A STRATTON school celebrated its 80th year with the ceremonial planting of an oak tree.

Former pupils, prefects and staff gathered at Kingsdown School, in Hyde Road, to celebrate the last eight decades and look to the future.

An oak sapling, which was lovingly grown from an acorn by Margaret Pixton, the wife of former science teacher Bob, was planted by the chairman of governors Marlene Blackwell.

She said: “What is unique about Kingsdown is that for each of its eight decades in existence it has added to its accommodation.”

Guests heard about the evolution of the school which, when it first opened it consisted of a hall and just nine classrooms. Today it has about 60 teaching staff and 1,200 students.

Headteacher Wendy Conaghan, who will retire in July, said: “It will be sad and will only hit me in September that I’m not in education any more. I have loved seeing the school expand.

“When I arrived there was no sports provision and now we have a fantastic facility in the school.

“What I will take away from the last decade is the friendliness of the school and the family feel. You see students whose children and grandchildren come to the school.”

Michael Godwin, 86, from Stratton, was one of the alumni present on the day. He went to Kingsdown in the 1940s.

“It is good to be back. There are a lot of memories here,” he said.

"Lots has changed in the school since I was here but it’s a pleasure to see Kingsdown is still going and doing well. My son went here so it really is a tradition.”

Retired science teacher Bob Pixton was also back for the ceremony. He taught at Kingsdown for 36 years, and researched photos of the school for an anniversary book.

He said: “I have some fond memories of the friendship we had.”