This October Old Johnians in Singapore and Sydney met together formally for the first time as Hurst Worldwide continues to grow its international community.

Central to the role of the Foundation is uniting OJs around the globe: increasing engagement, creating opportunities for OJs to connect with Hurst and celebrating the success of the Engage Bursary Campaign. Just as importantly, it is about preparing the ground for further support for Hurst pupils, whether through bursary giving, membership of the 1849 Society, legacies, or OJs sharing their own career experience and professional advice.

In Singapore, OJs and friends of Hurst from across Singapore and Malaysia gathered for drinks on the rooftop at Southbridge, overlooking Boat Quay. The venue was suggested by OJ Club President Ian Buckeridge, and the OJ Club kindly provided the arrival drinks. The following evening, the Foundation also met another OJ for supper, a valuable opportunity to hear about their life since Hurst and their extraordinary professional achievements.

The journey then continued to Sydney for the Hurst Australia Reunion at The Oriana on Circular Quay, where more than 20 OJs signed up and each received a gift from Hurst, carried all the way from Sussex. The evening was due to start at 4pm and went on far longer than planned, as old friends caught up and raised a glass to Hurst, again courtesy of the OJ Club. Particular thanks go to Simon Herbert, who has been key to making the Sydney chapter of Hurst Worldwide such a success, and to the staff at The Oriana for their outstanding hospitality.

Both evenings brought together OJs who left College Lane decades apart, whose lives have taken them into international business, roles working with the Australian government and careers in professional sport. They are a remarkably diverse community, yet the moment they meet there is common ground. Once a Johnian, always a Johnian.

Hurst Worldwide now has chapters in Sydney, Singapore and New York, with growing interest in the UAE, Hong Kong, Malaysia and the US West Coast. The next Hurst Worldwide event will be in the US in May 2027, with details to follow in the new year.

OJs living overseas who would like to get involved, and families abroad considering a return to the UK and looking for a school, are warmly invited to get in touch with the Foundation at hurstfoundation@hppc.co.uk.

Upcoming events in the UK include the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s Reunion on Saturday 6 March 2027 and the Gala OJ Dinner on Saturday 13 November 2027. Full details are at foundation.hppc.co.uk/events.