Shropshire girls' school is top of A-level class
Staff and pupils at an independent girls' school in Shropshire have plenty of reason to celebrate after marking the institution's centenary by being named the best in the land.
Moreton Hall School in Weston Rhyn, near Oswestry, opened its doors for the first time in 1913 when Ellen Lloyd-Williams began a school for two day girls and 11 boarders, mostly from her extended family.
The school has since grown to cater for about 500 pupils. And it was recently ranked as the country's top, non selective independent school for A* results by The Times
Principal Jonathan Forster said the accolade was a fitting way to celebrate the school's centenary.
He said: "The school had 30 per cent of its grades at A* and 62 per cent at A or A*. The Times has ranked us as the country's top non-selective independent school for A*s – a fantastic way for us to start our centenary year."
The centenary celebrations also see the completion of the school's new Centenary Science Centre, which will house what is thought will be the country's first medical science faculty to be created within a school.
An official launch of the centenary will take place October 5 with a commemorative service at St Oswald's Church in Oswestry followed by lunch at Moreton Hall.
"We see the year as an opportunity to bring the whole Moreton community together and the launch event is the perfect chance for everyone who has had any relationship with the school to come and join us to celebrate," Mr Forster said.
"If we have missed anyone off our invitation list we ask them to get in touch with us." In May the school will host a centenary circus ball with a grand reunion taking place in June.
Mr Forster said: "The year will be rounded off with a celebratory pageant created by author and journalist, Matthew Dennison who has also created the book: A Centenary Portrait of Moreton Hall.
"To hit our 100 year anniversary with the school at an all-time high academically is perfect.
"Many people have contributed to the school's history and to its current outstanding position." The Moreton Hall Senior School open day will be on September 21 at 10am.
