St Oswald’s CE Primary School celebrates 250 years

2021 marks a huge milestone for St Oswald’s CE Primary School in York as it turns 250 years old and we’re delighted to be able to help them celebrate.

We’ve been providing around-the-clock service to the school since 2005 and having built a strong relationship with them over the years, the team wanted to give a little something back for making us all feel so welcome.

A day of celebrations took place on Thursday 16th September where a new heritage seating space was unveiled, which includes newly restored foundation stones from the original school dating back to 1771 to 1846.

The new seating area also features stunning wildlife-themed ceramic tiles created by the pupils with the help of a local artist and is nestled in a newly planted green area. As part of the unveiling ceremony, a time capsule filled with artefacts created by children to represent current times has been sealed into the bench.

Sue Bland, Headteacher at St Oswald’s School, said;

“We are thrilled to be able to celebrate 250 years of our school and I am incredibly honoured to add my name to the long list of headteachers that have led St Oswald’s CE Primary School since it was first founded by John Key in 1771.

“The school’s place at the heart of the Fulford community has remained steadfast throughout the decades and past pupils young and old talk of the school with great pride.

“The children are central to everything we do, and they have really enjoyed working on this project – we hope to give them a really special day.

“We are hugely grateful to the many people who have donated time, materials or funds to support the celebratory projects – they have helped breathe life into our ideas and it is wonderful to see them brought to fruition.”

Our Facilities Officers have supported the project management and installation of the heritage feature and arranged the landscaping around the area to ensure the space is a calm, presentable and enjoyable space for all to visit and reflect upon the history of the school, whilst also looking ahead to its future.

Beginning its life as a Free School for the poor, upon an endowment from John Key in 1771, the school initially supported just 20 pupils. Several new buildings and two and a half centuries later, it has stayed true to its compassionate roots and continues to provide a supportive and nurturing environment, encouraging all the children in the diverse community to flourish and be the best that they can be.