A RURAL school is still going strong after 160 years in the same building.

An anniversary celebration and reunion is being planned for Saturday to mark Bishopstone Primary School’s history.

Former pupil Jeremy Harding, 58, who attended the school from 1956 to 1960, is organising the event and is keen for other past students to come along.

He said: “I think it is crucial for rural communities to have their own school.

“When I was a kid living in Bishopstone there were two shops – now there are none.

“I am pleased the school is going from strength to strength.

“I think it is important to stress that small schools often provide a better education than large ones.

“Everyone gets to be known as an individual – that is how it was in my day.”

Mr Harding sent the Adver a photo of the school nativity play from 1959 – he is dressed as a shepherd – holding a crook on the right.

The headteacher at the time was Mary Mant.

Mr Harding, a doctor who now lives in Reading, is researching the school’s history in log books going back to 1870.

He said about 100 pupils attended the primary in the 1800s compared to about 40 in his day, which is about the same as current numbers.

Mr Harding is planning to deliver a speech on Saturday based on his findings. The event will take place at Bishopstone Village Hall from noon until the evening.

Current pupils will lay on morris dancing as well as breakdancing and the day will culminate with a disco.

Children are also planning to sing five songs from different decades.

Old photographs and the school deeds will be on display.

School staff also hope Saturday will help them kickstart a community archive of photographs and records.

Bishopstone School headteacher Sue Walton said: “It is delightful that the school is still here and serving the community – it is a very valuable resource.

“There have been changes inside the building, as we have built an IT suite. But we try to retain the old features.

“The children are very excited about Saturday.

“Hopefully people will come along with old photographs. It is an opportunity to record memories.”

Tickets are available from the Royal Oak pub in the village or at the door. A raffle will also be held.