Verulam School - Alumni

Alumni

• Ernest Gellner (1925–1995) Distinguished philosopher and social anthropologist; at the age of 17 won a scholarship to Balliol College Oxford; member of the British Academy, fellow of King's College Cambridge, author of numerous academic works.
• Peter Kalmus OBE (1943 till 1951), Particle physicist. Honorary Fellow of the University College, London. Honorary Fellow of the British Science Association. Honorary Fellow of the Institute of Physics (one of only 38 others including 7 Nobel Laureates).
• Alan McWhirr (1937–2010) Schoolteacher, lecturer and archaeologist. Honorary Fellow in the School of Archaeology and Ancient History, Leicester University.
• Jim Rodford (b. 1941) Bass guitarist, played with The Zombies, The Kinks, The Swinging Blue Jeans and Argent.
• Mike Chaplin (b. 1943) Artist and resident art expert on Channel 4's Watercolour Challenge.
• Colin Blunstone (b. 1945) Pop singer and songwriter, member of The Zombies pop group, together with Chris White, also an alumnus.
• John Gosling (b. 1948) Classically-trained pianist and organist, former member of The Kinks pop group.
• John Sessions (real name John Gibb Marshall) (b. 1953) Actor and comedian. He played Sir Geoffrey Howe in BBC TV's drama Margaret (2009).
• Simon Evans (b. 1965) Stand-up comedian.
• Jeremy ("Jez") Butterworth (b. 1969) Playwright, film-script writer and film director. His works have been staged in the West End and New York. Jez's work has included various collaborations with his brothers, all of whom attended Verulam School; in order of seniority they are Tom, Stephen, Jez, and John-Henry.
• Roughton ("Rou") Reynolds (b. 1986) Member of Enter Shikari (lead singer), together with Chris Batten (bass player), also an alumnus.
• Andrew Daish (b. 1984) 1st XV Rugby Captain (2002-2003), playing professional rugby for London Welsh RFC, Pertemp Bees RFC, Old Albanians RFC and playing internationally for Sweden.