From humble beginnings in 1954 the Old Cerdics Scholarship Fund, initiated by Headmaster Lawrence Powell to mark the 25th anniversary of the founding of the OCA, assists the school on an annual basis in contributing towards scholarships awarded by the school to pupils who could not otherwise afford the full fees. Two awards are announced annually by the Head at the school’s Prize Giving in July – ‘The Old Cerdics Academic Bursary’ and following the death of Lawrence Powell in 1998 ‘The Lawrence Powell Music Bursary’. Many of the prizes and cups awarded at Prize Giving bear the names of former pupils some dating back to the 1930s.

Old Cerdics are in contact with each other across the globe and small groups meet informally on a regular basis. The main event held in June every year by long standing tradition is the annual reunion dinner in Chard, preceded by the Annual General Meeting. This event now follows the school’s Summer Fair held on Monmouth Lawn that has proved to be a good meeting place for Old Cerdics of all ages. A rolling programme of other social events is also held during the weekend and at other times throughout the year.  Over the years reunions have also been held on a regular basis in London and the Home Counties.  On two occasions the OCA’s annual dinner was held at the House of Commons. A newsletter, circulated by the school, containing articles of interest relating to both the School and the OCA is sent by email to all members worldwide.

The history and development of the OCA is marked with many notable milestones.  In 1996 the school celebrated its 325th anniversary.  That year over 100 people, including past and present Headmasters attended the OCA annual dinner with the Mayor of Chard and local MP, The Rt.Hon. Paddy Ashdown as principal guests. Eight years later the OCA celebrated its own 75th anniversary marking the occasion with the presentation of a new flag to the school.