Former pupils who attended Walton in 1966 returned to the academy on Thursday 29 January for a special celebration marking sixty years since the school moved to its current site on Kitty Briggs Lane and the launch of Walton Academy’s Diamond Anniversary year.
The morning brought together former pupils, current students, staff and invited guests for a celebration rooted in reflection, reconnection and shared history. From the outset, the atmosphere was warm and welcoming, with many former pupils bringing personal memorabilia from their school days to share with students and staff, sparking conversation and memories across generations.
The event opened with a short musical performance by current performing arts students, setting the tone for the morning, followed by a welcome from the Principal, Jessica Leonard. Walton’s dance studio had been transformed into a celebration space inspired by 1966, marking the year the school first opened on its current site and creating a vibrant backdrop for the occasion.
Among the guests were civic and community representatives including Cllr Selby and Cllr Reid, Chairman and Vice Chair of South Kesteven District Council, alongside Cllr Manterfield, Ms Goswell, Clerk to Grantham Town Council, and Mrs Hardy, Chair of Governors. The academy was also pleased to welcome former members of staff, Mrs Townsend and Mrs Sharp, further strengthening the sense of continuity and connection.
Guests enjoyed refreshments prepared by Walton Academy’s design technology students while reconnecting with former classmates and meeting current students who helped host the event. Former pupils also took part in interviews with current students and short guided tours of the academy led by student hosts, offering opportunities to revisit familiar spaces and see how Walton has evolved.
Several former pupils shared treasured items from their time at Walton, offering a glimpse into everyday school life in 1966. Mrs Calcasola brought her original leather school satchel, still carefully kept after six decades, while Mrs Parsons shared an exercise book from her school days. Mrs Charity brought along her original school offer letter together with a report on her work and conduct, prompting reflection and conversation as students and former pupils compared experiences across generations.
A highlight of the morning was the launch of our time capsule project in the Walton Garden. The capsule was formally presented as part of the anniversary celebrations, alongside a display of the items already gathered for inclusion. Over the coming months, the capsule will be filled through a wider school and community project before being buried during community week in July. It will be opened during the academy’s centenary year in 2066 — exactly one hundred years after the 1966 cohort attended the school.
Principal Jessica Leonard said:
“It was a privilege to welcome our former pupils from 1966 back to Walton. The stories they shared and the connections formed with our students made this a truly special celebration. It was a powerful reminder of the strong community and legacy that has defined Walton for sixty years.”
Walton Academy’s Diamond Anniversary year will include events and projects celebrating six decades of education, community and opportunity, with former pupils playing an important role in sharing Walton’s story and helping to shape its future.
