Welcome to Wetherby School's 75th Anniversary Year
We warmly invite pupils, families, alumni and staff, past and present, to join us in celebrating 75 years of Wetherby Notting Hill, a milestone that reflects a strong community and a shared commitment to excellence.
Known for combining high academic standards with genuine pastoral care, Wetherby supports boys to grow into confident, thoughtful and well-rounded young men, guided by integrity, kindness and respect.
This anniversary year brings the Wetherby community together to celebrate its achievements, recognise the role of parents and alumni, and look ahead to the future the school continues to shape.
Fundraising Gala
As part of these celebrations, the Anniversary Gala on Tuesday 23 June will raise funds for the school’s approved charity, The Gold Standard Charitable Trust’s Wetherby Bursary Fund. The Fund has made a meaningful difference by supporting talented pupils whose circumstances might otherwise place an independent education beyond reach. Continued generosity from our parent community will ensure this important work can extend even further.
Event details
Date: Tuesday, 23 June 2026
Time: 7.00 –10.00 pm
Location: One Marylebone,1 Marylebone Rd, London NW1 4AQ.
Key Moments Across 75 Years
Founded in 1951 by Margaret and Gerald Russell, Wetherby Notting Hill began with a clear mission: to build strong academic foundations alongside character and confidence. From our original home in Wetherby Place to our premier locations across London today, we remain dedicated to preparing pupils for the world’s leading schools.
1951 – 1971
A Legacy of Excellence
Wetherby School is founded by Mr and Mrs Gerald Russell in Kensington, initially educating 100 boys.
2002 – 2009
Visionary Growth
Our partnership with the Alpha Plus Group marked an era of strategic development, facilitating the launch of Wetherby Preparatory School and our expansion into the grand surroundings of Bryanston Square.
2015 – 2016
A Comprehensive Journey
The Wetherby experience evolved into a complete educational pathway with the opening of our Senior School and the acquisition of our dedicated Sports Ground in East Acton.
2017 – 2023
Global Distinction
Following the successful launch of Wetherby Kensington, our union with Inspired Education now provides families with unparalleled access to a world-class international network of premium schools.
2024 – 2026
Shaping the Future
Wetherby Marylebone continues to innovate, introducing a new Reception class to ensure a seamless and prestigious start to the Wetherby academic journey.
Wetherby TED(dy) Talks
We kicked off our TED(dy) Talk series last week with an excellent talk from alumnae Alex Chalk. Boys in Years 2 and 3 delighted in hearing about his memories of Wetherby (the scary Headmistress, glass bottles of milk with foil lids and racing his friends in Pembridge Square). Alex also spoke about his time as Lord Chancellor; presenting the King with his speech for the State Opening of Parliament and helping to overturn the wrongful convictions of those involved in the Post Office Scandal. It was a hugely inspiring start and we look forward to continuing the series after Easter with Constantine Louloudis (a former Olympic rower), Alastair Seaman (a successful businessman in the world of Sports Private Equity) and Sam Waley-Cohen (a Grand National winning jockey).
Looking To The Past
The history of Wetherby School is preserved not only through written records but through a rich archive of photographs and documents that capture school life across generations. Together, these materials provide a visual record of the school’s evolution, its traditions, and the everyday moments that have shaped its community.
From classrooms and school events to pupils and staff past and present, the archive offers a tangible connection between the school’s early years and the Wetherby of today.
Headteachers Past and Present
Strong leadership has been central to Wetherby Notting Hill’s success. Over 75 years, a small number of Headteachers, working in close partnership with dedicated staff, have ensured continuity of values, standards and educational excellence.
Each Headteacher has contributed to the school’s development while safeguarding its core ethos, guiding Wetherby through periods of growth and change with clarity and purpose.
1951
Founded by Margaret and Gerald Russell
1984
Head: Miss Frederika Blair-Turner
1998
Head: Mrs Jenny Aviss, former Headmistress of Eaton House
2008
Head: Mr Mark Snell, formerly of King’s College Junior School, Wimbledon
2023
Head: Mr Paul David (B.Ed. (Hons), MInstLM)
Alumni Reflections and Messages
Alumni remain an integral part of Wetherby’s story, carrying forward the values, confidence, and academic foundations established during their early years. Their reflections during the 75th anniversary celebrations reveal the lasting influence of a Wetherby education and the diverse paths they have followed.
“During my time at Wetherby, I was able to do so many things that created long-lasting, fantastic memories.”- Dashiel Nason
“We learned a lot about structure and discipline, and it still holds happy memories. It set us on a path towards where we all are now.”- Edward Peel
“It was a good school run on firm but principled lines. I look back on Wetherby with a real sense of affection and gratitude.”-Nicholas Campailla
“When I went on to prep school, I felt I’d had a very strong grounding across the board. One felt streets ahead of boys from other schools. We were well prepared.”- Piers Mizen
“I remember a photograph of myself aged six or seven, flushed with health and quiet confidence in my Wetherby uniform, ready to take on the world. " Tom Utley
These reflections capture a shared experience across generations, highlighting Wetherby’s commitment to nurturing character, confidence, and academic excellence. They demonstrate how the school continues to shape boys long after they leave its classrooms.
Notable Alumni
Royal Family:
William, Prince of Wales and Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex.
Other Notable Figures:
Hugh Grant, a celebrated actor known for films like Four Weddings and a Funeral and Notting Hill.
Julian Fellowes, an Oscar-winning screenwriter and novelist, known for Gosford Park.
Julian Lloyd Webber, a world-renowned cellist and conductor
Constantine Louloudis MBE, an Olympic gold medalist in rowing.
Join the 75th Anniversary Celebrations
The 75th anniversary year will be marked by a programme of events designed to bring the Wetherby community together. Highlights will include a flagship fundraising gala, alongside opportunities for pupils, families, alumni and friends of the school to celebrate this significant milestone.
