School set to celebrate momentous occasion

Present in the village for over 160 years, Itchingfield Primary School has educated over 3,500 pupils, seen eight head teachers and holds many fond memories for pupils both past and present. Nestling on top of Fulfords Hill in idyllic Sussex countryside, this Victorian school was, according to a previous headteacher, “a perfect location in which to educate young children in an increasingly hectic world”.

The last remaining split site school in West Sussex is now being replaced with a new purpose built, single site facility. Award winning property developer, Berkeley Homes, has recently finished building the brand new school premises to provide bright and airy classrooms and play spaces, offering a new, inspirational and stimulating environment for the children of these villages and beyond.

With the primary school holding such iconic status in the local community for so many years, the school is keen to mark this momentous occasion by hosting a closing ceremony.

People with any association with the school are invited to take part in the event at 2pm on Saturday 20th June along with pupils and head teachers both past and present. Visitors are being encouraged to bring with them their favourite memories.

In order to capture all the heartfelt sentiments and history of the old school, the Parent Teacher Association is creating a memory book and is keen for everyone involved to contribute to the school’s vibrant past.

The closing event will also be marked with the filling and sealing of a Time Capsule containing contributions from today’s pupils. Items to be included are a video of the children entering the new school building for the first time, a tile and brick from the old building, a current school jumper, a copy of The History of Itchingfield School book and selections of current school work.

Anyone wishing to attend should contact Barns Green Primary School on 01403 730614 or email; [email protected]

Report and picture contributed by Katrina Croft, Lucre.