Oswestry School Celebrates a Fantastic Founders’ Day 2026

The Oswestry School community came together on Saturday 19th September to celebrate Founders’ Day 2026, with a wonderful morning service followed by a packed Family Fun Day featuring sport, games, food, laughter and plenty of friendly competition.

The day began with a special Founders’ Day service at St Oswald's Church, bringing together pupils, staff, Old Oswestrians, families and friends of the School.

Mr Middleton welcomed a packed church to the Founders’ Day celebrations, before the service was led by Rev. Cranston.

The guest speaker was Old Oswestrian, Geraint Griffiths, who reflected on the lasting impact Oswestry School can have on the lives of its pupils and the special place the School continues to hold within its community.

Geraint, himself a distinguished high jumper, held the Welsh High Jump Championship for three years and went on to hold the British Masters high jump record for 11 years. Drawing on his own experiences, he spoke warmly about the influence of his time at Oswestry School and the enduring connections and memories that can stay with pupils long after they leave.

The celebrations then moved outside for the 'Founders Family Fun Day', with activities taking place throughout the afternoon.

There was something for everyone, including inflatables, remote-control car racing, football, hockey, netball, golf chipping and the ever-popular dog show. House stalls provided games and activities for pupils, while hot dogs and ice creams kept everyone fuelled for the afternoon.

The sporting programme produced plenty of competitive moments.

On the hockey pitch, the Old Oswestrians took on the School’s 1st VII, with the School side coming out 6-0 winners. The match also featured a particularly memorable family connection, with three members of the Suckley family taking part — two representing the OOs and one playing for the School.

The football match between Old Oswestrians and Oswestry School staff was a hard-fought contest, eventually finishing in an entertaining 2–2 draw.

On the netball court, the School team secured a 14–8 victory, in another fiercely contested and enjoyable match. The game also brought together four former Head Girls — Ffion S-J, Elise F, Darcey C and Sian G — who all took to the court, adding a special sense of history and camaraderie to the occasion.

Away from the main sporting fixtures, the remote-control car racing attracted plenty of attention, with competitors battling it out for the fastest lap. Golfers tested their skills in the chipping competition, while the infamous dog show once again provided one of the more entertaining spectacles of the day.

With pupils, families, staff and Old Oswestrians all enjoying the celebrations together, Founders’ Day 2026 was a fitting reminder of the community that surrounds Oswestry School and of the friendships and memories that continue long after pupils leave the School.

A fantastic day of sport, community and fun; and a fitting celebration of the Oswestry School family.