We recently had the pleasure of joining some of the Ditcham Park founding pupils as they met up and shared stories. They had all recently had significant birthdays (which exact one I shall not divulge!) so it was the perfect opportunity to get together and celebrate. These ‘founding’ pupils were amongst the first who joined this revolutionary new school in 1976, with Paddy Holmes leading them. What became very clear was that they all had extremely happy memories – a common theme when talking to Alumni from Ditcham!

Stories were shared of joining the school as third formers (Year 9 as we would know it today) moving from various secondary schools in the local area. They explained that adverts in local papers were spotted by their parents and that is how they ended up on the hill. Even in those early fledgling days, adverts and newspaper articles played a key role in selling the school to a new audience.

During this time there was only one shuttle bus which started in Hayling Island, collecting pupils going north all the way to Petersfield before looping up the north drive…… a long morning for some of those pupils! It must have seemed almost magical to watch the scenery change from open marshes and built-up areas to leafy greenery, trees and a rather steep, almost Alpine-like road that twisted and turned up to where the school was perched. This feeling is still very much alive today and visitors to the school often report on what a magical journey it is.

Image of Ditcham Park by Rhoda Seymore-Dale – aged 4

This particular cohort started at Ditcham as teenagers but they recalled children of all ages arriving at the school as Paddy had to secure 100 children on role to persuade the banks to let her start school. It was heartwarming to hear them talk of home stitched uniform, exploring the cellars and the (many!) hidden staircases of the old building. The school didn’t just attract pupils from the local community, children joined Ditcham from as far afield as the Cayman Islands and Iran! I hope they were fully prepared for the dramatic and ever-changing weather that the school still experiences to this day!

Were you a founding pupil? Or maybe you’re new to the alumni page? We’ve given it a fresh new make-over for 2024 and there’s a short online form for you to fill in so that we can keep in touch. Please do hop over and take a look!

We are also active on social media platforms so join us on Instagram @ditchamconnect and on Facebook Ditcham Park School Connect. We’re revamping our LinkedIn page too so keep an eye for news on this when its ready.

We have some exciting alumni events for 2024 so do sign up so you can keep up to date with information and events.