Laughter, Legacies, and Long Goodbyes: A Look Back at an Unforgettable Channing Reunion!

They say time flies, but last week at Channing, it felt like it stood still in the best possible way.

We welcomed back a spectacular crowd of alumnae and former staff for our annual reunion, and to say it was a success would be an understatement. The energy in the room was electric from the moment the first guests walked through the doors, making it one of our most buzzing, vibrant gatherings in recent memory!

From Near, Far, and Wide!

The sheer dedication of our community was on full display, with attendees traveling from every corner of the country to be with us. But the travel miles didn't stop there - we were absolutely thrilled to welcome alumnae who flew in from abroad just for the occasion! Whether they hopped on a short train ride or crossed international borders, having everyone back under one roof was incredibly special.

A Beautifully Blended Crowd

That incredible effort resulted in a truly magical cross-generational Channing sisterhood in full effect. We had alumnae who left decades ago catching up with recent leavers, trading stories about their school days, and realising that no matter the era (or where in the world they live now), the unique Channing spirit remains exactly the same.

It was also an absolute joy to welcome back several of our former staff members. Seeing them reunite with their past students - sparking fond memories and plenty of "Do you remember when...?" moments - was a another highlight of the event.

Taking a Wander (and having a good old nose!)

Of course, a reunion isn't complete without revisiting old haunts. The school tours were a massive hit, drawing plenty of oohs and aahs as guests saw how Channing has grown.

But the fun didn't stop with the official routes; alumnae were spotted all over the school, having a wonderful wander and a good old nose around their former classrooms and corridors.

The nostalgia was palpable as guests peeked into the ground-floor classroom that so many fondly remembered as the designated spot for afternoon naps. There were also plenty of smiles (and maybe a few phantom ink stains) recalled as groups reminisced about the old wooden desks complete with their built-in inkwell compartments.

And, of course, the great school debates were revived: did we ever actually get to the bottom of whether all year groups had to bring in their own packed lunches (at Fairseat) or has history rewritten that one?

The Party That Just Wouldn't End!

We always knew Channing alumnae loved a good chat, but last week took things to a whole new level. The atmosphere was so warm and the conversations so engrossing that when the time came to wrap things up, nobody wanted to leave!

In fact, the party simply relocated; long after the official event ended, groups of alumnae and staff were spotted happily continuing their catch-ups just outside the school gates, reluctant to let the day go.

Relive the Moments 📸

A huge thank you to everyone who traveled near, far, and across oceans to join us and make the day so incredibly memorable.

We captured so many smiles, hugs, and joyful reunions throughout the day. Scroll through the gallery below to see if you can spot yourself, your classmates, or your former teachers!

Did you take any great photos of your own? If so, please share them with us by email: alumnae@channing.co.uk. Or do you know of any fellow alumnae who missed out this year but want to make sure they're on the invite list for the next one? Drop us a line - we’d love to hear from you!