Former students help Sheffield secondary school celebrate golden anniversary

King Ecgbert School, in Dore, invited alumni to the KES Gold event on Wednesday, November 20, to honour 50 years since it was converted to, and opened as, a fully comprehensive school.

The event was held to not only celebrate the special anniversary but to also allow the school to build connections and form a network of former students who may wish to be involved in shaping the lives of the current students.

It helped bring together a group of people of all ages, from different backgrounds, who are working in various career areas and have varied life experiences – all of whom had one thing in common, King Ecgbert School.

Headteacher Paul Haigh said “When we realised 2019 was an auspicious year for our school, we realised we are starting to build quite a history and special place in the history of Dore and Sheffield so we wanted to celebrate that golden anniversary with the people who are the embodiment of that history: our alumni.

“This year is a great year to celebrate gold because we are in first place in the city’s league tables. I’m a Sheffielder born and bred and KES has always been one of the stronger schools and in recent years always in the top few. But this year was the first time we’ve rightfully taken our place at the top of the list- a place fit for a King.

“That’s based on GCSE exam results but we are also really proud of the fact most children stay on into sixth form.”

Speeches were made by Mr Haigh, along with the CEO of Mercia Learning Trust, Chris French; Year 7 and Year 13 students; and former student James Needham, who now works for Boeing in Sheffield.

A handful of student ambassadors also treated the group to guided-tours of the school before they were given the opportunity to look over archive material and catch up with old friends and teachers.

Speaking of her time at King Ecgbert School, former student Brenda Smitheman said: “KES broadened my outlook. I was at the old school from 1965-70. Pupils were bussed from all over the city so I met a wide range of people from all difference walks of life. It taught me tolerance and enabled me to mix with people from all lives as an equal, not just a kid from a council estate.”

Anyone who wishes to become part of the alumni network should email [email protected]