MORE than 500 girls took to Oxford’s pavements to celebrate Headington School’s centenary.

To mark 100 years since the independent girls’ school was founded, pupils aged 11-18 walked from the school in London Road to the University Parks in North Oxford and back.

A series of frisbee challenges, sack races and games of rounders took place at the park.

During the walk, girls from each of the school’s eight houses selected a charity and began getting sponsorship.

Headmistress Caroline Jordan said the girls thoroughly enjoyed the chance to represent the school.

She added: “It was so lovely to see all the girls walking together and taking a well-earned break.

“It’s really important for our girls to get out there in the community, raising money for local good causes and enjoying the wonderful city of Oxford.

“I saw games of frisbee, football and rounders, along with sack and balloon races.

“I hope everyone enjoyed the day as much as I did and I look forward to lacing up my trainers again tomorrow as we walk the girls down to the Roger Bannister Track, Iffley Road, for our annual sports day.”

The girls walked for a total of 8km, roughly the equivalent of 100 steps for each of the 100 years of the school.

Pupil Alexia Roberts, from East Oxford, said she found the day tiring but was thrilled to be involved in the picnic.

The 11-year-old added: “It was really tiring but the picnic and everything we did in the park was really good fun.

“Everyone got really involved and had a good time. It was a really enjoyable day.”

Bethany Jones, 13, said: “It was fun and it was nice to have a break from normal school work and I really enjoyed playing frisbee.

“I think lots of my friends enjoyed the day and so did I, it was a good opportunity to chill out.”

The walk follows several events held this year to mark the centenary year, including an arts festival at the Sheldonian Theatre in Broad Street.

Future events include a centenary foundation day on July 4 and a special play to be performed in December.