NORTHLEACH Church of England Primary School is celebrating its 140th anniversary.

The school was founded, on its present site, in 1874 when Lord Sherborne granted the land to the vicar to build a school for the local children.

The school is marking the event with an exhibition and open evening, at the school, on Friday, June 13 from 4.30pm to 8pm and with a Service of Thanksgiving, earlier in the day at 11am, at the beautiful wool Church of St Peter and St Paul, Northleach.

All are welcome to attend both events. Residents are invited to bring along anyone who may be interested to the exhibition, especially former pupils who either live locally or far away.

Kathy Ellison, parent, governor and organiser of the celebrations explains “2014 is the 140th anniversary, a milestone worth marking and celebrating.

“We have been digging into the school archives, meeting with ex-pupils and sifting through a wonderful collection of photographs, both old and recent, to pull together a picture of life at the school.

“One local resident, 92-year-old Enid Sly was a pupil from 1926 to 1936 and subsequently a teacher from 1936 to 1981.

“Her wonderful, detailed memories are invaluable to the collection and for future prosperity.”

Only 11 head teachers have led the school over these years, with approximately 2,500 students receiving their education at the school during this time.

The present head teacher, Mrs Deb Harris, comments “new buildings and equipment have clearly been added, but the old Victorian building still remains at the core of the school and the same Christian values drive the culture today.

“We are proud to have received a recent Good Ofsted Report, with an Outstanding for behaviour and safety of pupils.

“This celebration day is an opportunity to reflect on the past as well as look forward to the next 140 years.”

If you have any material or would like to share your memories, Kathy is still taking contributions and information such as school reports, books, trophies, event programmes, photographs and other items from school days.

Please contact her at info@northleachschoolhistory.org.uk Material should be sent to Kathy Ellison, The Old Chapel, Market Place, Northleach.

Northleach Church of England Primary School, Mill End, Northleach, Cheltenham, GL54 3HJ visit www.northleachschoolhistory.org.uk or www.facebook.com/northleachschoolhistory