County Durham school celebrates 50th anniversary with fair

Generations came together to mark the anniversary at New Brancepeth Primary Academy, with games, inflatables, balloons, a hot dog stall, and an ice cream van.

Head of School, Charlotte Robson, said: “It’s about celebrating the school’s special place in the community and bringing everyone together.”

The school, now part of the Advance Learning Partnership (ALP), opened in March,1974, but the celebration was put back to the end of the school year when there was a better chance of nice weather.

Grayson and Bodhi Turnbull enjoy the fun (Image: Peter Barron)

Debbie Charlton, chair of governors, added: “We wanted to celebrate not just with the current pupils but those from older generations because it’s part of their history too.”

Debbie’s husband, Clark, is a former pupil, as is their teenage daughter, Maisie, while their son, Carter, is a current pupil at the school. Clark’s uncle, John Charlton, is the school’s caretaker and lives in the village.

“The school is the hub of the community and it’s great to see it doing so well, not just academically, but with the impact it’s making in the community,” added Debbie.

“Becoming part of ALP has added structure and direction, making things better for the children and their families.”

Zara, Polly, William and Grace enjoying ice creams (Image: Peter Barron)

Three generations were represented at the summer fair by Kimberley Roxby. A former pupil herself, she has children at the school, and her mum, Julie, was one of the first pupils at the school 50 years ago.

Kimberley said: “It’s a really good school, with lovely teachers, and they always try to involve parents.”

Fellow mum, Helen Holmes, added: “I really enjoyed my time at the school, so it was natural to send my own children here. It’s such a big part of the community.”

Another former pupil, Ellie Smith, is now a mum-to-be and she said: “I have nice memories of the school and I’m really looking forward to joining the other parents on the school-run.”