Welcome to our new CAOKS President

Last week our Sixth Form students attended a special assembly to learn more about the school’s unique alumni community and to witness the investiture of The Chester Association of Old King’s Scholar’s (CAOKS) 134th President.

King’s alumni, affectionately known as Old King’s Scholars, are never hard to find. They can be found at the highest levels in virtually every industry and profession putting their King’s education to excellent use. Our alumni are teachers, doctors, architects, veterinarians, accountants, entrepreneurs, business leaders, scientists, engineers, writers, musicians, artists and designers. They can be found in local and state government and working as lawyers and judges. They work in the non-profit sector and volunteer in their local communities and for projects around the country and indeed the globe.

Our school’s Alumni Team aim to encourage lifelong, reciprocal relationships between the school and its alumni community worldwide. The Alumni Team collaborates extensively with CAOKS and other alumni based around the globe – producing publications, organising events, making connections and raising funds for the school’s charitable activities.

Founded in 1865, CAOKS is the oldest alumni association in the UK.  The association is run by former pupils of the School and exists to encourage camaraderie and friendship amongst all former pupils.

At the assembly, Alan Vallance the 133rd CAOKS President and current CEO of The Royal Institute of British Architects passed on the baton of leadership to Olivia Whitlam, who became the Association’s first female President.

Alan said: “It has been an honour to serve as CAOKS President and I was delighted that we were able to conduct the inauguration of our new President in front of the sixth form assembly who will in time become our next alumni intake. Olivia becomes our first female President which is long overdue. Having worked with her over the last 18 months I know that she will do a brilliant job and I wish her every success.”

After 475 years of history as a School, 152 years of alumni fraternity and 20+ years of co-education at King’s this was a momentous occasion for both the school and the Association.

Upon becoming President, Olivia said: “It’s a privilege to take the reins of this esteemed institution. As our school changes so do we, and being the first female president is just a small part of that progress. I thank Alan for his careful stewardship over the past year and for handing over the mantle of the Presidency at such an exciting time in our existence.  The opportunity to connect with and benefit from being part of such an illustrious alumni has never been greater, and we look forward to welcoming the future alumni present at today’s inauguration to our ranks in the not too distant future.”