NEXT week marks the start of the 400th anniversary of Sir William Romney’s school in Tetbury.

It was in 1610 that Tetbury-born Sir William Romney set aside £13 per year in his will for “a schoolmaster to teach the children of the town and parish, gratis, to read and write, and to cast accounts in arithmetic”.

This school became Tetbury Grammar School, adopting the name Sir William Romney’s in the early 1950’s.The school moved to its current site at Lowfield Road in 1969.

And 400 years on the comprehensive school that bears its founder’s name has been using the very modern medium of Friends Reunited to contact 2,500 ex-school pupils and staff, inviting them to join in the anniversary celebrations.

“We have been really successful with that site,” admitted headteacher Steven Mackay.

It is hoped that a good proportion of those who have made contact will attend the open afternoon at the school on Saturday, September 18 from 2-4pm. “It will have important memories for pupils and staff who attended the school on this site. We are hoping that as many people come as possible,” said Mr Mackay.

The History of Tetbury Society (HOTS) are kick-starting the celebrations with an event this weekend that co-incides with national Heritage Weekend.

On September 11 and 12 an exhibition of memorabilia together with an art exhibition by students of the school will be on display at Tetbury’s Market Hall from 10-4pm.

Geoff Haines, chairman of HOTS said: “Our display includes a project that students did at the school in the 1950’s.”

The actions and good deeds of Sir William Romney were felt not just by the school but by Tetbury as a whole. “He was a very important man and his legacies can be seen all around the town,” explained Mr Haines.

From Monday, September 13 the focus shifts to Sir William Romney’s when the exhibition moves to the school.

Celebrations continue in school throughout the week including the burial of a time capsule, containing a school uniform, and an Elizabethan-themed dressing up day.

And Countryfile presenter and ex-pupil Ellie Harrison will be leading an assembly at the school for the pupils.

After the open day on Saturday, September 18 there is a formal evening event, where 200 invited guests will be entertained by a musical concert performed by past and present pupils.

“We are really looking forward to it,” said Mr Mackay. “There are not many heads who can say they are the head of a 400 year-old school. It feel quite privileged by it.”