HONOURING REPTON'S HEROES
In the tradition of remembrance, Repton School reflects on the courage and sacrifices of former pupils who bravely served during the First World War. The spirit of those Reptonians, particularly the class of 1913, stirs our community to honour their stories and their legacy.
Back in November 1913, the scene was familiar: 362 boys gathered in Chapel for daily prayers, their minds perhaps wandering to upcoming school events, debates, or sports matches. Little did they know that within a year, their lives would change irrevocably. The following summer, the First World War would engulf the globe, taking with it young Reptonians who would face unimaginable horrors and challenges.
Out of those 362 boys, 349 would go on to serve in the war, with 72 making the ultimate sacrifice. Many others returned home wounded or disabled, bearing the physical and emotional scars of battle. There was also a much larger group of Old Reptonians who went off to fight - 1900 in total – the oldest of whom had attended the School in 1857. 355 of them never returned.
Stories of courage and friendship emerged from the trenches, where these young men held impromptu reunions, toasting Repton in makeshift dining halls far from the comforts of home. Their shared memories of the school, from the Arch to the cricket pavilion, gave them strength amid the devastation around them.
The pupils left behind continued their daily routines under a cloud of loss, facing each day with an awareness of the names they might hear read out in the chapel as part of weekly casualty lists. Letters from the battle front, written to friends and mentors, reveal a deep, abiding connection to Repton—a place where they found camaraderie, purpose, and identity.
The Repton spirit, built on values of service, selflessness, and loyalty, fuelled these young men to stand strong even as they faced unimaginable hardship. The very ethos that defines Repton today—of leadership, resilience, and integrity—was nurtured here a century ago in those same classrooms, chapels, and playing fields. The sacrifices of these Old Reptonians remind us that we are stewards of their legacy. We hold a responsibility to live up to the ideals they embodied, not only in moments of commemoration but in our everyday lives.
Today, we stand among tangible reminders of those who went before us. The Chapel, the Arch, the Grubber, and the Garth, where their names are inscribed in solemn remembrance, all carry the weight of history and sacrifice. It is in these spaces that we are called to reflect on what it means to live a life worthy of such sacrifice. As we walk these grounds, we are reminded not only of those who served but of the community values that shaped them. In honouring their memory, we are challenged to uphold these values and make the most of our time at Repton.
In this season of remembrance, let us carry the legacy of those who came before us. As we remember their names and stories, let us endeavour to make them proud through our actions, achievements, and our commitment to the Repton spirit. As we gather in reflection and respect, we honour their lives and renew our promise to carry their legacy forward.
With thanks to Paul Stevens (Repton School Archivist).