On Tuesday 30^th January, we held a special assembly to launch the 400^th anniversary of the Latymer School, both reflecting on the history that shaped Latymer as well as looking forward to the exciting events that await us in 2024.

As students arrived in the Great Hall, they were able to see a collection of photos connected to the school ranging from 1910 to the present day, with visits to Cwm, the evolution of the buildings, and trips abroad just some of the themes on display.

After Ms Cobbett’s introduction, the assembly then featured a presentation led by six Year 10 students, recounting some of the pivotal events from the past 400 years. There were features on Edward Latymer and the establishment of the Latymer School, the creation of the Latymer Foundation, as well as how the school ran during both world wars, just to name a few. A massive thank you to these students for delivering such an informative and engaging presentation.

An art competition and a poetry competition are also taking place, linked to our big event at the Royal Festival Hall on the 13^th March. The competitions are around the theme of legacy – a fitting way to reflect on Edward Latymer’s legacy and on the legacy past and current Latymerians leave.

As well as celebrating the past, there was also a significant look ahead to the future, with the reveal of some exciting opportunities that await the students. As part of the anniversary year, a student fundraiser competition will take place between each house to raise money for both the Latymer Foundation’s Library appeal and a chosen charity, with this a brilliant opportunity for students to collaborate towards a positive goal.

Furthermore, we were extremely pleased to announce to students plans for our extension to the Ashworth Memorial Library. This is an extremely exciting opportunity for the school as the Latymer Foundation has offered to fund a new building in the courtyard adjacent to the current library. Planning is underway, architects have been employed and meetings to finalise the plans have started.

The assembly then fittingly concluded with a rousing rendition of the school song, with the whole school joining together in unison to mark the occasion. A fantastic way to officially launch the 400^th year within the Latymer School!