Pupils from across the decades are being invited to get in touch as Newcastle-under-Lyme School plans to stage the biggest reunion in its history.

The school, which dates back to 1604, is planning a Charity Reunion Dinner on 15 October.

And they want to get in touch with as many former pupils as possible before the event takes place.

Headmaster Nick Rugg said the school was looking to hear from anyone who attended the original Newcastle High School (a school for boys), the Orme Girls’ School or the current co-educational Newcastle-under-Lyme School formed in 1981.

“Our school has a proud history and this has been celebrated with reunions over the years,” said Mr Rugg. “Up until now we have had distinct different groups of old boys and girls and this event is designed to bring as many people as possible together for the first time. “

The reunion is to be held at Keele Hall. Funds raised by the event will be donated to the Children’s Oncology Ward at the University Hospital of North Staffordshire.

It will signal the start of a campaign to trace as many former pupils as possible.

Julie Hesketh, of the school’s external relations department, said: “The school is inviting all former pupils to get in touch and we are appealing to people to contact their old school friends to ask them along to the reunion.

“Could we, for example, reunite all the members of a former girls’ hockey team or a boys’ Rugby Union side? The reunion provides an ideal opportunity for people to come together and share their memories.

“Former pupils can gain access to our superb Archive stretching back to the 19th Century. It is full of memories such as team photographs, educational records and memorabilia and has been accessed by many former pupils.

“We would welcome interest in the Archive along with any new items of memorabilia that former pupils may have at home that they would like the school to preserve.”

Anyone who is interested in attending the dinner or renewing their links with the school should contact Julie Hesketh on 01782 664271.

ENDS

For further information contact Julie Hesketh on 01782 664271.

Note to editors:

Newcastle-under-Lyme School is an independent day school catering for pupils from three to 18 years of age. A nursery, junior school, senior school and sixth form are all part of the school family. The School is able to commit over half a million pounds a year from its own resources to support the education of children from lower income backgrounds.

The School’s website can be accessed at www.nuls.org.uk.

Newcastle-under-Lyme School, Mount Pleasant, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire, ST5 1DB.