Notable Alumni

Philosopher & Enlightenment Thinker

After graduating Oxford in 1656, Locke undertook a number of administrative and academic posts at the university until 1667. Credited as being one of the most influential thinkers of the Enlightenment period, his paper: ‘Essay Concerning Human Understanding’ gave a detailed and thorough examination of the human condition, was translated into Latin and French, and incorporated into the curriculum at Oxford and Cambridge.

Architect

Although best known for his masterpiece ‘St. Paul’s Cathedral’, Christopher Wren actually contributed much more to the evolution of the London landscape of today, as he was responsible for overseeing the re-building of the city after the Great Fire of London in 1666. Wren’s early career was as a scientist and , having graduated from Oxford, he helped establish the Royal Society in the early 1660s.

Scientist

Oxford graduate and polymath, he made contributions to many of the emerging fields at the time. Conducting numerous experiments with a microscope led to the publication of ‘Micrographia’ in 1665, where biological cells were identified for the first time. He also discovered the law of elasticity in 1660, this is still known today as ‘Hooke’s law’. Additionally, Hooke was the first to build a Gregorian telescope in 1673, based on the design by James Gregory. A true pioneer and innovator.

Politician

Forever famed as the ‘Ben’ of ‘Big Ben’, the iconic London landmark; Benjamin Hall was a British politician and nobleman, installed as ‘Commissioner of Works’ during the time of planning the Tower of the Houses of Parliament. The largest bell is inscribed with his name, thereby earning it the nickname of ‘Big Ben’, which is the most commonly used name for the tower today.

Author

Cambridge graduate Milne’s best-known work is ‘Winnie the Pooh’, which has been translated into over fifty languages world-wide. ‘Winnie…’ has been adapted many times through radio, TV and film, and the rights acquired by Disney in 1961.

Photographer

The iconic photos of Audrey Hepburn taken by Parkinson in 1955 are amongst his best-known works, though he also photographed numerous distinguished public figures of his time. Engaged as fashion photographer by Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and Town & Country to name a few, Parkinson’s subjects ranged from the British Royal Family to pop stars such as The Beatles and David Bowie; and fashion models such as Twiggy, Iman and Jerry Hall.

Composer

Composer of many world famous musicals, such as: ‘Cats’ and ‘Phantom of the Opera’, Lloyd Webber has been described by the New York Times as "the most commercially successful composer in history". Honoured by Queen Elizabeth II with a knighthood and peerage, he has also received three Grammy’s, an Academy Award (Oscar) and a Golden Globe for his outstanding contribution to musical theatre.

Actress

Best known for her roles in ‘Harry Potter’ and ‘The King’s Speech’, she has been twice nominated for an Academy Award (Oscar), and won a BAFTA and an Emmy. A highly-respected actress around the world, Ms. Bonham-Carter has also starred in ’Alice in Wonderland’ in which she played the leading character, the Queen of Hearts.

Businesswoman, Philanthropist & Public Servant

Co-founder of Lastminute.com, sits on the boards of Twitter and Chanel; House of Lords youngest female member in 2013; Appointed Chancellor of the Open University in 2014.