A double thrill for physics students, who visited CERN (the European Organisation for Nuclear Research), one of the world’s largest and most respected centres for scientific research, and had the opportunity to meet Kumar lyer, the British Ambassador to the United Nations and Permanent Representative to CERN! The students toured the Large Hadron Collider as part of their behind-the-scenes trip with a CERN particle physicist and saw live data from particle collisions being generated and analysed. They were also able to see the ALICE detector, which works with the large hadron collider to recreate and measure the conditions existing after the big bang. After the tour, they were invited to meet Mr lyer and discuss world politics, science and society as well as careers. They heard about the work of the International Telecommunication Union which governs satellite orbits and regulates spectrum and looked at the work of the International Organisation for Standardisation, that acts as a design standards bible for engineers.

Members of the community joined students, parents and staff from Gordon’s today for the Remembrance Parade and Drumhead Service around the Parade Square, taken by the School Chaplain the Reverend Graham Wright.

Dressed in their ceremonial Blues uniform and accompanied by the Pipes and Drums – a unique feature of Gordon’s that has been part of the school since its inception over a century ago – the student body marched and remembered the sacrifices of so many, including the 155 former students killed in action during the First World War; 31 in the Second World War and Gordonians Darryl Gardiner and Michael Gilyeat and affiliated staff member Steve Curley, all killed in Afghanistan.

Marching on with the Gordon's Pipes and Drums were those from Gordonstoun, who this year celebrate their 70th anniversary.

Poppy wreaths were laid by a school Governor and Trustee Brigadier Jonathan Mullin MBE, on behalf of the Trustees and Governors; Gordonian and teacher Charlotte Winkley for the Gordonians and Gordon’s School Sergeant Major Bayan Muhsen for students and staff and Florence Wareing on behalf of Gordonstoun School.

Staff, students and their families – many of whom are currently serving their country in the Forces - observed the two minute silence.

The Remembrance Sunday Drumhead Service and Parade will be held on Sunday 9th November on the Parade Square at Gordon's from 10.30am. Refreshments will be available in the Dining Hall beforehand. Students will be selling poppies in aid of the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal.

What a day! One hundred and forty students made the journey from Brookwood Station to West End, led by the Pipes and Drums as the first Gordon boys did some 140 years ago. A chinook helicopter from RAF Odiham greeted them on the Front Field at the end of their journey, and they were presented with commemorative pin badges for the 140th anniversary of the school. Students and staff applauded their arrival on the Parade Square before the Mayor of Surrey Heath, Cllr Louise Ashbery unveiled the newly renovated clock, thanks to donations from Gordonians. The icing on the cake was that through their efforts, over £26,000 has been raised for Gordon’s Giving Day for bursaries and for the Steinway Schools appeal (donations can still be made here - https://gordons.givingday.co.uk/).

Today marks the start of Gordon's first Giving Day, offering the community of students, parents, Gordonians and staff, the chance to celebrate the school's 140th Anniversary by donating to either the Steinway Schools Appeal or towards bursaries. Please click here for up to date information about the Giving Day, and to donate.

Gordon's is supporting a national campaign by the Sunday Times to promote the reading of books for at least ten minutes a day for the next six weeks. Everyone, students, parents and teachers – is encouraged to read for ten minutes every day through October and November 2025.

Data has shown that social media posts, subtitles, and digital articles (or print media) are now the top three reading formats for those aged under 35. Books have dropped out of the top three for reading.

Reading is hugely beneficial and can change lives, improving mental health by giving a short release from everyday reality, as well as playing a vital role in children’s cognitive development when done through the school years, ten to 16 years old.

2026 has been declared the ‘National Year of Reading’ by the Department for Education and this ‘Get Britain Reading’ campaign is a great warm-up for Gordon’s School – to ‘Get Gordon’s Reading’.

Please visit the Library and Reading page of the website for library opening times and suggested books for every age group.