TWO Southampton schools celebrated their joint 50th birthday with a tea party and cake for pupils and staff members.

On Wednesday, September 26, Fairisle Junior and Infant, and Nursery schools in Lordshill hosted a tea party for their 668 pupils aged four to 11 years old.

A cake was cut by youngest pupil Jack, eldest pupil Luis and longest serving member of staff Pam Thomas, who has been working at the school for 34 years.

Peter Howard, the junior school’s headteacher of 11 years, said: “Much has changed in the world of education since our school opened, and coming to work every day is a real pleasure.”

In the morning, pupils and staff arranged themselves into the shape of the number 50 and had a photo taken from above to mark the 50th birthday celebration.

The photo was printed onto mugs, which will be used by members of staff throughout the school.

At the end of the day, everyone was sent away with a present.

Children and staff returned home with their very own Fairisle mug and an individual red cupcake sporting the school’s uniform colour.

The school opened its doors to the public in 1968 with an opening ceremony led by local MP Sir Edward Boyle, which was attended by local politicians and dignitaries as well as children and staff.

Among those at the golden celebration was John Tatlock who was a pupil at the school on the day it opened.