As the week ended, we were thrilled to welcome nearly 200 members of the school’s community – current and former parents, teachers, and school trustees – to celebrate the school’s 25th anniversary at a special commemorative service and reception. Held in the main hall in our award-winning school building at the end of last week, the evening event was a very special ‘silver jubilee’ commemoration
Dr Stephen Holsgrove, Head, said: “It was wonderful to welcome back and reunite so many former members of our school community and, for some, their first visit back to the school in many years. We are thrilled to be celebrating the school’s first 25 years that has seen our school grow and prosper – acting as a beacon of aspiration and inspiration to so many pupils’’. As well as hymns and prayers, the commemoration included personal recollections of former pupils, interviews with Dr Holsgrove and Mrs Holsgrove about the early days of the school, talks by former pupils and trustees, and specially commissioned musical and drama performances by current and former pupils.
Attendees were also able to view a special exhibition at the school that included photos, articles and records of many milestones from the school’s earliest days to the present day. This remains on display in the main lobby. We also produced special commemorative cupcakes branded with the school’s crest.
The anniversary date was no coincidence as the imminent opening of the school was announced precisely 26 years ago to the day – 15th May 2000 – as “…a vibrant mixed ability secondary school…that focuses on the development of the whole person and encourages each student to reach their full potential.”
Dr Holsgrove added: “We all know how much the world has changed over the past 25 years but the school’s mission remains as valid and true to this day as we seek to prepare children for a fast-changing world by developing their sense of purpose, able to ‘navigate for life’.”
The commemorative service is one of a number of celebrations and initiatives the school is making during its anniversary year that also includes the formation of a new Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) with fresh leadership, and a more formal Alumnus Association to enable former pupils to stay in touch with the school and with their school friends after they leave.
