This year Spratton Hall School is in excellent company as it celebrates its platinum anniversary. The school marked the occasion this weekend, with a service of thanksgiving at St Andrew’s Church, Spratton, followed by a Garden Party at the school for former staff, pupils and their families. Over 200 guests attended, on what was fortunately, a glorious afternoon. These included Rob and Sir Alistair Hunter, sons of Ken and Joan Hunter, who founded the school in 1951. Also in attendance was Mr Piers Bickley, Head Master from 1975 (the year the school first welcomed girls) to 1996, his wife, Sue. They mingled with teachers, both past and present, and pupils from every generation, including some of the original cohort of 22 boys. The guests were able to reminisce about their school days on guided tours with the pupils from Years 7 and 8, before settling down for an alfresco lunch and performances by the Spratton Hall Concert Band and Senior Choir. The afternoon culminated with the opportunity to relax in the sunshine, and watch the mixed teams of girls and boys playing their afternoon cricket fixtures. A Spratton Hall alumnus himself, current Head Master, Mr Simon Clarke, was delighted that the event had been so well attended: “It was wonderful to see so many familiar faces and to hear their fond memories of Spratton Hall. Although the school started with a handful of boys, we now have 400 pupils, equally split between boys and girls, who embrace the fact we are a traditional prep school, but also benefit from the inclusivity, diversity and equality that we give to all our pupils today.” The school has changed a great deal over the last 70 years, and now sits in 50 acres of landscaped grounds, with facilities including a theatre, forest school, multiple pitches, tracks and courts. Although it has moved with the times to offer pupils a first-rate 21st century education, the original Spratton Hall spirit remains as strong today as it has always been.