The Coleshill School is officially 500 years old! The school had planned various quincentenary celebrations over 2020 but with the Covid-19 pandemic unfortunately they had to change their original plans.

So instead of inviting students past and present to their celebrations they will be sharing a virtual event on their website for everyone to enjoy. This includes a song written by Miss Burroughs Lead Teacher of Music, drama and dance performances by students and in Art students have designed a t-shirt celebrating 500 years. The school are in touch with ex-students from the 1960s and will be sharing some of their memories in the virtual event.

The Coleshill School, formerly known as Coleshill Grammar School was founded in 1520 by Alice Digby who left property on Church Hill which then became the school. In 1956 Coleshill Grammar School moved to its current site on Coventry Road and became a joint boys and girls school with the new Headmaster Tom Wilson. Further change came in 1971 when Coleshill Grammar School and Coleshill High School amalgamated to create The Coleshill School, a mixed comprehensive school as it is today.

Mr Smith-Childs commented: “Despite the challenges, there has been much to celebrate in the school’s 500th year. In March, two weeks before the national lockdown, we had a very successful Ofsted inspection which recognised all the fabulous work that takes place on a daily basis. In 2020 we also saw the completion of a new teaching block, the Wilson Building, named in memory of former headteacher Tom Wilson. We have enjoyed celebrating our 500th year, even though we have had to make some changes to our plans. Instead we are holding a virtual event which we hope that everyone can enjoy on our website.”