Thurston Community College near Bury St Edmunds celebrates its 50th anniversary

A school is excited to be celebrating its milestone 50th anniversary as the doors open on a special academic year.

Thurston Community College in Thurston, near Bury St Edmunds, first opened as Thurston Upper School in September 1973 under the leadership of headmaster Mr Napier, with building works still taking place.

Since then it has thrived and grown in size. There are now over 1600 students on roll over two campuses, including a specialist sixth form centre at the former Beyton Middle School site.

The celebrations come as building works finish on a new purpose-built block at the college’s main school site on Norton Road, Thurston. The new block houses two state-of-the-art science labs and three additional teaching spaces, with student numbers set to grow over the coming years.

Celebrations began on Monday with an event attended by current and former staff, including former headteacher Richard Fawcett, who led Thurston Upper between 1986 to 2001.

Mr Fawcett said: "This is quite a milestone for our much-loved community school. Over Thurston’s 50 years more than 15,000 students will have attended from the 250 square miles of its extensive catchment area.

“I still think back to the 22 or so buses arriving and leaving each day, each filled with young people brimming with their hopes and aspirations.

“It was a huge privilege for me to be headteacher for 14 years.

“I am sure the college will continue to play a key role in providing for the success of young people both academically and through the many sporting, performing arts, social and other opportunities offered by its dedicated staff.

“I wish all of them well.”

Students, staff and visitors to the college can learn all about the history of the building and its former inhabitants in a special display housed in the main corridor throughout the next half term.

A 50th anniversary webpage on the college’s website also continues to grow, with nearly 200 images – including programmes - from across the years, accompanied by memories from former staff and students, including those who attended on the very first day in 1973.

College social media channels will also be updated with history and memories over the coming months.

The college still very much encourages submissions via this webpage, www.thurstoncollege.org/50, which will be updated throughout the year.

Prospective students and parents can visit the college at the Year 6 open evening on September 21 from 6pm.