QEGS Celebrates 450-Year Anniversary

On Friday 25^th June 2021, Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School celebrated its 450-year anniversary of its namesake, Queen Elizabeth I, signing the charter for a grammar school to be based in Horncastle. To mark the occasion, we were joined by Mrs Payne (Headteacher 2009-2019), Mr Peacock (Headmaster 1986-2009), Mrs Rowland (wife of Mr Rowland, Headmaster 1962-1986, and former school mistress) and Mrs Reiz (daughter of Mr Rowland and former student), as well as Mr Brewster (Chair of Governors) and Canon Reverend Patrick for a service of commemoration and thanks.

After a short welcome and introduction of our guests by Mr Furness, we were treated to a blessing by Canon Reverend Patrick and a short but informative history of QEGS by Mrs Payne – it’s hard to believe that girls were only admitted in 1904, which is a relatively short time in the school’s existence. Miss Hobbs read a selection of poems, which were written in 2008 by students for the school’s centenary, on the theme of time. Mr Peacock gave an inspiring address referencing the achievements of past students all over the globe and how proud he was to be invited to celebrate with us on this momentous occasion. He even suggested an additional school moto of ‘esse optimus potes esse’, which translates to ‘Be the best you can be’.

Members of the lower school choir sang together for the first time in 18 months with the very apt ‘As long as I have music’. It was wonderful to have live music after so long.

Students Grace Twilton and Sara Rajapaksha Arachchi presented the time capsule, which had been prepared by Mr Dunn and members of the school council. In it were items such as the latest copy of the Horncastle News and a copy of a national paper, money, a copy of the school photograph, a Covid test kit and a mask. The time capsule will be located in the main hall and is due to be opened in 2071. The time capsule that already stands in the library is also not due to be opened until 2071.

Mrs Rowland then unveiled the commemorative plaque to great applause. This will be displayed in the main hall, along with a selection of displays and photos marking the occasion.

Mr Furness closed the service by thanking everyone for being part of the history of QEGSs and expressing his delight and pride at continuing the legacy of the school.

The service was videoed by A-level photography students, and was edited by Mr Grant of the media department, for it to be shown to students during non-assembly time.

Earlier in the term, Miss Brinsley and Mr Randman ran a competition to design a frame which would be used as a photo prop for students to take photographs of themselves. A number of frames were chosen which embodied the ethos of QEGS. A supersized wooden 450 was made by Mr Waterfall of the technology department, allowing yet more opportunities for photographs. Students were in high spirits as you can see below.

A few weeks prior to the anniversary, we invited Wrates school photographers into school to create a socially distanced school photograph. Each section consists of a different year group bubble, taken throughout the day and then superimposed together to create a photo of Y7-10 and L6. This photograph is available for parents to purchase at Socially Distanced School Photograph.

On Saturday 18^th September the school will be opening its doors to the whole school community, including former students and staff, for tours of the school, a hog roast, fish and chips and other entertainment. There is no need to book or purchase a ticket however you can register for updates and to allow food vendors to gauge attendance numbers. Parking on site will be restricted to blue badge holders only, and must be booked in advance. Parking booking for blue badge holders only.

450 Celebrations