NOSTALGIC memories of past and present pupils were shared at a celebration day at Forest and Sandridge School in Melksham as they bid farewell to their current school site.

More than 300 people attended the event on Saturday which gave pupils and their parents the opportunity release 14 balloons; one for every decade the school has been open at Sandridge Common.

Head Anna Wilcox said she had never seen the school so busy, with many former pupils coming back to reminisce over old photographs which were dotted around the grounds.

She added: “It was a really special day and it wasn’t an ordinary fete. The celebration was to show how we, as a school, are moving from the old building to the new one and we were able to remember old times with quite a few people guessing the decade in photos.

“We had a balloon release and being environmentally friendly, we released 14 balloons, one for each decade that the school has been open. We want to take the heritage and history of the old building to the new grounds and we are very excited to now move in.”

The fete, which was organised by deputy headteacher Helen Biles-Wood and the Forest Friends parent association, also allowed current pupils to blow bubbles to make wishes for the old and new site.

Mrs Wilcox said she expects the last day of term, in a couple of weeks time, will be filled with tears for both pupils and staff. She added: “It was definitely a nostalgic day with the old staff and pupils having a look around the building which was draped in old photos.

“I think releasing the balloons was a poignant moment for the school and that was mixed with excitement of the future. It wasn’t a sad day but a very positive and happy time where we were able to celebrate our memories of the old building.

“The pupils are quite excited to start in the new building in September. The move was well awaited as we do not have enough space here and we want to give the children more space to play and learn and it will also provide new IT facilities.”

In May, pupils buried a time capsule at the new site which featured mementoes including a photograph showing the first pupils to join Forest and Sandridge Primary School in 1875, which will be opened in 50 years' time.

The new 420-capacity school at Cranesbill Road will open its doors in September, with the current school at Sandridge Common set to be demolished.

The primary will include 14 classrooms, a nursery, a hard sports area and two grass football pitches as well as two halls. The school’s changing facilities will be available for public use, and the hall will be accessible for community use at evenings and weekends.