In September 2026 the Independent Schools Inspectorate visited Ampleforth, which resulted in a successful inspection and a report which affirms the unique Ampleforth offer and mission.
Members of the Class of 2021 recently came together for a reunion at the Duke of Wellington, enjoying an evening of friendship, laughter and shared memories.
Five years on from leaving Ampleforth, the gathering provided a wonderful opportunity to catch up on life after school, from university experiences and careers to travels and new adventures. Old friendships were quickly rekindled as former classmates reminisced about their time in the Valley and reflected on the journeys they have taken since.
The Ampleforth Society was delighted to see so many familiar faces and to witness the strong bonds that continue long after leaving school. Events like these demonstrate the enduring strength of the Ampleforth community and the value of staying connected with fellow Old Amplefordians. Thank you to all that attended. We look forward to the 10 Year Reunion!
We look forward to welcoming the Leavers of 2021 to future Society events and reunions in the years ahead.
Thank You for Joining Us
On 2 October, members of the St Hugh's community gathered to celebrate a remarkable milestone: the 70th Anniversary of St Hugh's. It was a wonderful occasion that brought together Old Amplefordians, former house staff, families, and friends to honour seven decades of memories, friendships, and shared experiences.
Thank you to everyone who attended and helped make the day such a memorable success. From the moment guests arrived, there was a tangible sense of pride and affection for St Hugh's, with familiar faces reconnecting, stories being shared, and new memories being made.
The celebration offered an opportunity to reflect on the rich history of the House and the generations of Hughonians who have passed through its doors. Conversations flowed easily as attendees reminisced about their time at school, recalled house traditions, and celebrated the lasting bonds formed during their years at Ampleforth.
As we look back on 70 years of St Hugh's, we are reminded that the House is defined not only by its history, but by the people who have shaped it and continue to carry its spirit forward. It was a privilege to celebrate this milestone together and to see the strength of the St Hugh's community so clearly on display.
Thank you once again for being part of this special anniversary. We hope you enjoyed reconnecting with old friends, revisiting cherished memories, and celebrating everything that makes St Hugh's such an important part of the Ampleforth story.
We look forward to welcoming you to future Ampleforth Society events. In the meantime, please enjoy our gallery of photographs from a truly memorable day.
It was a wonderful gathering at York Racecourse and there was a wonderful sense of occasion as Success Society came together in Car Park D for the Ebor Meet.
It was a pleasure to see so many familiar faces, alongside new members and guests, creating a truly vibrant and convivial atmosphere throughout the day. With the excitement of the Ebor providing the perfect backdrop, the occasion offered an opportunity to reconnect, enjoy exceptional company and celebrate the very best of the racing calendar.
From the first arrivals to the final races, there was an unmistakable sense of camaraderie. Good conversation, shared experiences and a passion for racing made for an afternoon that felt both relaxed and distinctly special.
The real highlight was seeing so many members together. Success Society is built around bringing people together and creating memorable experiences, and the Ebor Meet was a perfect reflection of that ethos.
Our sincere thanks to everyone who joined us and contributed to such a memorable occasion.
We look forward to welcoming you to the next society gathering, and do put the Friday 20 August 2027 in your diary!
Until then, here’s to good company, great racing and many more memorable days together.
For generations of Amplefordians, the annual pilgrimage to Lourdes has been far more than a journey. It has been an experience that shapes lives, forms lifelong friendships, and embodies the values at the heart of the Ampleforth community.
Founded by Ampleforth Abbey in the 1950s, the Ampleforth Lourdes Pilgrimage began as a way for monks and students to accompany and serve those in need of assistance. More than seventy years later, it remains one of the Abbey’s most distinctive and inspiring ministries. This summer, over 300 pilgrims travelled to Lourdes, including a particularly strong contingent of Old Amplefordians, parents, students, monks, staff and friends from across the wider Ampleforth family.
The enduring commitment of our alumni is one of the most striking features of the pilgrimage. Many first travelled to Lourdes as students, only to discover an experience that would continue to draw them back year after year. This year alone, over 120 pilgrims were under the age of 30, including a significant number of recent leavers who chose to spend part of their summer serving others alongside friends old and new. Their presence is a powerful testament to the lasting impact that Lourdes has on those who encounter it.
For many Old Amplefordians, returning to Lourdes is an opportunity not only to serve Assisted Pilgrims but also to reconnect with the values and friendships that defined their time at school. It is no coincidence that some of the strongest and most enduring connections within the Ampleforth Society have their roots in Lourdes. There are few places where recent leavers, former pupils from decades ago, current students, parents and monks work side by side in such a spirit of generosity, companionship and shared endeavour.
Parents, too, play a vital role. The pilgrimage offers a unique opportunity for families to experience service together, often seeing one another in a completely different light. It is not uncommon for parents to witness their sons and daughters grow in confidence, maturity and compassion over the course of a single week. Equally, students gain a deeper appreciation of the values that unite generations of the Ampleforth family.
What makes the pilgrimage so transformative is the encounter it provides. Students and young adults find themselves accompanying Assisted Pilgrims whose resilience, humour, faith and generosity of spirit can leave a profound impression. The experience challenges assumptions, broadens perspectives and encourages participants to look beyond themselves. Time and again, pilgrims return home speaking not about what they have given, but about what they have received.
This culture of service is one of the great strengths of Ampleforth. It is a culture that extends well beyond school years and continues throughout life. The remarkable number of young volunteers returning to Lourdes each year demonstrates how powerful that influence can be. In an increasingly fragmented world, Lourdes offers something different: a genuine community built on friendship, service and encounter.
