Heads together for golden celebration

Vincent Kelly, Francis Casey and David Todd cover 32 years of

St Philip Howard Catholic High School's 50 year history.

The school's first headteacher, the late Lionel Short, was represented at the occasion by his daughter, Elizabeth Hargreaves.

Current head Mr Todd, 47, said being in charge of St Philip Howard for its 50th anniversary was a golden opportunity for him as well.

"This is the best job in teaching," he proclaimed. "It's the best job I've ever had in education.

"There is a real sense of the school as a family place. Many members of staff have their children here. This is also a place of great joy and happiness.

"One of the things parents often say when they tour the school is just how much the children seem to enjoy their education."

He has led the school since 2004. Its 870 pupils mainly come from

the Bognor Regis, Chichester, Midhurst and Littlehampton areas.

They have consistently achieved some of the best exam results locally.

The school was opened in the autumn of 1959 as the Blessed Philip Howard Catholic Secondary Modern School on the site of a former brickworks in Elm Grove South which had closed nine years earlier.

Just 214 pupils were present on the first day along with 12 members of staff, including two heads of department.

It had taken 11 years of talks before the school became a reality.

The struggles were not yet over.

Mrs Hargreaves recalled that her father often battled to get what he thought the school was due.

"I know he was incredibly dedicated and incredibly passionate," she said. "I do know he had to work very hard with the local authorities to secure some of the things he needed."

Mr Short led the school through its first 18 years. He was succeeded by Mr Kelly, 71, who has been its longest serving head so far.

He said: "I had 20 very happy years here. I was aware of having a very good school. With the help of the good and loyal staff, I was able to build on the foundations created by Mr Short."

The school had expanded to some 700 pupils by the time he retired. Both his sons attended St Philip Howard. Mr Casey, 64, arrived in 1997 for seven years having sent his four children there previously.

"My years here were extremely happy. I had worked in comprehensives of 1,500-1,700 pupils and my time at St Philip Howard confirmed to me there is an optimum size for a school.

"Between 800-850 pupils is absolutely right. You can get to know every individual in a school of that size. I am pleased to say I knew everyone by name."

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