AN Ellesmere Port school is preparing to celebrate a diamond milestone.

September 1, 2019 will mark 60 years to the day since The Whitby High School first opened its doors to the community of Ellesmere Port and beyond.

Under the headship of Kenneth Hedges, the first intake of Ellesmere Port Grammar School arrived at a brand new, if not quite finished school.

The school very quickly established itself and new intake students were joined by those who transferred from another local grammar schools.

As the school population increased, a second school was built on the site and thus Ellesmere Port had a grammar school for boys and a separate one for girls the latter being led by Miss Sharples.

Following the amalgamation of the two schools, the combined buildings became The Whitby High School that continued to support that quality of education so well established in the early years.

To start the celebrations that will recognise this significant milestone of the school and that of education in Ellesmere Port, the school will be opening its doors to past students and staff on Saturday, September 21.

Current headteacher Bryn Heeley said: “Considering the many changes that have taken place over the past 60 years, it is a real achievement that the school still stands proud within the community.

"It is only right that we celebrate this achievement and give people the opportunity to revisit an important piece of their past.

"I would like to welcome as many former students and staff back into school to take a look at what the school is today, to reminisce on years gone by and hopefully meet up with old friends and colleagues.”

On September 21, the school will be offering guided tours of the site, exhibitions of work, sample lessons, a glimpse of the past plus a 'catch-up' area with refreshments.

Full details are available on the school website at www.whitbyhigh.org, where contact can be made with the school.

The school has already received many enquiries from across the world and thus the following arrangements will be taking place:

10am – Students and staff from the 1970s and 80s

Noon – Students and staff from the 1960s

1pm – Students from the 1990s onwards

Visitors will be welcome to stay in school until doors close at 3pm.

To make the day as informative as possible, the school is appealing for any related items.

Information, books, reports, uniform items, school photographs or anything else associated with the school would be much appreciated.

Mr Heeley added: “We appreciate that such items may be precious but please be assured that all items will be well cared for and returned back to their owners immediately following the open day."

If anyone has items that they would allow the school to display, please contact the school via the website or by calling reception on 0151 355 8445 and a member of staff will contact them.