The scale of Ampleforth's contribution to Lourdes is itself extraordinary. Over many decades, the commitment of Ampleforth pilgrims has become so significant that the pilgrimage is recognised in Lourdes on a level comparable to many diocesan pilgrimages. Yet its character remains unique. Few schools or monastic communities can point to such a long-standing tradition that continues to engage successive generations with such enthusiasm and commitment.
A particular highlight of this year's pilgrimage was the outstanding choir, many of whom were or are members of the Schola Cantorum. Through music of exceptional quality and sensitivity, the choir enriched the week's liturgies and helped create moments of great beauty, reflection and prayer. Their contribution exemplified the spirit of excellence and generosity that characterised the pilgrimage as a whole.
At its heart, Lourdes remains a powerful reminder of what makes Ampleforth special. It brings together young and old, alumni and current students, parents and monks, in a shared endeavour that transcends generations. It creates friendships that last a lifetime, strengthens faith, inspires service and connects people to a truly global Ampleforth community.
For countless Old Amplefordians, Lourdes is not simply something they once did while at school. It is part of who they are. And for each new generation, it continues to show why the Ampleforth experience remains something genuinely extraordinary.
OA Oliver Roskill (H99) Celebrates Savage House Premiere at SXSW London
We are always proud to celebrate the achievements of OAs, and it was wonderful to see Oliver Roskill (H99) at the premiere of his latest film, Savage House, at SXSW London.
Oliver is the BAFTA-winning producer behind Savage House, a wickedly dark British comedy starring Richard E. Grant and Claire Foy. Set against the dramatic backdrop of 18th-century Yorkshire, the film offers a satirical take on class, ambition and the lengths people will go to preserve appearances.
At a time when audiences are increasingly seeking original British storytelling, Savage House delivers a fresh and distinctive cinematic experience. Combining sharp humour with striking period drama, the film presents a timely and entertaining commentary on status, reputation and social aspiration.
The film opens in more than 300 cinemas nationwide from Friday 5 June, and we encourage members of the Ampleforth community to support Oliver's latest project.
Congratulations to Oliver on this exciting achievement. We wish him every success with the release of Savage House and look forward to following its journey in cinemas across the country.
St Cuthbert’s Boarding House marked a remarkable milestone with a special centenary celebration at the prestigious Cavalry & Guards Club, commemorating 100 years of history, tradition, and community.
The event brought together former Housemates from all generations, staff, and friends of the House for an evening dedicated to honouring a century of memories and achievements. It provided a wonderful opportunity for people to reconnect, share stories spanning generations, and reflect on the enduring impact of St Cuthbert’s on so many lives.
Everyone enjoyed a memorable evening of fine dining, speeches, and celebration, recognising the values, friendships, and spirit that have shaped the House over the past 100 years. The occasion highlighted the strong sense of belonging and lifelong connections that continue to define the St Cuthbert’s experience.
As the House celebrates this significant anniversary, it is a fitting moment to thank all those who have contributed to its rich history and vibrant community over the last century. Their support, commitment, and shared experiences have helped create a legacy of which St Cuthbert’s can be truly proud.
While the evening celebrated a distinguished past, it also looked ahead with confidence and excitement. Building on a proud heritage, St Cuthbert’s remains committed to creating new opportunities, lasting friendships, and cherished memories for generations to come.
Here’s to the next 100 years of St Cuthbert’s
Members of the Ampleforth community came together in Manchester for a joyful and memorable evening, marked by reflection, connection, and shared celebration.
The gathering began with Mass at St Mary’s, where guests were warmly welcomed. We are especially grateful to Fr Richard for celebrating a beautiful and meaningful service, setting the tone for the evening.
Following Mass, guests enjoyed the opportunity to reconnect and catch up, bringing together Old Amplefordians, parents, and friends of the College. It was a pleasure to see both familiar faces and new members of the community, all united by their connection to Ampleforth.
During the evening, attendees also heard from Jon Mutton, Head, and William Ainscough (D95 and current parent), who shared heartfelt reflections and provided an update on life at the College. Their words offered a valuable insight into the continued strength and spirit of Ampleforth today.
With guests travelling from across Manchester and beyond, the evening was a wonderful reminder of the enduring bonds within the Ampleforth community.
Our sincere thanks go to everyone who attended and helped make the event such a success. We look forward to welcoming you again at future gatherings.
Members of the Ampleforth community gathered in London for the annual Summer Mass & Drinks, beginning with a beautiful service at the historic Brompton Oratory. The Mass was concelebrated by Fr Ambrose, Dean of Ampleforth.
Following the service, Old Amplefordians, parents, staff, and friends came together for drinks and nibbles, enjoying the opportunity to reconnect and share news across generations. Guests also heard a brief update from the College, delivered by Hannah Pomroy, Deputy Head, and Emma Craig, Head of Development.
With attendees travelling from across London and beyond, the evening was a warm reflection of the Ampleforth spirit, community, fellowship, and enduring connection.
Our sincere thanks go to all who joined us; we look forward to welcoming you again soon.
The Women’s Network event in May, held at The Duke of Wellington in Marylebone, London, brought together over 30 women for a wonderfully relaxed evening of conversation, networking and friendship‑building, with the added bonus of welcome air conditioning on one of the hottest days of the year!
Alongside female Old Amplefordians, we were delighted to welcome current and former parents of Ampleforth College, reflecting the breadth, warmth and strength of our wider community.
The evening was a lovely reminder of the power of women supporting women, through encouragement, shared experience, professional connection and friendship, and of the importance of creating spaces where these relationships can continue to grow.
Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make the evening such a success. We look forward to many more opportunities to come together in the months ahead, including workshops, community events and mentorship programmes aimed at empowering women across the country and at the College.
Full Boarding & Day School for students aged 11 to 18