King’s Girls’ Division saw a mini invasion of former pupils as ‘old girls’ returned to mark the 25th anniversary. Memories came flooding back to the former pupils and teachers who shared the ‘best years of their lives’ at the Fence Avenue site.
King’s bought what was the former #Macclesfield High School for Girls in 1991 and opened their new Girls’ Division, in September 1993. Twenty-five years on and around 300 former pupils and staff shared a trip down memory lane as they poured through old photos, videos and yearbooks over a glass of prosecco and afternoon tea.
Sophie Usher, who left in 2008 to study Linguistics at Leeds and now works in publishing, said: “I devoured every book I could in the fiction library and it’s great to see a few of those tomes still on the shelves.
Former Principal Liz Spence, who was in charge from 2001 to 2011, said: “I will always remember the warmth and generosity of the pupils and the special atmosphere in the place, but I am delighted King’s will be moving to its new home for 2020. We have to move with the times and new memories will be created there.”
Science teacher Dr. Anne Cohen said: “I was lucky enough to take a number of year groups through from start to finish and all of them bar none were absolutely lovely, though I have to say some of girls did have their moments.”
Solicitor Hepsi Arnold, who left in 2008 to study Law at Newcastle, said: “I remember the talent shows and how the teachers let their hair down, I can still see Mr Patey-Ford, doing his impression of the lead singer of the Prodigy on stage in my mind’s eye right now.”
Samantha Cook, who came with her beautiful four-week-old baby Lily, said: “I will remember my friends and all the fun times we had and, yes, I’d love Lily to come to King’s.”
Former Director of Admissions Christine Harrison who came with her two daughters and her grandchild, said: “King’s Girls’ Division was the making of my two daughters and from what I have heard today the making of all the girls who came here. It was, and remains, a great school.”