A Hale Barns school is marking a landmark year, celebrating its 65th anniversary alongside winning a prestigious Schools Green Flag Award for environmental excellence.
Elmridge Primary School first opened its doors on 1 May 1961 and has since become a cornerstone of the local community, educating generations of Hale Barns children.
To mark the anniversary, pupils spent a week taking part in special activities looking back at the school's history and forward to its future. These included historical workshops, the creation of a time capsule, acts of kindness, gratitude sessions and a festival day complete with games, arts and crafts, and inflatables donated by the PTA.
The celebrations also showcased close ties between schools in the Bright Futures Educational Trust, with A-level History students from Altrincham Grammar School for Girls helping pupils explore what life was like in the 1960s.
Principal Becky Bolton said: "Celebrating 65 years of Elmridge has given us a wonderful opportunity to reflect on our proud history and the many generations of children who have passed through our doors.
"It has been a year of celebration, achievement and continued investment. I am immensely proud of our pupils, staff and wider community, whose enthusiasm and commitment make Elmridge such a special place to learn and grow."
Green Flag success
The milestone year was capped by the school earning the Schools Green Flag Award, recognising its work on sustainability and environmental responsibility.
Under the guidance of Mr Stant and the school's Eco-Warriors group, pupils have put together a Climate Action Plan, boosted biodiversity across the school grounds and woven sustainable practices into daily school life. Projects have included new wildlife habitats, pollinator-friendly planting, litter picks, encouraging active travel, and expanding outdoor learning.
The school has also made energy-efficient upgrades, including LED lighting and solar panels, cutting its environmental footprint while encouraging pupils to think of themselves as responsible global citizens.
Elmridge has continued investing in its facilities alongside these achievements, refurbishing its Music Hub and Breakfast Club spaces. The school's nursery is also undergoing a remodel, with the improved space due to open in time for the new academic year.
As it marks 65 years, Elmridge says it remains committed to building on its legacy of helping young people learn, thrive and give back to their community.
