PUPILS and staff alike came together to celebrate 140 years since the founding of Colchester Prep and High School.

The independent school celebrated by sharing birthday cake and house competitions, amongst other fun activities on the day.

The celebrations then continued into the early evening, as former pupils and parent alumni ambassadors were invited for a celebration.

The evening event provided an opportunity for the school’s past and present to reconnect over shared memories of their time at the school.

Colchester Prep and High School was founded in 1882, named Minden House Girls School, only taking female pupils at the time.

During its time, the school withstood two world wars.

 In 1918, the school became an annex to Essex County Hospital and was used to care for women and children, whilst the main hospital cared for war casualties.

There was even a close call, where school was almost bombed during the Blitz in 1941.

Following warning sirens, the children were taken into an air raid shelter built under the school, an area now used as a kitchen to provide daiily meals for the pupils.

After an all clear was given, the children were brought back into the playground. Unbeknownst to staff, a stray German plane was straggling its fleet, with bombs still attached underneath.

The bombs were then dropped less than a mile away on South Street.

In 2020, the school appointed its first female headteacher, Karen Gracie-Langrick.

On the celebration, Mrs Gracie-Langrick said: “It has been such a pleasure to celebrate 140 years of pioneering education with our school community.

“We have set a marker point for our future aspirations as a STEAM centre of excellence and innovation. 

“This occasion marked the first of the many initiatives planned for this year, and our pupils have been asked within their school houses to generate £140 for an educational charity of their choice.

“We look forward to sharing with you our many charitable and community initiatives over the year.”

Colchester Prep and High School urges any previous alumni to get in touch with marketing manager Helen Clark, at Alumni@colchesterhighschool.co.uk