We are thrilled to share that Aylesbury Grammar School recently celebrated its 425th Anniversary with a fabulous event in the AGS Foundation Hall on Friday, 29th September. Over 200 guests attended the event and enjoyed a memorable evening filled with engaging discussions, insightful conversations, and the opportunity to connect with Aylesburians past and present. The Foundation Hall was packed to the rafters and buzzing with excitement as everyone celebrated this momentous occasion.

It was fabulous to see so many friends of the School and amazing to see OA Ivor Cornish in attendance, who featured in the photo on the front cover of the Book and also OA Captain David Wixon RN who was at School for the 350th Anniversary in 1948, returned for the 400th Anniversary in 1998 and again on Friday.

The event began with a warm welcome from our Headmaster, followed by some fantastic insight and outtakes by our esteemed local author, Dr. Joel Burden, following his extensive research for the book. An interview session with our passionate Old Aylesburians hosted by our former Head of German and AGS Foundation Trustee, Jackie Brooker, held the room. The interviews were filled with memories and experiences that were both respectful and hilarious (in equal measure). Guests were treated to some brilliant one-liners including one from OA Rob Sloan (Ridley ’97) reflecting how his fellow students felt about Jackie Brooker when he was at School, and Tom Burton (Denson ’08) shared how he now knows the difference between a toilet and a bidet, courtesy of OA Richard O’Driscoll (Paterson ’93).

It was truly an evening to remember as we celebrated our amazing School and reflected on its rich history. We hope that everyone who attended had a great time and made some unforgettable memories!

Please scroll down for a gallery of wonderful images from the night, expertly captured by Ellie Treherne.

Aylesbury Grammar School. A History. Published 2023 is a beautiful, illustrated hardback book, tracing the sometimes turbulent history of our School, through key events and personalities that have left a lasting impact on our School. Engrossing, lively, and sometimes surprising, it is a book we hope you will all enjoy, refer to, and cherish for years to come.

It's not too late for you to secure your book, if you haven't already done so, please click here to purchase a copy.

Our Foundation in 1598 has survived 19 monarchs, the upheaval of two world wars - as well as the English Civil War - and various relocations around Aylesbury. From our beginnings as a boys' school, then coeducational and back to a boys school, AGS has been at the forefront of educational change, and throughout has maintained an environment of support, inspiring our students to flourish and thrive.

425 years on AGS remains true to its founding vision of providing a ‘free school for Aylesbury’ giving every student, irrespective of background and circumstance, the opportunity to flourish. Unparalleled in breadth and quality of opportunity, we aim to be the School of choice for local families, nurturing the character of young people and preparing them to succeed.