About us
The Chester Association of Old King’s Scholars (CAOKS) is the alumni association for all former students of the King’s School. Founded in 1865, it is believed to be the oldest school alumni association in the country. Membership of CAOKS is open to all former pupils of the school and following recent changes agreed by the membership every former pupil is automatically admitted to membership unless they specifically decline. There is no longer a membership fee although members may pay a small voluntary subscription, if they wish, to receive paper documents and to support the charitable objectives of the association.
The major reason for founding the association was to set up and continue to provide for the Chester Old King’s Scholars Exhibition at university, which is the school’s major academic award. In addition, the association administers the Baty Voluntary Service Overseas Travel Award. For more information about the Award and how you can apply click here
The association’s principal functions and objectives also include:
· Strengthening the ties between the alumni and the school;
· Supporting the educational activities of the school in co-operation with the Governors and the Headmaster;
· Promoting the interests, advancement and good fellowship of the alumni – in this aim there has been an increasing emphasis on networking and career support.
The association works in close co-operation with the school, but is autonomous. It is governed by a committee of whom the majority are alumni elected by the membership. The Headmaster and two school representatives are also members of the committee. The current President is Mark Thorp OKS (1981) (email: President@caoks.co.uk )
CAOKS holds a number of social events during the year, the majority of which are in the Chester area. The major social occasion is the annual dinner, held at the school. The association also supports the various alumni events organised by the Development Office.
A newsletter is published twice a year, online, or if preferred a paper version can be sent. The Editor, Steve Williams OKS (1990) (email: Editor@caoks.co.uk ) is always pleased to receive items of news or articles for inclusion, and although email is the preferred means of communication any material may be sent to the Development Office at the school for his attention.
Any further enquiries about CAOKS should be sent to the Honorary Secretary, Peter Bernie OKS (1976) (email: HonSec@caoks.co.uk ) or to the Development Office at the school for his attention.
Click here to view the latest CAOKS newsletter
