A Kendal school is set to celebrate 500 years of teaching.
Kirkbie Kendal School first opened its doors in 1525, during the reign of King Henry VIII, and has remained a place of learning for thousands of students and teachers over the years since.
The secondary school is now calling on the town to join in with celebrations and share school memories as it marks its 500th anniversary this year.
To kick-off a year of celebrations, the school has announced a fundraiser to deliver five projects that aim to support student and staff health and wellbeing.
The school is aiming to raise £100,000 to fund a new school kitchen, improved toilets, new classrooms, a dining room and sustainability projects. Staff and students are already planning a 500-mile sponsored walk, bumper school fete, quiz and a time capsule to help raise money.
Headteacher Mark Harris said: “Our 500th anniversary is really a celebration for everyone. We’re already hearing from so many people who want to share their ‘school days’ stories with us – sometimes stretching back multiple generations – it’s fascinating to hear the real Kirkbie Kendal School story.
“We’re proud to recognise the positive impact the school has made with so many people during its 500 years, so while we’re celebrating our history, we also want to look to the future. I hope the community join us in celebrating and helping us raise vital funds to support our current and future students.”
Alongside the fundraiser – the school has also set up a new Facebook group – named Kirkbie Kendal School Celebrating 500 years – for former students and teachers to share their school stories in a bid to create a living archive of memories.
Kendalians are also being invited to mark the 500 years by heading back to school through a family garden party, to be held on June 28.
The party will include guided tours of the school, student stories, creative performances, games, food and releasing the time capsule.
The school’s traced origins date back to 1552, when it was Kendal ‘Free Schole’ at Kendal Parish Church, before it later became later Kendal Grammar.
In 1888 Kendal High School for Girls opened and in 1889 the grammar moved to its current site on Lound Road. In 1980 the boys’ and girls’ schools merged, forming what is known today as Kirkbie Kendal School.
Celebrated alumni of the school include Brian Hall, Everest summiteer and mountaineer, England Rugby Union player Mark Wilson and Georgie Buckland who is currently starring in the Devil Wears Prada in the West End.
