Worlebury St Paul’s Church School, has been celebrating its 150th anniversary with a week-long series of events honouring its rich history. The celebrations included a special worship led by the pupils and Bishop Michael.
The celebrations honoured the school’s outstanding alumni and the generations of students and educators who have shaped its legacy. Founded in 1875, Worlebury St Paul’s Church School has grown from a single-building Victorian schoolhouse into a vibrant educational institution serving over 180 pupils from reception through to year six. Over the past 150 years, the school has stood as a beacon of learning and community spirit.
Michelle Bamford, Headteacher said, “This is a milestone not just for our school but for everyone who has walked through its doors. It has been wonderful learning about our school’s rich past, celebrating the present and looking ahead to the future of education in our community.”
Over the week the school invited previous staff, pupils and community members to take part in the festivities, which included:
- A cream tea served by pupils for the school’s previous community members, including the unveiling of the 150th birthday Commemorative Pebble Garden opened by Weston-super-Mare’s Mayor, Cllr Martin Williams, who attended Worlebury St Paul’s school as a child, and Mayoress Brenda Charles.
- A special 150th birthday church service for staff and pupils lead by Reverend Gail Thomas at the school’s parish church, St Paul’s Church, Kewstoke.
- An unveiling of the 150th birthday mural designed by the children of Worlebury St Pauls and made to come to life by Weston-super Mare’s extraordinary artist Martin D’Arcy.
- An exhibition hosted by the pupils tracing 150 years of school history celebrated through the sharing of Alumni memories, historic information and stunning artwork.
Worlebury St Paul’s Church School extended their thanks to all their local sponsors including; The Lions Club; Berry, Redmond, Gordon and Penney Solicitors; Kindred Services, Party Craft and CIA Fire and Security whose generous support made possible the creation of a beautiful mural by Martin D’Arcy, as well as a commemorative pebble garden. Both serving as lasting reminders of the school’s historic place in the community.