A secondary school that is being completely rebuilt is inviting former students to a ‘memories festival’ ahead of its demolition this summer.
Gosford Hill in Kidlington is one of around 400 schools across the country which will shortly be redeveloped as part of the government's multi-billion-pound School Rebuilding Programme.
Details of the project were published last October by the school and a planning application was submitted to Cherwell District Council in February.
The work will start this summer – but not before students, parents and staff past and present have had a chance to say farewell to the existing school buildings.
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The school is staging an event to celebrate its history with tours, music and refreshments, as well as an opportunity to explore the archives.
The school, which opened in 1932, has also arranged for guest speakers – details of which will be announced soon.
The reconstruction of Gosford has been described as a “transformative moment for Kidlington” by headteacher Nigel Sellars.
Mr Sellars added: “This is a huge moment for the school and the fantastic community we are privileged to serve.
“Every community deserves a great school at its heart – and this rebuilding project means Gosford Hill can be a great school at the heart of Kidlington for years to come.
“These are pivotal times in the school’s history.”
In 2022 the school was upgraded to 'Good' by Ofsted, with inspectors from the national education standards body recognising that staff “have significantly improved the quality of education”.
Former students at Gosford Hill include Professor Irene Tracey, who last year became the first ever comprehensive-educated vice-chancellor of the University of Oxford.
When she was appointed vice-chancellor, Prof Tracey said: “Coming to Oxford University from a terrific local school, Gosford Hill, I know well the transformative power that great teachers, professors and a good education can have throughout one’s career.”
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Other Gosford Hill alumni include singer-songwriter Nick Cope and BBC Radio 1Xtra presenter and reggae DJ David Rodigan MBE.
Gosford Hill is part of River Learning Trust, a multi academy trust made up of 28 schools in Oxfordshire and Swindon.
Other secondary schools in the trust include The Cherwell School in North Oxford and The Marlborough School in Woodstock.
The celebration of the school's history takes place on Wednesday April 17 between 4.30pm to 7.30pm. People wishing to attend should RSVP via the school website, www.gosford-hill.oxon.sch.uk, or by calling 01865 374971.
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