Dr Alastair Wells, 1960-2024 | Epsom College
  • Obituaries

Dr Alastair Wells, 1960-2024

It is with deep sadness that we share the news that Dr Alastair Wells, Chair of the Board of Governors from 2016-23, died peacefully at home on 29 July, 2024

 

Dr Alastair Wells was born in 1960. Like his father, he was a GP, and he attended Epsom College 1973-78 (Forest House). In his own words, he was a “perpetual second team player” in rugby, hockey and cricket and was the captain of golf. As a student, he played golf for Hampshire and was a semi-finalist in the English Amateur 1979 Royal St Georges.

Alastair reconnected with Epsom College through the Old Epsomian Golf Society and was its secretary for 21 years. He played in over 90 matches representing the College in the Halford Hewitt, leading the team to victory in 2000.

Alastair was recruited to the Epsom College Board of Governors in 2002 and became Chair of the Royal Medical Foundation of Epsom College and Chair of the Board of Epsom College Governors from 2016-23.

Constant Support

He was a constant support to Epsom College and helped to navigate the College through the Covid pandemic and, in 2023, the deaths of the College’s 15th Head, Emma Pattison, and her daughter Lettie. He oversaw the College’s steady growth of pupil numbers, the countless awards and accolades, including Independent School of the Year 2022-23, and was instrumental in the appointment of Sir Anthony Seldon.

In the last months of his life, Alastair used an electric wheelchair. He had always championed inclusivity, but this experience ignited in him a passion to make Epsom College even more accessible to all students, staff and parents. This vision and project is one the College will continue to champion and progress.

Alastair was devoted to Epsom College, working tirelessly to ensure it provided the best experience for pupils, with each of them at the heart of every decision. Alastair will be sorely missed by everyone who knew him. He was a loyal and dedicated man, with a big heart for the College and its community.

An Extraordinary Leader

Mr Alex Russell OBE, Chair of Epsom College Board of Governors said: “Alastair was an extraordinary leader and a true pillar of the Epsom College community. His tireless dedication to the College, coupled with his visionary leadership, has left an indelible mark. Alastair’s commitment to putting pupils at the heart of every decision exemplified his deep care for the College and its future. His steady hand guided us through challenging times, always with grace, wisdom, and an unwavering focus on the welfare of our pupils and staff. Alastair’s legacy will continue to inspire us as we build upon the strong foundation he helped create. His loss is deeply felt, and we are immensely grateful for his years of service and the positive impact he had on countless lives at Epsom College. Our thoughts are with Rose and his family and all who knew him during this difficult time.”