Buxton Alumni

Calling all Past Students

We invite all former students to join the revitalised Buxton Alumni Network. This is your chance to reconnect with old friends, engage in exciting career opportunities, and inspire the next generation of Buxton leaders.

In partnership with Future First, we are building a vibrant community where you can:

• Mentor current students and share invaluable career insights.

• Network with fellow alumni across diverse industries and locations.

• Support the school through exciting events and fundraising initiatives.

Whether you are across the street or across the globe, your experiences are vital to the students sitting in your old seats.

Why Reconnect?

Alumni Spotlight: 

Vojtech Grunt

Vojtech Grunt left Buxton School in 2025 and fondly remembers the many school trips as a highlight of his time here. The school played a key role in shaping his ambitions, inspiring him to pursue a future maths degree. He is currently studying A-level Geography, A-level Maths, and A-level Further Maths. His advice to current and future students: Be resilient, be respectful, be reasonable, and be resourceful.

Belinda Whelan

Class of 1990

Belinda Whelan (née Edney) was in our class of 1990 and cherishes the fun and laughter she shared at Buxton School, reflecting on those days as some of the best memories of her life. She credits the school’s supportive environment and caring staff with helping shape her career path. Today, she works as a Senior Early Years Practitioner in an Early Years Centre. Her advice to students is to put in the effort now, try their best, and make time for activities they enjoy, remembering that education can continue in many forms and that school staff are there to support them every step of the way.

Gary Haines

Class of 1996

At school I was known by my middle name, Zap — short for Zapanear. I was in the care system and, after some challenging early years, was fostered and later adopted by Jackie and Reginald Haines, both originally from South London, who bought a house on Ramsey Road in 1980 for £10,000! They raised me, my brother John‑Paul (also an alumnus and now a teacher in Stratford), and my adopted siblings Andrea, Sam, and Brett. Our home was always busy, full of energy, and welcomed many other foster children over the years.

I also have a birth sister, Liz, who my adoptive parents were unable to take in at the time simply due to lack of capacity. She was raised in Kent, and we have since reconnected as adults. Remarkably, Liz is also a teacher for children with significant disabilities and runs an NGO in Ghana supporting children with additional needs. My birth mother suffered from schizophrenia and was unable to care for us.

My family history is an interesting one. My grandfather was an American GI in WWII, based in Oxford, where he met my grandmother, who was then a student at Oxford University. He later became one of the first Black students to attend Harvard University and subsequently received a degree from Cambridge. My mum grew up between the UK and US, and I can only imagine how challenging it must have been to navigate life as a mixed‑race child moving between two cultures in the 1950s. My father is Nigerian and left London  for the United States in the early 80’s. I have had no contact nor information about him. 

I graduated in 1996 — the year of “Macarena” and “Killing Me Softly” by The Fugees. My full name now is Gary Zapanear Haines, and I am currently the Headteacher of Chingford Foundation School.

I don’t have one single favourite memory, but as an Arsenal fan I’ve loved watching the rise of Jaden Dixon who arsenal have recently signed, a young player from Leytonstone (possibly a Buxton alumnus!). At school, every lunchtime involved a football battle with his uncle Michael — a daily rivalry played in the right spirit (mostly!). Our school football team was exceptional: we lost only one match in five years — a semi‑final against Aveling Park — and won the Borough Cup in three of the remaining four seasons.

I also competed in athletics, representing the school in sprinting and field events, and later representing Waltham Forest in the 200m. The Head of PE, Mr Broughton, was very “old‑school” and always encouraged me to get involved in everything.

Academically, Mr Lee (History) and Ms Dixon (English) were the teachers who saw my potential and pushed me to improve — especially my writing. Their tough love made all the difference. They helped me realise that education could be the foundation on which I built my life. My form tutor, Eric Ollerenshaw, also left a deep impression. He went on to become an MP and now works as a film producer. “Olly” was larger than life: fierce when needed, but equally kind, caring, and brilliant. If there is a teacher whose style most resembles my own, it would be his.

My advice to students today is simple: be grateful for the school you have — it is a far better school than the one I attended 30 years ago. Use every opportunity to achieve your aims. Pick up a book and read. Knowledge is power, and in an age of social media, misinformation and spin, it is more important than ever to understand the world, guard against prejudice and injustice, and make informed, thoughtful judgements.

Alfie Whelan

Class of 2018

During his time at Buxton School, Alfie Whelan developed the focus and determination that continue to shape his career and personal achievements today. One of his proudest memories was being appointed Head Boy and representing the school in athletics. These experiences taught him how to channel his energy and stay committed to his goals — a skill he continues to rely on, particularly while training for the London Marathon.

Sport played a central role in Alfie’s journey at Buxton, but it was the encouragement and guidance of his teachers that made a lasting impact. He was supported by staff who not only believed in him but also challenged him to reach his full potential. By trusting their advice and applying himself fully, he achieved what he was capable of and developed into a focused and resilient individual.

After studying Sports Science and Physical Education at university, Alfie went on to become a Teacher of PE and BTEC Sport at Ark Globe. He is passionate about passing on the same values of dedication, resilience, and ambition to the next generation.

His advice to current and future students reflects the mindset he lives by: every day is different, and every day presents a new opportunity to be great — so choose greatness.

Imogen Whelan

Class of 2021

Imogen Whelan looks back on her time at Buxton School with great fondness, describing it as a period filled with memorable experiences. Being part of sports teams and competing in Borough Championships were among her highlights, giving her the opportunity to represent the school and celebrate achievements as part of a team. Above all, she values the strong sense of community and the experience of growing up alongside her peers — something she continues to cherish.

Buxton supported Imogen’s future aspirations by providing opportunities to connect with members of the wider community and inspirational leaders. These experiences, combined with the encouragement she received, helped to build her self-confidence and broaden her outlook. The school played an important role in shaping her resilience and belief in her own potential.

Imogen is currently in her final year at Kingston University, studying BA (Hons) Dance. Pursuing her passion at degree level has been both exciting and rewarding, and she continues to draw on the confidence and determination she developed during her time at Buxton.

Her advice to current and future students is clear: anything is possible with the right mindset. There may be moments when challenges feel limiting, but resilience is stronger than any opinion, relationship, or obstacle. Believing in oneself is key to moving forward and achieving success.