Old Rishworthian Club

10/08/2026

Lovely to share news of former pupils

We’re delighted to celebrate former Rishworth student Yuanixn and everything she has achieved since leaving us in 2020!

After completing her Pre-A Levels and AS Levels (Year 12) at Rishworth, Yuanixn returned to China during the pandemic to finish her studies, achieving outstanding AAA grades in Economics, Business and Maths. She then accepted an offer to study Leisure Industry Management at the University of Manchester, inspired by the passion for tourism and hospitality she discovered while studying at Rishworth.

Following her undergraduate degree, Yuanixn received postgraduate offers from both UCL and the University of Hong Kong. She chose HKU before returning to China to begin her career. Today, Yuanixn has started her first full-time role in the Marketing Department at Trip.com’s headquarters in Shanghai.

Congratulations, Yuanixn! We are incredibly proud of everything you have achieved and wish you every success as your career continues to grow!

10/08/2026

Great things are happening at Rishworth

10/08/2026

Would you like to get involved as we start to reconnect ORs with the school community? Details of how to get in touch on this post.

08/05/2026

It will no doubt come as a great shock for many former pupils to hear that our former gymnastics master Alec Smith passed earlier this week. Great memories always came up in discussions and reminiscences between pupils of his long era at the School, none more recent than during the 1960s-70s gathering at the Fleece last week. What a shock to hear he’s now no longer with us.

We are told that the cremation service for Alec is going to be on Wednesday 27th May at 11:00 am at Beetham Crematorium located between Milnthorpe and Carnforth, north of Lancaster and on the A6. The postcode is LA7 7BQ. The service will be followed by a wake - final details for this are being worked on.

As Alec was no doubt very popular, and a great friend to many that knew him, the family has asked that anyone wanting to attend the service and/or the wake please let them know so that numbers can be managed.

Phil Smith has offered to collate numbers from this group so please let him know. Phil’s email is [email protected]

RIP Alec. You left a great legacy and will be missed by many, many ORs.

04/05/2026

Very sad to share the sad news that Robert Powell passed away yesterday 3rd of May, an active participant in OR Club activities for many years. RIP Robert. A lovely man who is was a pleasure to know.

09/03/2026

We would encourage the OR Community to register to receive updates on club activities and school news via the school website

Reconnect with Rishworth School’s alumni community — explore Old Rishworthian stories, events, and ways to stay involved. Join our vibrant network and celebrate the legacy of Rishworth.

09/03/2026

Dear Old Rishworthian,

Please see the below press release from school. Further communications from the Old Rishworthians will be sent in due course.

RISHWORTH SCHOOL PROPOSES CLOSURE OF PREP SCHOOL

Rishworth School, an independent school in West Yorkshire, has begun a formal consultation on plans to close its preparatory school at the end of the current academic year.

The board of governors announced on Tuesday 24th February 2026 that it was considering shutting the Prep School at Heathfield House in the village of Rishworth, following a detailed review of the school’s finances and exploring a number of options to keep the site open.

The proposal comes amid sustained challenges facing private schools including rising operating costs and the introduction of VAT on school fees. They are intended to secure the future of the Senior School, which will remain open, with funding secured to invest in improved and modernised facilities.

The Prep School will remain open until the end of the academic year, allowing pupils to continue their studies while the proposals are under consideration. Governors confirmed they were working with neighbouring schools to support families in securing alternative places should the plans proceed.

Rev. Canon Hilary Barber, Chair of Governors, said: "This is an incredibly difficult proposal, and we recognise the worry it will cause for children, families and colleagues. We are committed to supporting them in every way possible throughout this process.

"We have explored every option over the past year and firmly believe that these proposals will secure a strong and sustainable future for Rishworth School. This is a future we very much hope our Prep families will be part of and any pupils that wish to return to the Senior School in the future will be welcomed back with open arms.

02/02/2026

Sadly we have just learned of the passing of Brian Wade, another great supporter of the Old Rishworthian Club. Brian was at School in the 1950's and is remembered by Peter Rothwell as playing for the ORs in cricket matches against School in the late 1960's. He was also a member and supporter of the Old Rishworthian Golf Society and a faithful attendee for many years at the London reunions at East India Club. We understand from David Ludlum that his funeral will be at Parkwood Crematorium at 2.15 on Thursday 19th February. RIP Brian. 😢

18/12/2025

📖 The Rishworthian is back!

We’re delighted to share the latest edition of our school magazine, offering a snapshot of life at Rishworth School. It celebrates the achievements, experiences and talents of our pupils across academic, extra-curricular and pastoral life. From classroom successes and sporting highlights to creative endeavors and community events, the magazine reflects the energy, commitment and spirit that make Rishworth such a special place.

👉 To view the magazine, click the link in our bio.

08/12/2025

Any ORs able to assist?

We’re looking for professionals to deliver one or two 30-minute talks to our Year 11 and 12 students for our upcoming Careers Morning on 28th January 2026. 🎓✨

To make the event as relevant and inspiring as possible, we’re hoping to hear from people working in the following areas of interest:

Sports:
Sports Coach • Sports Agent • Sports Professional • Sport & Exercise Psychologist • PE Teacher • Sports Development • Sports Physiotherapist • Sports Scientist

Psychology & Wellbeing:
Counsellor/Psychotherapist • Clinical Psychologist • Mental Health Nurse • Forensic Psychologist • Children’s Wellbeing Practitioner

Working with Children:
Primary School Teacher • Nursery Manager • Nursery Nurse/Assistant • Early Years Teacher

Creative Careers:
Musician • TV/Film

Business:
Business Development Manager • Sales Manager

We’re also keen to welcome speakers from other creative industries and STEM careers (including finance).

If you, or someone you know, would be interested in taking part, either this year or in the future, we’d love to hear from you! 💬✨

For more info, please contact [email protected].