Old Leysian

What stories are hidden beneath the Thames?

Discover them in OL Henry Reichhold's (Fen, 1967-70) new exhibition, on display at London Bridge Railway Station from 1-30 September 2026. Part of the Thames Festival Trust, the exhibition brings together images that link the river’s past, present and future: https://shorturl.at/ta57j

We are saddened to learn of the death of Dr Robert "Bob" Gidden, who inspired generations of Leysians as a much-loved Chemistry teacher and School House tutor at The Leys from 1967 to 1997.

A pioneer of school computing and electronics, Bob went on to serve as Computer Systems Manager until 2001, having founded both departments at a time when few schools offered either. Many will also remember his legendary Saturday night pancakes and the stories that became part of Leys' folklore.

Bob will be remembered with great affection by former pupils and colleagues alike. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.

If Bob taught you, tutored you, or made an impact on your time at The Leys, we would love to hear your memories in the comments.

Less than one month to go until Cambridge Drinks at The Leys Sports Pavilion!

Our popular event is filling up quickly with limited spaces available. Join us for a relaxed evening of drinks and canapés, and enjoy catching up with friends old and new.

Register now to avoid missing out: https://www.theleys.net/community-event/2026-cambridge-drinks/

This week, Andy Pittams (North B, 2000-05) reflects on what brought him to the University of Cambridge, his approach to leadership, and the lasting influence of The Leys.

Q: What are you focused on now at the University of Cambridge?
"I recently joined University of Cambridge Executive and Professional Education with a clear ambition: to help unite the Cambridge ecosystem and provide unrivalled professional education to organisations across the globe."

Q: What excites you most about your current role?
"The opportunity is to bring Cambridge's depth of knowledge and expertise together in a way that helps organisations solve real world challenges, from leadership and innovation to AI and professional capability."

Q: What has shaped your approach to leadership?
"I have always believed in combining ambition with delivery. Taking risks matters, but only if you are prepared to back them up with hard work, commercial discipline and team leadership. I also think it is about creating momentum, giving people confidence that can achieve more than they thought possible."

Next week, Andy reflects on life beyond work and shares his advice for those at an earlier stage in their careers.

A few weeks ago, we welcomed back Chris Quek (West, 1983-88) for a tour of the School. Visiting the UK from California with his family, Chris was thrilled to revisit some of his old haunts.

After an extensive career in building services in Hong Kong and Singapore, Chris completed postgraduate studies in Virginia before moving to the west coast of the United States, where he continued his work in building safety consulting.

During his time at School, Chris was a talented and dedicated swimmer, serving as Swimming Team Captain in the Upper Sixth. Competing with the City of Cambridge Swimming Club, he took part in events across the UK, earning numerous prizes and accolades.

Chris also shared memories of learning fencing in the Old Gym, where a lifelong passion for the sport first began. He later went on to represent Singapore at the 1991 Southeast Asian Games in Manila, Philippines.

Attached is a photo of Chris in the Dining Hall in front of his Head, Bertie Bellis. Chris also dug out this photo from his former fencing days!

Calling Old Leysians in Hong Kong and Macau!

We're delighted to be returning this November after such a fantastic alumni gathering last year.

Join us for drinks on Friday 6 November. To register your interest, please email [email protected]. Venue details to follow.

From the July 1993 Leys Fortnightly:
- The infamous Drill system was abolished, with mock mourning for the passing of the School Line and its mysterious Ys, Cs, Ts, Ws and even rumoured Zs.
- Retiring Senior Master Geoff Houghton revealed his most embarrassing moment: splitting his trousers on stage during a House play and making a hasty exit.
- A rock concert featured an attempted stage dive that failed spectacularly when the audience moved out of the way...

Read here:https://theleys-digitalheritage.net/Filename.ashx?systemFileName=LEYSPUB_1993_July_1646.pdf&origFilename=LEYSPUB_1993_July_1646.pdf

Today in , Andy Pittams (North B, 2000-05) reflects on a key career milestone.

Q: What prompted your move?
"After six years in headhunting, I wanted to upskill and broaden my professional knowledge, so I moved to ICAEW, the Institute of Chartered Accountants. While studying for my ACA exams, my role became increasingly focused on leading teams, developing commercial strategy and building profitability."

Q: Was there a defining career milestone during that period?
"Becoming a departmental head was a major milestone. I was young, ambitious and confident. I told the COO that if I was given the role, I would make her £1 million in three months. Thankfully, I got the role and delivered on the promise. That willingness to take a calculated risk was a turning point in my career."

Q: How did your role at ICAEW develop from there?
"I ended my 11-year career at ICAEW as a Director, running both the commercial business and the global property portfolio. One of the most significant projects was launching a historic renovation of a Grade II listed City building. Incidentally the building also hosted the OLS London Drinks for four years."

OLs are invited to join us for the OLS Annual Dinner at the magnificent Drapers' Hall in London on Friday 4 December.

Demand is high, with Early Bird tickets selling fast. Enjoy a glass of fizz on arrival, followed by a delicious three-course dinner with wine. Dress code: Lounge suits.

Book now to secure the discounted rate before this limited allocation sells out: https://shorturl.at/IHleG

In the first of our conversations with Andrew Pittams (North B, 2000-05), Andy reflects on starting his career during the financial crisis and the lessons he learned from those early years.

Q: Did you always know what career path you wanted to follow?
"I did not have a fixed career path mapped out, but I knew the type of environment I wanted to be in. I was drawn to fast paced, high performing organisations with strong reputations. I was also fascinated by deals, commercial decision making and how businesses really worked behind the scenes."

Q: Where did your career begin?
"I started my career at the height of the financial crisis. I worked in investment banking headhunting, dealing with the movement of staff across banks following the collapse of Lehman Brothers. It was a period of intense change, particularly as the trading environment shifted towards more electronic and algorithmic trading."

Q: What did that early experience teach you?
"It taught me how quickly markets, organisations and careers can change. You had to be agile, commercially aware and able to build trust quickly."

Next week, Andy reflects on a defining career milestone and the calculated risk that helped accelerate his career.