Welcome
Welcome to this year’s edition of Headington School Oxford’s Alumni Magazine.
It has been an exciting year for Headington School Oxford. We are delighted to share that following our January 2026 ISI inspection, the school has been officially recognised as providing a 'significant strength' in the value of our co-curricular offering, a rare distinction under the new inspection framework.
The inspectors spent three days in school and looked at every aspect of school life; talking to pupils, governors and staff, looking at work and visiting a wide range of different lessons and other activities. Since the School was last inspected, the inspection framework has changed, so schools no longer receive an overall rating. A small percentage of schools, however, are recognised as providing a ‘significant strength’ in an area in which they excel. You can read the full report here.
It was a pleasure to welcome so many of you to our Careers Fair in November and our first London networking event in March. We are extremely proud of the Headingtonians and Ryetonians making a positive impact across the globe, and I hope you enjoy their updates and articles in this year's magazine.
Following the popularity of last year's 1950s retrospective, this edition looks back at life at Headington and Rye in the 1980s. We also feature alumni who have followed their passion to carve out successful careers in the arts. Finally, while travelling through Asia this autumn to meet with our international community, I had the great pleasure of meeting Ariane Rodel, a Ryetonian now living in Bangkok; you can read her fascinating story here.
We’re always delighted when former students return to school to inspire the next generation; it’s so valuable in helping pupils to learn about the many different careers which exist. If you are interested in talking with pupils about your experience to help them find a career they will love, please get in touch with our Development Team.
Whether you graduated in 1955 or 2025, we look forward to keeping in touch and hope to welcome you back to School for our Annual Reunion on 6th June.
With best wishes,
Caroline Jordan Headmistress
It has been a busy and rewarding year for Headington Rye Oxford, full of opportunities and exciting events that continue to strengthen and shape the special relationship we all have with the School.
I would like to begin by congratulating Caroline, the staff, and pupils on the excellent inspection report. At a time when the independent school sector faces real challenges, it is reassuring to see Headington Rye remain in a strong position. It is wonderful that the inspectors recognise the breadth of our excellent co-curricular provision, where the pupils and staff are an absolute credit to the School. As always, the Headington Rye spirit shines through.
We were delighted to welcome so many Headingtonians and Ryetonians back for the Alumni Reunion in June 2025. It was especially meaningful for me to celebrate 50 years since leaving the school alongside other 1975 leavers. Whilst it’s always lovely to welcome back those celebrating their special anniversaries, all alumni are welcome, and I hope even more of you will join us on Saturday 6th June 2026, whether you left recently or 60+ years ago.
If you haven’t been back to visit Headington Rye recently, I would really encourage you to do so. The facilities, including the Hive, the Dance and Fitness Centre, the Food and Nutrition Kitchens and the expansive Prep School site are truly impressive and the opportunities available to pupils today are remarkable. I would relish the chance to study here again now!
Reflecting on how much my education gave me, I am very pleased to support the 1915 Club and would like to encourage as many Headingtonians and Ryetonians as possible to open the door to talented and motivated pupils from all backgrounds. One of the most powerful reminders of this has come from hearing directly from former bursary recipients, such as Becca, Charlotte, and Alex, whose stories highlight the real impact of the support they have received.
A huge thank you to all the alumni who continue to support the school, either through sharing their experiences and expertise, or by financial means - it’s wonderful to have so many people engaged in shaping the lives of the next generation.
Lastly, if you’re not already a member, do join Headington Connect, our online networking platform. It’s a great way to reconnect with former classmates, expand your professional circle and access a wealth of expertise from those who share the common bond of Headington Rye Oxford. Please continue to share your news and I look forward to seeing many of you at events in the coming year.
With best wishes,
Jane Woodcock (Headingtonian, 1975) Chairman of the Headingtonians