Our 2024 Founderstide will take place on Saturday 22nd June. Founderstide is a very significant day in which we celebrate everything that makes Bloxham School special. The information below gives you a brief history of the day and outlines the main aspects of the day’s events.
What is Founderstide?
The first Founders Tide was held in 1913 in memory of the school’s Founder, Philip Reginald Egerton, shortly after his death. It originally took place on Egerton’s birthday, 14th July, but was soon moved to the weekend nearest that date so that a cricket match could be played between Old Bloxhamists and students, a tradition which is still honoured to this day and which will return this year.
Founders Tide was for many years a two-day event which consisted of speeches and a prize-giving, a church service, a cricket match and a ball. Over the years, the celebration was condensed into one day and the title words combined to ‘Founderstide’, as we now know it. This year, pupils and visitors can expect a prize-giving, picnic lunch, cricket match, inter-house sporting events and a range of activities and displays during the day, before the ball in the evening. We look forward to welcoming you.
The Day
Who can attend?
Founderstide Day is open to families of all students, Old Bloxhamists, staff, Governors and friends of Bloxham School.
What are the timings of the day?
| Time | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 10:00am | Prize-giving | Marquee at Second Field, Courtington Lane |
| 10:45am | Old Bloxhamist v. 1st XI Cricket | Main Field |
| 11:15am | Refreshments | Main School Site |
| 11:30am onwards | Activities and Displays | Main School Site |
| 1:00pm | Picnic Lunch with Houses | Main Field |
| 2:00pm | Day Programme Ends | Around School Site |
| 6:30pm | Founderstide Ball | Marquee at Second Field, Courtington Lane |
| 12:00am | Carriages |
How do I get there?
Founderstide takes place all round the Bloxham School site. Parking for both the daytime and evening events will be on the Courtington Lane sports field. Use postcode OX15 4PE and follow signs for Founderstide Parking.
What else should I be aware of?
Sustainability: We are committed to improving the sustainability of this event and as such we encourage guests to help us by recycling cups, plates and bottles.
Photography: During the day we will have a number of photographers on site. Photographs will be taken during prize-giving assembly and around the school during activities, lunch and the House sporting events. We will also have a photographer at the ball. Photographs will be used by our Marketing Team and shared online using Flickr, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. If you would not like your picture taken, please let the photographer(s) know when you see them.
The Ball
What is included in a ticket?
Guests of the ball will enjoy a three-course meal, live music and dancing. Drinks are not included but there will be well-stocked bars taking cash and card. Students are issued with drinks vouchers. Please note that tickets for the ball are sold out.
What’s the dress code?
Guests are expected to wear Black Tie.