Highfield School, on London Road, Newark, celebrates 80th anniversary with special event alongside staff, parents, present and former pupils
An independent school has welcomed pupils from past and present to a special event celebrating its 80th anniversary.
Over the past eight decades Highfields School, on London Road, has educated generations of Newarkers, growing into a much respected and high achieving town institution.
Now, to celebrate their milestone anniversary, Highfields invited parents and some of their first ever students along to join in an afternoon of fun and games, complete with food and musical entertainment.
Music was provided by the Newark and Sherwood Concert Band and the school choir, before Mayor of Newark Barbara Corrigan was invited to light the candles on the school’s birthday cake, which was designed by the children.
School head, Sarah Lyons, welcomed guests by saying: “It is wonderful to see the faces of so many people who have walked these halls over the decades — you are a living testament to the lasting impact of this school.
“To the entire Highfields community; staff, governors, parents, and friends, thank you.
“Your dedication, support, and unwavering belief in our values has made Highfields what it is today — a nurturing and inspiring place where children flourish.
“As we celebrate 80 years of learning, laughter and legacy, let us also look ahead with hope and determination for the next 80.”
The school first opened on March 28, 1945, with just 21 pupils in a small space above a chemist shop on Appletongate, before moving to their current location after the second world war ended.
Linda Briggs was one of the school’s first pupils, and was present for the move out of the town centre.
She said: “Being back has been very nostalgic.
“I loved it and have many happy memories here — I made a lot of friends.
“When the school was in Appletongate my parents used to pop me on the bus from Coddington on my own and I’d get off on in the town centre.
“There wasn’t a lot of space and we didn’t have many facilities, so at lunch times we had to walk down to a cafe on Millgate to have our lunch, and then a teacher would bring us back again.
“Luckily my family moved to Elm Avenue and the school moved here, so I could walk to school, and teachers would see us down the road.
“There were only 21 students at the beginning and seeing it grow into what it is now is lovely.”
Parents of current pupils were also full of praise for the school, including Neil and Helen Willmott, whose son Benji moved to the Highfields from a public school.
Neil said: “My son came here a few years ago, and since he did the difference has been night and day.
“He has had the best possible trajectory, as well as the education it’s the attitude, he responded to the change so well.
“It’s really the culture of the school that is genuinely incredible — the kids are uplifted and given the situations to make them feel like they can do things.
“It felt like a big move. It was a leap and we had no real context for what to expect and it has been a hugely positive experience.
“In all honestly, we feel like it is probably the best money have have ever spent in all our lives.”
For some other families, multiple generations have attended the school, including the Stauntons, with son Charlie following in his father Will and grandfather Edmunds’s footsteps.
Will Staunton joined the school in 1976, and now sits on the school’s board of governors.
He said: “Highfields has given generations of Newark children a quality education, including my family.
“I made a lot of good friends here — friendships for life.
“It was, and continues to be, a very nurturing school, which is why I wanted to send my son here in 2009, and continue to be involved years after he left.
“It can be tough keeping an independent school going, but we are heading in the right direction — a huge part of that is through the support of the parents.”
Family patriarch Edmund, joined as a four-year-old in 1947, and added: “On my first day I remember not being very happy because suddenly I was away from my family.
“But that quickly changed and I had some of the happiest days of my life here.”
Guests were free to roam the school grounds and halls, and were able to view special display showcasing Highfield’s history through photographs, letters, and newspaper clippings.
Brother and sister, Ian Willows and Jane Styring, attended the school in the early 1950s enjoyed walking around and reminiscing.
Ian said: “Seeing it again after all this time is amazing, and it’s lovely to come back.
“It was always very caring here — it felt like an extension of home.”
