GALLERY: Marlow school celebrates historic 400th birthday

It was a weekend of celebrations for Sir William Borlase’s Grammar School at the end of June, with a charity walk, open day, exhibition and gala ball among the ways pupils and teachers marked 400 years on West Street.

The festivities kicked off with a sponsored walk through the hills and woods of Marlow on Friday, June 28, to raise money for the Mind and Marlow United charities.

On the day Sir William Borlase was knighted 400 years before, students walked between 8km and 12km with mid-route treats of Haribo’s and ice pops and only a few accidental detours.

They raised £6,000, which was divided equally between the two charities.

On Saturday, June 29, Borlase opened its doors to current and former students alongside parents and wider community members for the formal opening of The Centenary Hall – a beautiful new study space for Sixth Form students.

A historic exhibition spanning the school’s 400-year timeline against a global and national context was supported by The Marlow Society and Rebellion Brewery was on hand to serve specially brewed bottles of ‘Borlase 400’ beer.

The weekend was brought to a close with 350 guests attending an impressive Centenary Gala Ball in the school’s sports centre. Speeches were given by former students including John Barry, who said Borlase “hasn’t changed a bit” since he left 70 years ago.

Headteacher Ed Goodall also reflected on the school’s vision for the future, and guests danced the night away to a concert band led by long-serving music teacher Simon Davie.