In October, we were delighted to welcome back over 40 Old Millhillians, to the OM Middlesex Reunion Tea and tours of the grounds to mark the legacy of the Middlesex Scheme, a groundbreaking initiative that provided opportunities for young people to access an education that would shape their futures.
Guests included Old Millhillians who attended the school from 1945 when the scheme began to pupils who came on assited places through local council initiatives into the 1980s. We were treated to tours of the school, led by current pupils, Head, David Benson welcomed OMs back to their school - some hadn't visited since they left in the 1970s! and after a glorioius tea in the Music Recital room, current bursary pupils spoke about how the school is impacting them. 
These same opportunities continue today at Mill Hill, through the ‘A Better Chance’ bursary scheme, which opens the doors to our school for talented young people, ensuring that Mill Hill continues to be a place where potential is more important than background. We were able to celebrate this lasting tradition of excellence and inclusivity and hear from some of our current bursary recipients and how their Mill Hill experience has shaped them and by supporting the bursary fund we will continue to keep our brilliant school accessible to pupils of all backgrounds.

To see photos from the event scroll to the gallery below. 

Breaking Barriers, Mill Hill and The Middlesex Scheme

The Middlesex Scheme: A Blueprint for Equality in Post-War Britain

In the annals of British history, the aftermath of World War II is often remembered for the rubble and rationing, but behind the scenes, something equally transformative was taking shape: the reconstruction of the nation's education system. At the heart of this revolution was the Fleming Report (1942-1944) and the introduction of the Middlesex Scholarship Scheme - a little-known initiative with a big impact on making education accessible to all, regardless of background. The report’s recommendations were as simple as they were revolutionary: the government should provide financial support (think scholarships and grants) to ensure that more young people, regardless of their family’s income, could attend university.

Meanwhile, in 1941, evacuated hundreds of miles away in Cumbria, Mill Hill School was not just biding its time; it was looking ahead. The Court of Governors seriously discussed the school’s chance of survival after the war. Wider discussions were already underway about how independent schools and the public education system could work together in the post-war world. Inspired by the Fleming Report, Mill Hill began talks with its local council, Middlesex County – I should say, it’s local London, council – to create a cooperative scheme. The idea was simple: take the best parts of the Fleming Report and put them into practice at Mill Hill.

Mill Hill Takes the Lead

Meanwhile, in 1941, evacuated hundreds of miles away in Cumbria, Mill Hill School was not just biding its time; it was looking ahead. The Court of Governors seriously discussed the School’s chance of survival after the war. Wider discussions were already underway about how independent schools and the public education system could work together in the post-war world.

Inspired by the Fleming Report, Mill Hill began talks with its local council, Middlesex County to create a cooperative scheme. The idea was simple: take the best parts of the Fleming Report and put them into practice at Mill Hill.

By March 1945, the ink had dried on an agreement between Middlesex County Council and Mill Hill. The Scheme was ready to go, and in September 1945, the first wave of pupils arrived under the new initiative. These were not just any pupils - they were trailblazers, the first of many to benefit from a system designed to make education a ladder for everyone, not just those born on the upper rungs.

Roderick Braithwaite (Winterstoke, 1945-1950) was among the first pupils to join Mill Hill under the Middlesex Scheme. Reflecting on his experiences, it's evident that the socio-cultural impact of the Scheme has left a lasting impression on him. Roddy recalls that he and his fellow newcomers “were, in fact, part of post-war, would-be revolutionary history.” The transformation in the education system was unprecedented, as was the cultural shift brought about by the inclusion of working-class children in public schools like Mill Hill.

Despite their different backgrounds, Roddy remembers how many of the Middlesex boys, as they came to be known, played a significant role in the school community. Ten Scholars from his cohort became Monitors, and many took on leadership roles as Captains or Vice-Captains of Sports Teams, as well as the Head of the Cadet Force.

The Scheme in Action: A Success Story

From its inception in 1945 until its closure in 1965, the Middlesex Scheme was nothing short of a triumph. Around 479 boys were offered places, and 352 accepted. These young men came from a variety of educational backgrounds—grammar schools, secondary moderns, comprehensive schools, and even independent preparatory schools. The Scheme opened doors to universities that might have remained closed otherwise. Between 1951 and 1962, 135 Scheme pupils went on to higher education, with 64 heading to the hallowed halls of Oxford and Cambridge.

But it wasn’t just academics where these boys excelled. The Scheme’s alumni were well-represented in sports too, with one earning seventeen caps for England in rugby, and another becoming an international hockey player. The Scheme proved that with opportunity and support, talent could flourish, regardless of a pupil’s background.

Old Millhillian Tony Fitzjohn, OBE, (Weymouth, 1958-1963) freely admitted that his life wasn’t exactly on the right track before he joined Mill Hill under the Middlesex Scheme. After attending De Bohun Primary and Enfield Grammar, Tony felt like he was “on a fast track to Borstal—a sort of reform school for delinquents—but Mill Hill gave [him] the foundation [he] needed to navigate those times when [he] was being a bit of an idiot.”

Upon arriving at Mill Hill, Tony was amazed by the incredible opportunities that awaited him; he would go on to earn three A-Levels and secure a spot on the 1st XV Rugby team. After his time here, Tony went onto become a renowned wildlife conservationist; best known for work in saving species like the black rhino and African wild dog from the brink of extinction. Making him a pivotal figure in global wildlife conservation.

The Legacy

By the time the Scheme wound down in 1965, with the disbanding of Middlesex County Council, it had provided around 600 pupils with an education that might otherwise have been out of reach. The Middlesex Scheme serves as a reminder of what can be achieved when public and private sectors work together towards a common goal. It’s a story of fairness, opportunity, and the belief that education should be the great equalizer in society. In a post-war Britain rebuilding from the ashes, the Middlesex Scheme lit a path towards a brighter, more equitable future - a path that still resonates today here at Mill Hill.

Each year, we continue to welcome pupils who might not otherwise have had the opportunity to experience an education like that offered at Mill Hill, thanks to our ‘A Better Chance Bursary’ Scheme. This initiative was founded by Old Millhillian and former Middlesex Scholar. Graham Drake (1957-1962), who cherishes his memories of Mill Hill, though he didn’t succeed in his first attempt to join the school. What stayed with Graham over the years was his father’s strong desire for him to attend Mill Hill. He recalls that his “ambitions for me… were fuelled by… his belief that education was more important than money (especially since we did not have any) and Mill Hill was his gift to me”. Mill Hill provided Graham with “great friends and acquaintances,” and he fondly remembers teachers like Bertie Ricks and Mousy Vine. Inspired by his ‘second chance’ at Mill Hill, Graham teamed up with Robin Mills (Ridgeway, 1957-1962) to recreate the Scheme that had meant so much to them, leading to the creation of the ‘A Better Chance Bursaries which you will see hundreds of Old Millhillians support today.’