The OC Society - a community for life

The Old Cliftonian Society is a vibrant community of former pupils united by shared experiences, lifelong friendships, and a deep connection to the College’s heritage. 

Whether you left recently or decades ago, the Society is designed to celebrate your journey, keep you connected, and provide opportunities to engage with fellow Old Cliftonians across the globe. 

There are a number of ways that you can re-engage with the College after you’ve left. We organise a number of events including dinners and reunions every year, you can also contact our team to arrange a tour of College. 

A woman in a blue patterned dress looks at photos on a display board in a busy room with people socializing in the background.

Join us at one of our next events

Welcome

Every year, I find myself inspired and motivated when I see the enduring connection OCs feel to the College, whether they left last year or decades ago, being an OC is an important aspect to all former pupils' sense of self. The alumni community is more than just a way of staying in touch; it’s about celebrating shared history, supporting one another, and continuing the legacy of excellence that defines Clifton.


Jeremy Pickles, Head of Alumni and Community

Visit the College

Old Cliftonians are always welcome to visit the College and relive the memories they forged here. However, please note that, like all schools, the site is not open access and some times of day may not be suitable for visits. If you’d like to arrange a visit, please get in touch to make arrangements.

Three men walking on a path towards a historic stone building with arched windows, surrounded by greenery.

Support us

Many Old Cliftonians feel a lasting connection to the College and often ask how they can give back. Whether it's supporting bursaries, enhancing facilities, or contributing to new initiatives, donations from our alumni play a vital role in shaping the future of Clifton. Every gift, no matter the size, helps ensure that current and future pupils benefit from the same rich and inspiring experience that defines a Clifton education.

People walking towards a historic brick building with ornate architecture, a large rose window, and a green tower against a cloudy sky.

Events

We hold a range of interesting and welcoming events across the year, with a common aim to bring our community back together, to reminicise and keep up with current happenings. Events include Breakfast Clubs, often with insightful guests, Golf Days, Club Lunches, Summer Celebrations, Reunions and much more!

Community Events

Our events are designed to bring the Clifton community together through a varied programme of talks, networking opportunities, social gatherings and sporting occasions.

We look forward to welcoming you.

theatre seats

Brief Encounter Screening

Wednesday 16th September 2026

Join us for a special screening of OC Trevor Howard's best-known film.

A group of people socialising at an indoor event, wearing business casual attire, standing around tables in a bright, modern space.

London Network Event

Tuesday 29th September 2026

Our speaker this autumn is: James Webb (ET 2012), CEO of Omma.

Using good bugs to control bad bugs: the new alternative to pesticides.

Clifton Breakfast Club

Thursday 1st October 2026

Anyone for Real Tennis? An introduction to Padel’s ancestor.

Clifton College in Hong Kong

Friday 16th October 2026

Dr Chris Stevens, Executive Head of CCEG, warmly invites you to join us for drinks and canapés at the China Club.

Clifton Breakfast Club

Thursday 5th November 2026

Dr Chris Stevens, Executive Head of Clifton College.

OC Society AGM

Thursday 19th November 2026

The AGM can be attended in-person and online.

Clifton Breakfast Club

Thursday 3rd December 2026

Lucian Cook, Head of Residential Research, Head Office, London, Savills.

Parent Golf Day

Thursday 6th May 2027

Hosted at Long Ashton Golf Club, Bristol.

OC Golf Day

Thursday 3rd June 2027

Hosted at Bristol and Clifton Golf Club.

OC Reunion

June 2027

For those who left Clifton College between 1974 and 1984.

Global Mentoring

Our alumni community holds a wealth of experience across industries, sectors, and creative fields. By sharing your insights and guidance, you can help current pupils explore career paths, build confidence, and take their first steps into the professional world. Whether it's a conversation, a workplace visit, or ongoing mentorship, your support can make a lasting impact.

Our alumni community is a powerful, worldwide network of 8,600 Old Cliftonians spanning 102 countries. This unparalleled depth of experience across virtually every industry, sector, and creative field is our most valuable asset.

Working closely with our ‘Careers First’ school initiative, our Mentoring Programme is designed to tap into this global professional resource to provide targeted, meaningful guidance for the next generation of Cliftonians.

The opportunity to impact a career

By volunteering your time, you are not just having a conversation; you are opening a window to the world for a current pupil. Your insights can help them:

  • Explore Global Paths: Provide perspective on international careers, remote work, and industry standards in your region of the world.

  • Build Professional Confidence: Offer realistic, industry-specific advice that goes beyond the classroom curriculum.

  • Gain Practical Skills: Share knowledge on critical skills, entry-level requirements, and professional networking.

How you can get involved

We offer flexible ways to share your experience, respecting your time zone and schedule:

  • Digital Insight Sessions: Participate in virtual Q&A sessions or host short, focused webinars on your career journey.

  • One-to-One Mentorship: Offer structured, ongoing guidance to a pupil or young OC embarking on their career.

  • Workplace Visits/Shadowing: (Where feasible and safe) Host a pupil for a brief insight into your daily professional life.

Clifton Conversations Podcast Series

Lessons Beyond the Classroom

We are pleased to launch Clifton Conversations, a new podcast series designed to bridge the gap between education and the wider world. Hosted by podcaster Simon Brewer (ET 1981), and generously funded by Jonathan Glassberg (PH 1983), Clifton Conversations explores the impact a Clifton College education had on former pupils and the opportunities that await our current pupils. A mix of nostalgia and inspiration from a lineup of notable OCs who have navigated vastly different professional landscapes including broadcasting legend John Inverdale, global commodities expert Richard Holtum, and entrepreneur Jonathan Glassberg.

John Inverdale

John Inverdale is a highly respected British sports broadcaster, renowned for his authoritative coverage of major international events on both radio and television

Jonathan Glassberg

Jonathan is co-founder and co-CEO of JB Drax Honoré with over 25+ years of experience in the financial services sector.

Richard Holtum

Richard Holtum is CEO of Trafigura. He was previously Global Head of Gas, Power and Renewables, and he led the firm’s expansion in gas, power and carbon markets.

Julian Richer

Julian Richer is an entrepreneur, philanthropist, author and the founder of Richer Sounds, the UK's largest hi-fi retailer.

Read our OC Society brochure

Stay in touch

Contact us

We love to hear from our OCs and reconnect them with the College. Whether you're interested in attending an event, sharing your journey, offering mentorship or simply staying up to date with school news, we'd love to hear from you. Reengaging is easy, and there are plenty of ways to get involved.

Get connected

Where next?

Quick links

Support us

Find out more about our development ambitions

Alumni and development news

Read about the latest news and events

Old Cliftonian merchandise

Buy Old Cliftonian branded gifts for you and your loved ones

Our publications

Stay up to date with College life through our most recent publications