One of Bolton’s top-performing schools has held its “golden jubilee” with a special celebration.
Sharples School first opened half a century ago and on Friday, September 27 teachers, pupils past and present, and special guests all gathered to celebrate those 50 years.
A school choir was on hand to serenade the guests, while staff and pupils also took part in a tree planting and time capsule event looking ahead to the next 50 years.
Headteacher Caroline Molyneux said: “It’s all about celebrating the ethos and the success of Sharples.
“We want the students to know that the school has been here a long time and that they’re part of a much bigger family.”
Turning to the time capsule, she added: “The idea is to open it in 2074 which will be for the next 50th anniversary.”
The new school year marks Ms Molyneaux’s first as headteacher having taken over from Ann Webster, who served as head for seven years and first joined the staff in 1990, in July this year.
Pupils had gathered at the Hill Cot Road school to explore the school's history - charted through old articles - meet the guests and learn more about the school community over the years.
Pupil Sherjeel Imran said: “Seeing some of the old teachers just shows you how long Sharples has been here for.”
Hatim Kapasi said: “We can all see here some of Sharples’ biggest achievements over the years as one of the best schools in Bolton.”
Joe Thompson said: “It just shows how far Sharples has come over the last 50 years and how we can go even further over the next 50 years.”
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The pupils helped with the tree planting ceremony in the school grounds along with special guest, newly elected MP for Bolton North East Kirith Entwistle.
Ms Entwistle said: “It’s really nice, even though this is my first visit I already feel like I’m one of the Sharples family, it’s a major achievement to make it to 50 years!”
She added: “It's just a really lovely event and I hope to come to many more events going forward.
“I hope it’s the start of a long-standing relationship.”
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