Repton School 1557 – 2007
2007 saw the 450 year anniversary of Repton School. Events were held both at School and world-wide, commencing in style with a drinks reception at the House of Commons. Hosted by the Rt Hon Nick Raynsford (P’58), the event was held in the magnificent setting of the Terrace Pavilion overlooking the River Thames on 1st February. The 150 tickets sold out in record time and an extremely enjoyable evening was had by all.
In September 2007 a special Son et Lumière Pageant honoured Repton’s wonderful history, telling the story of the village and School with sound and light, thanks to a team of talented staff and pupils.
October saw Headmaster Robert Holroyd as guest of honour at a prestigious gala dinner at the Hong Kong Club. Hong Kong Old Reptonians maintain strong links with the School and continue to make important contributions. In 2001 they donated a significant proportion of the £1m used to build our state-of the art drama studio. The event was a tremendous success and Mr Holroyd very much enjoyed meeting friends old and new during his visit to China.
In November 2007, the world renowned King’s Singers delivered a memorable day of music at Repton and were a fitting prelude to the visit of HRH The Earl of Wessex just a few days later.
His Royal Highness witnessed various aspects of 21st century school life at Repton, including Art, Drama and the Duke of Edinburgh awards scheme and met many pupils both from Repton and Foremarke Hall Prep School. It was a day that will live long in the memory of all those present and an honour for all those connected with the School. Fifty years after the visit of HRH Queen Elizabeth II to mark the School’s 400th anniversary this was the perfect climax to the School’s year of celebrations.
Anniversaries are also a time to look to the future and to instigate change and in the spirit of Sir John Port and the Repton motto we must therefore continue to embrace a radical view of education that prepares Reptonians for the world beyond the Arch. Thus 2007 saw the opening of Repton Dubai, the first ever boarding school in the Gulf, and a fitting testament to the esteem in which our values are held in different parts of the globe. But birthdays are above all about people and more than anything else 2007 gave us the chance to celebrate the wonderful tapestry of friendship of which we are all part.