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| 24 Jun 2026 | |
| Written by Alice Larden | |
| Obituaries |
Mary Ayling
Former Governor
March 1938 - June 2026
We are saddened to share the news that former Governor Mary Ayling has passed away.
Mary was the first female Governor at PGS, serving from 1983 to 1999 and becoming Vice Chair in 1998. She played a pivotal role in the school's transition to becoming fully co-educational.
Married to OP and former President of the OP Club, Dr Chris Ayling BEM, Mary continued to generously support the school long after stepping down from the Governing Body. Through the establishment of the Ayling String Prize, Mary and Chris demonstrated their enduring commitment to music at PGS. First awarded in 1991, at a time when the Music Department was heavily dominated by brass players, the prize recognises a pupil who has shown both excellence in string playing and a strong commitment to PGS music.
Mary is survived by Chris and their children, Jane, Sally, Jon (OP and PGS Staff member) and Lizzie.
We extend our sincere condolences to Chris, Jane, Sally, Jon and Lizzie and the rest of Mary’s loved ones.
