PUPILS and staff stepped back 300 years last week to celebrate a remarkable milestone at their school.

Teachers and children at Powell’s School organised a week of parties, events and exhibitions to mark the school’s foundation in 1714.

The Bishop of Gloucester, the Right Rev Michael Perham, conducted a service in the parish church before planting a sweet chestnut tree in the school grounds.

“It was wonderful to see the church full of people,” he said.

“The tri-centenary is a big achievement. I do not know many schools that are 300 years old.”

School headteacher Teresa Day said she thought the week of celebrations had gone really well.

“The weather has been incredible and everything has just been wonderful,” she said.

As well as a street party and a 1940s-style sports day, the school put on an exhibition of photos and memorabilia from the last 300 years.

Former teachers and pupils attended the exhibition, including past headteacher Jim Twigg who was at the helm from1968 for 20 years.

“Being here has bought back very happy memories,” he said.

Year 5 pupil Molly Powlesland also had reason to celebrate as she recently won a national competition organised by the Samaritans charity.

She won £500 for the school and an iPad for herself by designing a winning poster. The money went towards a new wood carving of a badger and a hedgehog.

Molly’s teacher teacher Sarah Bayes said: “She wanted something linked to the Samaritans, so the wooden seat was designed to look like the badger and hedgehog are having a conversation.”

More tri-centenary celebrations will be taking place and pupils are preparing a time capsule to be displayed behind a glass wall for 100 years.