70th Anniversary Reunion

On Sunday 8th May 2005 Staines Preparatory School celebrated its 70th birthday. Over 300 past and present pupils, current and former staff members, parents and governors assembled to share their memories and join in the celebrations.

 

It was a wonderful occasion with many generations of the Staines Prep family gathering together to share their stories.   It was also a great opportunity for former pupils and staff to see how the School has continued to develop since their days at SPS.

 

The afternoon began with a buffet lunch, which was followed by a series of mini concerts given by past and present pupils.  The Head Boy, Head Girl, Prefects and House Captains then showed visitors around the School, among them former pupil, comedian Bobby Davro.

 

Staines Prep was founded by Mr & Mrs Burges and opened at No 1 Gresham Road on 8th May 1935 with just eleven pupils.  Among them was John Braithwaite who attended the School from 1935-40 and told many stories from the very earliest days of the School.

While 2004-05 saw excellent results for Staines Prep pupils moving up to local independent and grammar schools, the School also has a strong sporting tradition.

 

As well as John Braithwaite, who was the first SPS boy to score a fifty, a number of other ex-SPS cricketers were present, including former Middlesex fast bowler Tim Bloomfield, Richard Hall (former captain of Engelfield Green CC) and Ben Shaylor, currently at Halliford School where he is in the 1st XI.