Turning 100 is something of a milestone, and a West Norfolk Academies Trust school is celebrating its centenary in style, with former students and staff members invited to share the special anniversary.

Marshland High School in West Walton will be marking the epic occasion on Wednesday 1 July with an afternoon party for current staff and students, followed by a through-the-ages exhibition of photos of the school from across the century.

History Teacher Lydia Beatty, who is helping to plan the festivities, is keen for those with both past and present connections to the school to join the celebrations.

“There will be an exhibition of old photos of the school through the 100 years,” she said. “In the afternoon, staff and students will be having a party. There will be cake and ice cream, entertainment and music.

“There will be games on the field, and our school choir will be singing songs. We will be burying a time capsule, which will contain different things to mark life at the school in 2026.

“After school, we are inviting anyone who attended the school throughout the years to come along to view the exhibition and see how the school has changed. This will be taking place from 4.00pm to 5.00pm.”

The event at Marshland will also feature a surprise, birthday reveal.

Miss Beatty continued: “A particular highlight has been that the History Department has been contacting people requesting a 100th birthday card, in the hopes of getting 100. We have received over 100 cards from television and film celebrities, Olympians, historians, royalty, and many more.

“We have kept it secret, and are looking forward to revealing all of the cards on the big day.”

Marshland started life as a small secondary serving its immediate village, and has grown to become a high school with 850 students which draws from 27 feeder primary schools in the area.

Miss Beatty added: “We are so excited to celebrate. It’s not every day you turn 100!”