Pupils, staff and families at St Mary’s C of E Primary School and Nursery in Writhlington have marked the school’s 125th anniversary with a colourful programme of celebrations.
The Radstock school has celebrated the milestone with activities including a whole-school drone photograph, a Colour Run obstacle course, traditional dancing and a special History Week.
St Mary’s was established in 1901, the year Walt Disney was born, Marconi sent the first transatlantic radio signal and Queen Victoria died. Today, the church school educates 170 pupils.
The anniversary celebrations began with a Colour Run on Thursday 9 July, which brought together pupils, staff and families and raised £4,000 in donations for the school.
Headteacher Cathie Lampert said, “Our 125th anniversary Colour Run was a wonderful celebration of everything that makes our school so special. Seeing pupils, staff, families and our wider community come together, covered in colour and filled with laughter, was a truly unforgettable moment.
“The event captured the spirit of our school — a place built on friendship, achievement and shared memories. As we celebrate 125 years of history, we are also looking forward with excitement to the future and the many generations of children who will continue to make our school proud.”
One pupil said, “The Colour Run was the best day ever because everyone joined in and had so much fun together. I loved seeing all the different colours and taking part with my friends and teachers. It makes me feel really proud to be part of St Mary’s.”
During the final week of term, from 13 to 17 July, pupils are taking part in History Week, researching the school’s 125-year story and examining headteacher log books dating back to 1901.
The celebrations will culminate on Thursday 16 July with an exhibition exploring school life through the decades. Children will dress in period costumes and perform songs and dances for their families and members of the wider community.
The anniversary activities have also extended beyond the school grounds. Pupils performed the traditional Maypole Dance at the Midsomer Norton Fayre on Saturday 11 July, where they were crowned Grand Champions of the Fayre.
St Mary’s C of E Primary School and Nursery is a member of The Partnership Trust, a multi-academy trust comprising 17 schools across Bath and North East Somerset and Somerset.
Emily Massey, Chief Executive Officer of The Partnership Trust, said, “Congratulations to everyone at St Mary’s on the school’s 125th anniversary. Reaching a century and a quarter of educating the children of Writhlington is an extraordinary achievement.
“It is a testament not only to the dedication of staff and pupils over the years, but also to the support of families and the wider community. Here’s to the next 125 years!”
