Fifty years and counting for Ashfield School

The free event will feature traditional summer fair activities as well as tours of the school site, a memorabilia room and a chance to see what lessons at Ashfield are like today.

It is taking place on Saturday 12th July from 10am until 3pm and everyone is invited.

Said headteacher Dick Vasey: “We would love for as many ex-students, members of staff and people from the local community to come and visit the school that day as possible.”

Ashfield School has been an integral part of the Kirkby and Sutton communities since it opened in 1964.

Up to three generations of the same families have all passed through the classrooms of what is the largest secondary school in the country, with over 2,500 students.

Mr Vasey said that good relationships with the local community - including other schools and employers - are key to helping young people develop and progress.

“What we have tried to do in the six years that I have been here is make sure that when students take options, there’s a pathway all the way to the end of Post-16 and a pathway beyond,” he added.

Though it is still using original buildings, the school has physically changed over the years, with £4m of improvements being made recently.

Mr Vasey said: “I am looking forward to seeing the reaction of ex-students and members of staff at how much it’s changed and hopefully how much better it is!”

A celebration concert is also being held on 12th July at 7.30pm. Tickets are available from 16th June from the school on Mansfield 455000 and cost £5 or £15 for four.

Anyone who has any school memorabilia for display during the open day is asked to bring it into the school in advance.