Ever since its foundation in 1971 by M.E.C. Comer (Old Johnian Society) the objective of the Association of Representatives of Old Pupils’ Societies has been to provide a forum for the exchange of views and experiences between representatives of old pupils societies.
Each May AROPS holds a whole day Conference. Venues vary from year to year and are chosen with regard to geographical location and differing type of school—day boarding, co-educational or single-sex. Each Conference is divided into four sessions which aim to cover a wide range of topics that will be of assistance and interest to society representatives. During the day there are ample opportunities for representatives to meet and talk with each other. The day always finishes with the conference dinner. The AROPS AGM is held on a weekday evening in November at a school in the London area and is followed by a buffet supper.
The AROPS Committee meets five times a year to deal with the running of the association, prepare for the Conference and AGM and to respond to correspondence from old pupils’ societies on a wide range of topics. It also arranges surveys providing information on matters of current interest. AROPS works with the Independent Schools’ Council (ISC) and its constituent members whose officers are invited to attend AROPS conferences. AROPS is a non-political body, but its interests are opposed to any threat to independent education. Changes in national policy are carefully considered on behalf of member societies.