Founder’s Day 2025

Founder’s Day 2025 was a truly memorable occasion, blending tradition, celebration and community spirit.

This year, we had the great honour of welcoming Chris Symons as our Guest of Honour at the Founder’s Day service in St Oswald’s Church. After an extraordinary 50 consecutive years playing the organ at the service, Chris addressed pupils, staff, parents, alumni and distinguished guests in the very place that has been so closely tied to our school since its foundation in 1407.

Chris first joined Oswestry School in 1971 as Head of Classics, dedicating an outstanding 43 years of service to the academic and extra-curricular life of the school. His lessons, overseas expeditions and boundless enthusiasm are remembered fondly by generations of pupils. For 26 years, he also established and developed the Oswestry School Recital Series, which grew to national and even international renown, placing Oswestry firmly on the map for the performing arts. It is a legacy that continues to inspire as we look ahead to the opening of our brand new Performing Arts Centre next year.

Welcoming Chris back was both a privilege and a joy. His address, filled with passion for the school’s history and community, was uplifting, inspiring and encouraging in equal measure. It was a highlight of a service that will long be remembered.

The celebrations that followed were packed with the pageantry and fun we have come to expect of Founder’s Day. A full programme of sports against the OOs made a welcome return, while the ever-popular dog show delighted young and old alike. With loaded fries, a sizzling BBQ and plenty more on offer, there was something for everyone to enjoy.

The occasional shower may have dampened the dogs but it certainly did not dampen the spirits of our community. Once again, Founder’s Day brought together tradition, family and joy in the best possible way.