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| 19 Nov 2025 | |
| Written by James Yates | |
| General News |
As yesterday marked International Men's Day (IMD), it felt right to look back at some of the men who walked the corridors of our heritage schools and went on to shape their fields. IMD aims to celebrate the positive value men bring to the world, their families and communities, and we wanted to highlight some of the amazing value many of our alumni have brought to the world and to their field.
Waste no more time arguing what a good man should be. Be one.
Marcus Aurelius
Dr Michael Smith - Arnold School
Michael Smith attended Arnold School on a scholarship before becoming one of the world’s leading geneticists. He received the 1993 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his development of site-directed mutagenesis, a technique that transformed modern molecular biology.
Source: The Guardian obituary; Defining Moments Canada.
Smith later said he had been “an unremarkable student” at school, a reminder that potential isn’t always obvious. His work has saved and improved lives across the world, and his path reflects the very heart of purposeful scientific impact.
Michael Smith – Biographical - NobelPrize.org
Professor John Guy - King Edward VII School
Historian Professor John Guy attended King Edward VII School before going on to read History at Cambridge, earning a PhD on Thomas Wolsey in 1973, and became a respected Tudor specialist.
Source: johnguy.co.uk biography
His books and broadcasts have helped bring Tudor history to wider audiences. Guy has said he knew from an early stage that he wanted to devote himself to the subject, and his career shows what can happen when academic direction meets long-term commitment.
Biography of John Guy – The official website of John Guy
James (Jimmy) Armfield CBE - Arnold School
James Armfield attended Arnold School before rising to the national level as a defender for Blackpool and the England national team, winning 43 caps and captaining the side 15 times.
Source: England Football Online; Guardian obituary.
The late footballer remained closely connected to his region throughout his life, later serving as High Sheriff of Lancashire. Former teammates and journalists often highlighted his humility and work ethic. His legacy spans sport, community and public service.
Jason Langley - King Edward VII School
Jason Langley attended King Edward VII School from 1995 until 2002, featuring in many school productions and notably playing the Emcee in Cabaret. After school, he studied Drama at Hull University, and then trained in classical acting at LAMDA, graduating in 2007.
His career spans theatre (including Tina: The Tina Turner Musical, Oslo, War Horse), TV (e.g., Breeders, Us, Lucan), and voice-over (the #1 Audible “Tom Marcus” spy series).
On his approach to performance, Langley said:
“I love intimate spaces. At the same time I love it when an actor can commit to a choice and then be able to respond and know if it’s not the right one.” aussietheatre.com.au
His journey shows how early direction and a commitment to craft can build a meaningful career in the arts.
We have had many incredible boys and men attend the heritage schools over the years and these are only a few out of many wonderful characters that will forever have a link to our alumni community. Thank you to all of our alumni for the amazing achievements, your outstanding contributions and service you have brought to the world.
All of the above individuals mentioned form part of our Notable Alumni. You can find out more about our Notable Alumni Gallery here.
Happy International Men's Day.
More information on IMD can be found here.
