The Hamish Aird Foundation Award was established in 2016 to honour Hamish’s extraordinary 50 year tenure at Radley. Arriving in 1966 as a Classics Don, Hamish went on to become Sub-Tutor, Tutor of E, and Sub-Warden under Dennis Silk. In his final years at Radley, he played a valued role in the Development Office, continuing to support the College and its community.
Recognised for his warmth, wisdom and unwavering commitment to Radley and its boys, Hamish inspired generations of Radleians. Following his retirement, a group of ORs quickly came together to create an award at Radley in his name, raising over £250,000 in just a few weeks. Since the first Hamish Aird Foundation Award beneficiary joined in 2018, this generosity has enabled five boys to receive means-tested support through the fund, with the most recent recipient having just completed his Remove year at the College.
Earlier this year, Hamish visited Radley to meet with the current award holders. Sam (Fifth, J Social) and Laszlo (Remove, C Social) joined him for afternoon tea in Mansion in February. The gathering was filled with conversation and laughter as the boys and Hamish shared their experiences of Radley life. And Harkirat (6.2, L Social) caught up with Hamish in July after his A levels were over. This was also an opportunity to celebrate Harkirat’s remarkable achievement of securing a place at the University of Oxford to study Biochemistry – a testament to the doors that this award continues to open.
“Nothing surprised and delighted me so much as being invited to give my name to a Radley Bursary Award, and then to meet up with the award winners regularly over tea and sandwiches. They have proved to be exceptional and a credit to our most generous donors. They have been excellent company too, and it has been a real pleasure (right up at the top of a list of retirement bonuses!) to map their progress.
When I was asked what qualities a HAFA award winner should have I replied straight off, ‘A bit above average academically and with a … spark!’ They have all filled these criteria and been friendly, chatty and ready to work. I feel both lucky and proud to know them and to watch how they flourish at Radley and beyond.” – Hamish Aird
The Hamish Aird Foundation Award is more than just financial support; it is a bridge between past and present, ensuring that Radley’s opportunities remain accessible to talented boys, regardless of their circumstances.
