms complete with caps and ties, and even exercise books dating back to 1926. One alumnus was particularly thrilled to spot himself in a 1958 newspaper clipping, captured carrying out a science experiment nearly seven decades ago! 

There were also fond reunions between former students and staff, including Mrs Cleaver, whose former Latin pupils were delighted to see her again after all these years.

The visit offered plenty of opportunities to compare past and present. Guided by our Year 12 student volunteers, alumni toured the college and shared stories of school life in a very different era. Memories ranged from uniforms and fountain pens to visits to the headteacher's office, while one group recalled an infamous prank involving swapping the green 'enter' and red 'wait' lights that caused confusion for weeks.

A highlight of the evening came in The Hall, where many guests eagerly searched the historic honour boards and plaques, finding not only their own names but also those of their school friends, still on display on from decades before.

Thank you to everyone who helped make the reunion such a special occasion, and to all the alumni and former members of staff who joined us to celebrate the history of Cambridgeshire High School for Boys and Hills Road.

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