Whitehall parade is an annual event where the Pipes and Drums band, along with up to two hundred Year 9 and 11 pupils, march down Whitehall in London. It takes place within the month of January, and usually on a very chilly morning. It is a significant event for the school because it is in direct honour and tribute to General Charles Gordon.
On the 17th of January 2026, the Pipes and Drums left for London at 08:15, swiftly followed by the school – all preparing for an 11:44 march off. On what started as a very rainy morning quickly turned into a bright mood, as the sun came out and the band gave a huge sigh of relief knowing that we were not about to be drenched in rain for the whole event. The Pipes and Drums have been present every year for over one hundred years, leading the school down the Whitehall which had been closed especially for our school to conduct this important event.
It was a privilege to be the Drum Major for Whitehall this year, and it is an experience I will never forget. The sound of the snare drum rolls and the pipes starting up after Mr Fox’s calls to stand to attention and “quick march” where exceptionally loud in the confined road of King Charles Street and had the crowd lock their eyes onto this spectacle.
We turned left up Whitehall with the sun shining on us and a special police escort. We marched past The Cenotaph, The Women of World War II statue, and The Field Marshal Earl Haig Memorial, before wheeling right past Horse Guards building and down Horse Guards Avenue, on our way to the General Gordon statue. Once we arrived, Reverend Wright took our service, as we bowed our heads and prayed. Shortly after, the pipes and drums led the school back to the Horse Guards Avenue ready to form up again from the signal by Mr Fox.
One of the most memorable parts of the parade is how often people and tourists ask for photos of the band – it is something that is very unique for a school to have, with most schools rarely having a Pipes and Drums band that are able to carry out this service.
Overall, it was a very thrilling experience, and I was very honoured to lead the band and school through such a busy part of London, down a significant road, and carry out a particularly important tribute.
– Ben
Message from the Quarterly Gazette team:
These photos, along with some others you’ll find on our page, has been taken by one of our own students. Well done, Finn. They are terrific shots.
