The Old Persean Community

Welcome Back

Catch up with Old Perseans at The Perse School Cambridge

Whether you left The Perse last year or many decades ago, you’ll always be an Old Persean. Our alumni community spans generations and continents, united by shared experiences, lifelong friendships and a lasting connection to the School.

For generations, the Old Persean community has brought former pupils together, helping alumni stay connected wherever life has taken them. Today, it continues to unite Old Perseans across the world through events, networking opportunities, publications and meaningful ways to support future generations of Perseans.

Whether you’re looking to reconnect with former classmates, celebrate your achievements, attend an event or simply keep in touch, we’re delighted to welcome you back.

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Old Perseans

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There are many ways to remain part of the Old Persean community. Keeping in Touch Reconnect with former classmates, return to The Perse and enjoy a varied programme of reunions, networking evenings, sporting fixtures and lectures. Attend an Event Keep up to date with OP News, community news and our regular e-newsletter. News & Publications Read stories celebrating the achievements of Old Perseans across the world. Inspiring Old Persean Stories

Meet the team

Meet the Alumni and Development Office team – we always love to catch up with OPs.

Melissa Whelan

Head of Development

Dilara Colak

Development Officer, Operations & Communications

Laura Gallwey

Development Officer, Events & Alumni

Melissa Whelan
Head of Development

Melissa joined The Perse as Head of Development in 2026, bringing with her more than a decade of involvement with the School as both a parent and former Chair and Co-Chair of the Parents’ Association. Passionate about the power of community, she leads the Alumni & Development Office in strengthening relationships, growing philanthropic support and creating meaningful opportunities for Old Perseans, parents, staff and friends to stay connected with The Perse.

Tel: 01223 403838
Email: mwhelan@perse.co.uk

Dilara Colak
Development Officer, Operations & Communications

Dilara joined The Perse in 2026 and oversees the operations and communications of the Alumni & Development Office. She manages the community database, produces the annual OP News magazine and termly e-newsletter, and looks after The Perse Community’s social media and digital communications.

Have news to share or an update for the community? Dilara would love to hear from you.

Tel: 01223 403836
Email: dcolak@perse.co.uk

Laura Gallwey
Development Officer, Events & Alumni

Laura joined The Perse in 2026 and leads the Alumni & Development Office’s events programme. From reunions and networking evenings to lectures, sporting fixtures and community celebrations, she brings people together through memorable events that strengthen connections across the Perse community.

Planning a reunion or have an idea for an event? Laura would love to hear from you.

Tel: 01223 403971
Email: legallwey@perse.co.uk

School Archives

History of the Perse

We are extremely proud of our heritage and and hold an archive of documents relating to our school’s history. To contact our School Archivist David Jones, please email djjones@perse.co.uk.