A primary school in Bolton celebrated a landmark anniversary of the school’s inception.

Bishop Bridgeman CofE School in Great Lever celebrated their 50th anniversary on Thursday, May 26.

Students, staff and special guests from the diocese marked the landmark with a special assembly and then a street party in the afternoon.

At the street party students and teachers sang happy birthday to the school with the help of a brass band, the Bishop of Middleton, Mark Davies, cut the birthday cake and a commemorative bench and tree were unveiled.

Principal Hafsha Hafeji spoke to The Bolton News, singing the praises of the staff.

She said: “The staff are very driven to meet the academic potential of our children.

“We’ve got staff members who have worked here in excess of 30 years.”

She remarked at how the school has fostered a strong sense of community, referring to the teachers with numerous years’ service.

The Bishop of Middleton, Mark Davies, also spoke to The Bolton News, highlighting how special the school is.

He said: “It’s been a great celebration and it’s wonderful to be here celebrating the first 50 years of Bishop Bridgeman.

“The school has a sense of real productivity and achievement, and the hand of hospitality is always extended when you’re here.”

He continued: “What strikes you when speaking to them is that the children are so articulate.”

The school’s Chair of Governors, Reverend Ian Hepburn, spoke about the growth of the school.

He said: “I’m fairly new to the school, I’ve been a governor for three years and have been Chair of Governors for one year.

“But even in that time, you can see the school has a strong idea of where it wants to go.”

Councillor and Canon John Walsh OBE spoke about the success of the school given the lower socio-economic standing of Great Lever.

He said: “One other great thing about the school is that it is in an area of deprivation, but there is a list of pupils waiting to come to the school.”