STAFF and students at Salford Priors Primary School have been celebrating its 150th anniversary this year.

The ‘school’ was first established in St Matthew’s Church’s choir vestry in 1656 after a local wealthy benefcator called William Perkins instructed that a ‘free school be built in the parish of Salford Priors for the education of its children’.

It grew until it became too large to large for the church and in 1860, for a sum of £600, the school house was built in School Road where it still stands today.

To celebrate its long history Salford Priors schoolchildren invited villagers in to talk about their memories and experiences of both the village and the school.

Headteacher Janet Satchwell said: “Everyone learned so much from these visits, including the teachers, and it was a privilege to listen to the stories of ex-pupils who clearly held very fond memories of their time here.”

The year of celebrations will culminate in a Salford 150 Celebration Event which will be held at the village’s Memorial Hall from 6.30pm this evening (March 31), and hosted by the school governors.

Mrs Satchwell added: “It is a humbling experience to be part of a school that has been the centre of its community for such a long time.

“Today the school continues to fulfil William Perkins’ vision of providing the best possible education for all of its pupils, and those from the surrounding villages.

“While there have been many changes during Salfrod Priors School’s 150 years history one thing has remained constant; its aim to enable children to become the best they can be.”