Plea to Old Owenians

Published: 3 June, 2011

• Dame Alice Owens was initially founded for 30 boys from Islington in 1613. 

A separate girls’ school was only added more than two-and-a-half centuries later in 1886, and then only amalgamated with the boys in 1973.  

In 1976, the school moved to Potters Bar, where a combined school was opened. By 2013 it will be 400 

years since its foundation. It is now the leading mixed school in the country.

Previously, only limited old pupils’ groups have existed but to celebrate its 400th anniversary a new drive is being made to bring all ex-students, staff and governors together in a big celebration at the Royal Albert Hall in 2013 – along with several other events. 

To commemorate the occasion, at the school a new science building is to be constructed for which a £1million appeal has been launched, chaired by Gary Kemp of Spandau Ballet, an old Islington boy.

Links with Islington remain, as a proportion of its annual intake has always come from the borough. 

If anyone is associated with the school or knows of others who are, then they should email mailto:400years@damealiceowens.herts.sch.uk to register their interest and receive the quarterly newsletter about Old Owenians or OOs, maybe give their experiences and learn how they might still support the school... even now.

Make the past a part of your future.

MALCOLM MOYSE 
Fundraising team
Alwyne Road, N1