Meet the OPs Committee
The Old Princethorpians Committee is going from strength to strength. The Committee has recently welcomed some new members and now numbers 20 with additional support from key Foundation staff.
The committee comprised of past pupils from across the decades and associated schools of the Foundation, former parents, form and current longstanding members of staff and representatives from the current Sixth Form student body.
Image Caption: OP Committee Meeting, 14 January 2025
Back Row (L-R): Alex Darkes, Peter Rollason, Steve Kowal, Tom Gleghorn, Grove du Toit, James Davies, Ed Hester, Nick Brosnan, Eddie Tolcher
Front Row (L-R): Nigel Bromley, Chris Cattle, Libby Williams, Lottie Jones, Laura Brazier, Toni Reszka, Caroline Spencer
The Committee meets three times a year and conducts its business over a very pleasant supper in the new Sixth Form Centre.
If you would be interested in attending a committee meeting or possibly joining the committee, please contact the OPs Secretary, Melanie Butler by emailing Old Princethorpians.
The Committee’s raison d’etre is as follows, to:
- Act as link between past and current pupils, their parents and former staff
- Keep in touch with past pupils and facilitate their friendships and networking opportunities
- Celebrate the achievements of alumni
- Involve alumni with the life of the College through events, communications, careers, philanthropy and fundraising
- Uphold the ethos of the school and promote its interests
The work of the OP Committee is underpinned and directed by these foundational pillars:
- Communications, Connectivity and Inclusivity
- Careers, Networking and Volunteering
- Engagement, Events and Hospitality
- Philanthropy and Development
- OP Leadership and Responsibilities
Lottie Jones
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School Connection:
Pupil - Princethorpe College (2007 - 2014)
Staff - Crackley Hall School (2014 - 2019)
OP Committee Focus:
Careers, Networking, Volunteering
What are some of your favourite memories of your time at school?
South Africa, Sport Saturdays, and making a group of lifetime friends. I am so lucky I still have such close friendships from school, even now everyone has followed their own paths.
Were there any teachers or staff who had a significant impact on you?
All my teachers were so supportive throughout my school years. Lisa Challinor is first to spring to mind; she truly believed in me and opened my eyes to the world of literature, as well as supporting me outside of lessons, learning my way as a teenage girl. I can’t thank her enough for providing me the confidence I needed.
How did your time at school influence your life and career?
I saw the impact teachers make on children’s lives and wanted to do the same, wanting to teach skills they would use for the rest of their lives. I also experienced the importance of sport and being part of a team; a life skill which I use daily.
What is your current occupation?
I am the director of two childcare franchises. Onside Coaching provides PE and Forest School in local primary schools, as well as Extra Curricular Clubs and Wraparound. In the school holidays, I run multiple active childcare courses, where children can spend the day learning new skills and making friends. My franchise areas cover East Warwickshire and Coventry.
Are there any special achievements or milestones you’d like to share?
In 2024 I was announced, by the British Franchise Association, as the Winner of the Next Generation Franchisee Award; this is for franchisees under 30, who establish a profitable franchise. I am truly honoured and humbled to receive the award.
What hobbies or interests do you have outside of your professional life?
I currently play netball twice a week and enjoy keeping fit. I am a huge foodie so any spare time is based around the next meal and a nice glass of wine (ideally in Italy)!
What motivated you to join the alumni committee?
I feel passionate that being a part of the Foundation is for life, not just during your school years. I want to make the most of being part of a brilliant community and promote that to current students.
How do you hope to contribute to the school community through the alumni committee?
I am really enjoying being involved in the OPs Committee, where I feel l can help students make the most of the Foundation Community; I am a firm believer of ‘it is who you know, not just what you know’.