Founders Day 2026

Members of the Whitgift community, alongside colleagues and guests from across the wider John Whitgift Foundation (JWF), gathered at Croydon Minster to commemorate Founder’s Day, celebrating the life and enduring legacy of Archbishop John Whitgift. 

Lower Sixth students, staff and guests were welcomed by a performance from the Whitgift School Corps of Drums, joined by Old Whitgiftians. The sermon was delivered by The Very Reverend Dr Mark Oakley, Dean of Southwark Cathedral, while readings were given by the JWF CEO, Roisha Hughes, and Whitgift Headteacher, Mr Toby Seth. 

The service also featured performances from choristers of Whitgift and Trinity School, filling the Minster with music, while representatives from across the Foundation laid tokens of remembrance in honour of Archbishop John Whitgift. 

The annual service commemorates 22 March 1596, the date on which Archbishop John Whitgift laid the foundation stones of the Hospital of the Holy Trinity, now known as the John Whitgift Foundation. More than 430 years later, Founder’s Day continues to honour his vision and the lasting impact of the Foundation's work. 

Boarding pupils also marked the occasion with their traditional Founder’s Day dinner, continuing another cherished Whitgift tradition.