Former Parli Students Return more than 60 Years On for Emotional Reunion Visit
Parliament Hill School was delighted to welcome four former students back to the school, 62 years after they first studied here between 1957 and 1964. Now in their 80s, the alumni returned for a deeply moving and nostalgic visit, reconnecting with their school days and reflecting on how both the school and their lives have changed over time.
During a guided tour of the school, the former students shared vivid memories of their classrooms, school layout and daily routines. Many commented on how unrecognisable the site now feels, with only the original school building sparking recognition. A notable exception was Wilson Hall, the dining area, which remains a familiar landmark and a powerful link to their time at the school.
The visitors also reflected on their sporting activities, including swimming trips to the Hampstead Lido and tennis courts once located in front of the main entrance, an area that has since changed significantly. They also spoke about the strict expectations of the time, including the requirement for girls to wear uniforms at all times, the prohibition on wearing trousers, and restrictions on eating outside the school while in uniform.
The visit included a special afternoon tea in the school library, where staff shared archival materials including photographs, event programmes and historical records. The alumni were also introduced to current school life, including modern lessons, clubs and the wide range of opportunities now available to students.
As part of the visit, Year 9 students met with the former pupils to exchange experiences of school life past and present, creating a valuable intergenerational dialogue. Students shared their perspectives on learning, friendships and the opportunities available to them at Parliament Hill School today.
A particularly memorable moment was a photograph taken outside the ‘Attic’ room, now permanently locked. The former students recalled how this space had once been a favourite gathering place during their school days, where they would spend time together during breaks.
Much has changed over the decades, yet many memories remain vivid. The group shared light-hearted recollections of rolling up their skirts to make them shorter, attempting to catch the attention of boys from William Ellis School, and sneaking behind the school for a cigarette.
Out of the four alumni, only one remains a Camden resident, still living in Kentish Town and maintaining a long-standing connection to the local area.
The former students went on to pursue a wide range of successful careers, including social work, concert production at venues such as the Barbican Centre, counselling and art.
Reflecting on their visit, the alumni praised the transformation of the school and the strong relationships between staff and students today, highlighting the supportive environment and the breadth of opportunities now available.
Parliament Hill School is proud to have hosted this meaningful reunion, celebrating both its history and the enduring connection between past and present generations of Parli students.
