SWPS Alumni

Welcome to the SWPS alumni page for all former students and staff

20/08/2026

From a Year 7 taster week at SWPS to the Olympic podium

Hattie Taylor first tried rowing at SWPS in Year 7, taking part in a half-term taster week. She loved being on the water and the friendships she made through rowing.

That first experience led to an incredible journey. From a gap year rowing and coaching in Melbourne, to rowing at Syracuse University in the USA, representing Great Britain at Tokyo 2020 and winning bronze in the Women’s Eight at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Hattie has also won World Cup gold and travelled the world through rowing - experiences she says she would never have had without the sport.

In her testimonial for SWPS, Hattie reflects on how the school supported her academic studies alongside her pursuit of elite sport, helping her develop the resilience, determination and confidence to pursue her ambitions.

Watch Hattie’s testimonial here: www.swps.org.uk/swpstestimonials/

05/08/2026

✨ From "Willie Perks" to today...

Many of our alumni will remember Sir William Perkins's School by its affectionate nickname, "Willie Perks" – and that's exactly how Trisha Goddard (Class of 1976) remembers it too.

Trisha reflects on her time at school and the role it played in shaping her remarkable career as a broadcaster, journalist, author and mental health advocate.

A huge thank you to Trisha for taking the time to share her memories with our SWPS community.

🎥 Watch her story here: https://www.swps.org.uk/whats-on/swpstestimonials/

31/07/2026

Do you still keep in touch with your SWPS friends?

Our Alumni Afternoon Tea is your chance to come back, catch up and relive some of those wonderful school memories over a delicious afternoon tea.

Even better, why not organise a reunion with your year group? Whether you left recently or decades ago, we'd love to see groups of friends returning together to spend an afternoon reminiscing, exploring the school and making new memories.

📅 Saturday 12 September

Tag your classmates, share this post and start planning your reunion!

You can find all the details and book your place on the alumni website: https://www.swpsperkonian.org.uk/events/view/swps-alumni-afternoon-tea

We can't wait to welcome you back. 💙

30/07/2026

Huge congratulations to alumna Anna Cowell (Class of 2023) on representing Great Britain at the 2026 Rowing U23 Championships. 🇬🇧🚣

Since leaving SWPS, Anna has continued her rowing journey at University in the United States, where she helped the University's First Varsity Eight crew win the Ivy League Championship before earning selection to compete for Great Britain at the U23 World Championships.

We're so proud to see Anna achieving so much on the international stage and can't wait to see where her rowing journey takes her next.

Congratulations, Anna! 👏

29/07/2026

Thank you to SWPS alumna Eve Leyland (Class of 2024) for returning to school to support our Year 12 students as they prepared for the UCAT and applications to study medicine, dentistry and veterinary science.

Having someone who had so recently completed the process share her experiences, advice and encouragement was invaluable, giving our students practical insight and confidence as they took their next steps.

Our alumni community continues to make a real difference by helping students explore future pathways and see what's possible.

If you're an SWPS alumna and would like to give something back by sharing your career journey or experiences with our students, we'd love to hear from you. Simply send us a message to find out how you can get involved.

28/07/2026

It was a pleasure to welcome members of our Class of 1972 back to SWPS recently for a tour of the school 💙

It was a wonderful opportunity to reconnect and share memories as they explored how the school has evolved over the years, whilst revisiting some of their favourite places. Thank you to everyone who joined us.

We always enjoy welcoming our alumni back to SWPS and hearing the stories and memories that continue to connect generations of our community.

If you're thinking about organising a reunion with your year group, or would simply like to visit the school, we'd love to welcome you back. Leave us a comment below or send us a direct message to start the conversation.

20/07/2026

At this year's Valedictory Celebration, every member of the Class of 2026 received a book personally chosen by their tutor, complete with a commemorative bookplate featuring an original illustration of SWPS by alumna Victoria Jameson (Class of 2015).

It's a meaningful memento of their time at the school, made even more special by the fact it was created by one of our own alumni.

Since leaving SWPS, Victoria has established Victoria Jameson Design, creating beautiful bespoke hand-painted illustrations and stationery, and we're so grateful she helped us mark this occasion in such a thoughtful and creative way.

Thank you, Victoria, for giving back to the SWPS community and helping create a keepsake that our Class of 2026 can treasure for years to come.

Take a look at more of Victoria's work here: https://www.victoriajamesondesign.com/https://www.victoriajamesondesign.com/

03/07/2026

Quarter-final bound.

What a performance from our Quad at Henley Royal Regatta.

With a commanding row against City of Cambridge, the crew secured their place in today's quarter-final after an outstanding display of determination, composure and teamwork.

Today, they face Maidenhead Rowing Club as they race for a place in the semi-finals of one of the most prestigious events in British rowing.
Friday 3 July
4.15pm

Every race at Henley is earned through years of commitment, early mornings and unwavering dedication. We couldn't be prouder of everything this crew has achieved.
To our Perkonian community, wherever you are, let's get behind the girls and show our support.

Watch live: https://www.youtube.com/live/DcOIc8KOB90?si=mI2AVN38uU1n6ReW
Good luck, Perkins. We're all behind you.

02/07/2026

What a privilege to welcome back alumna Annemiek Ballesty (Class of 1986) as keynote speaker at our Valedictory Celebration for the Class of 2026.

Sharing her experiences from a career spanning more than 35 years across the Asia Pacific region, Annemiek encouraged our students to embrace mistakes, stay curious and be kind to themselves along the way.

Her words were a timely reminder that success isn't about following a perfect path - it's about continuing to learn, growing through every experience, and staying true to your values.

Thank you, Annemeik for returning to SWPS to celebrate this milestone with our leavers. Seeing former students come back to inspire the next generation is one of the greatest strengths of our community, and we're so proud to have such an incredible alumni network.

Congratulations again to the Class of 2026 - we can't wait to see where your journey takes you.

11/06/2026

Cast your mind back to 1972: Apollo 17 was heading to the Moon, Donny Osmond’s Puppy Love was the soundtrack of the summer, and most homes had just three TV channels. It was also the year we said goodbye to our Class of 1972.

Now, more than 50 years later, we’d love to welcome those former pupils back to SWPS for a special morning at the school on Saturday 27 June, from 10.30am-12.00pm.

If you were part of the Class of 1972 (having joined SWPS in 1965), come along to see what’s changed, what’s stayed the same, and take a trip down memory lane with old friends.

Places can now be booked: https://www.swpsperkonian.org.uk/events

Address

Chertsey
KT169BN

Telephone

+441932574900

Website

http://Swpsperkonian.org.uk/

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