Staines Preparatory School Celebrates its 80th Birthday
20 May 2015
Pupils at Staines Preparatory School were bursting with excitement last week as the school celebrated its 80th birthday with a special ‘SPS through the decades’ party on Friday 8th May.
The children were joined by the school’s teaching and support staff, governors and members of The Friends of Staines Prep, to enjoy an indulgent day of fun and frivolities to mark the proud occasion.
The much anticipated party got underway with the children from each year group dressed in costume from a designated decade spanning an eighty-year period from the 1930s to the present day. They spent time learning interesting facts about each era and then were given the opportunity to explore historical toys, kindly donated by the Chertsey Museum.
The celebratory festivities continued into the afternoon with a special school assembly, which saw all the children perform beautifully choreographed dances to reflect their designated period.
Following the assembly, out on the school’s lawns, guests and pupils were treated to refreshments and birthday cake, followed by an awe-inspiring release of 400 specially tagged SPS balloons. The children were delighted to learn that recent sightings of the balloons have been seen as far north as Rutland in the East Midlands.
The day concluded with the presentation of a special commemorative coin which was given to all staff and pupils.
Headmistress Samantha Sawyer said: “It was wonderful to see all the children coming together and really enjoying their school. We are so lucky to have had, and continue to have, such a rich diversity of pupils who positively influence the way in which our school develops and I hope that enjoyment, as well as hard work, is at the heart of that!”
Staines Preparatory School was founded in 1935 by Mr and Mrs Burges with just 11 boys. The vision was to create a school which encouraged children to achieve their full potential within a secure, happy environment and to prepare them for a bright future.
Eighty years on and the school now educates around 400 boys and girls and is the longest-standing, co-educational, independent school in the area. Now the demand from prospective pupils is higher than ever, each wanting to be part of a traditional yet vibrant and forward-thinking school.
Special thanks to Friends of Staines Prep who arranged the magnificent event.
Photo l-r: Staines Preparatory School’s head boy Andreas (aged 10), head girl Preeah (aged 11) and Headmistress Samantha Sawyer dressed in costume to celebrate ‘SPS through the decades’ 80th birthday party