Back in the summer of 2017 The Parents'Association asked for some ideas for a PA project, something a bit different that would be a permanent legacy to the school. Berwick Coates, the School Archivist, came up with the perfect suggestion.

“For many years, in the quad, there stood a large tree, known as The Archbishop’s Tree, because it had been planted in 1863 when the Archbishop himself visited to present the prizes for Speech Day!” The school was 5 years old, had 60 pupils and got The Archbishop of Canterbury!!

A circle of seats was constructed around the tree and it became a favourite place for pupils to sit. Sadly it eventually fell victim to development. Berwick suggested that we plant another tree, with a bench seat, for pupils to sit and enjoy for generations to come and to tell the story of the first Archbishop’s Tree. A permanent memorial to a piece of early school history.

Over 3 years later and we have finally planted the new tree. It stands in front of the 150 building and when it is big enough a seat will be built around it. Hopefully later in the year we will be able to have a ceremony (if anyone knows the current Archbishop??) to celebrate our new tree. Thank you to Mike Newby our Assistant Bursar and the grounds staff for organising the planting.