And to mark the occasion, three former heads and the current incumbent joined college Principal Neil Hawkins to share highlights over cake and champagne.

The first Lower School Head, John Leighton, was joined by Jeremy Kerslake, Gail Denham and the present Head Rachel Coward to talk about the past and future.

The Concord College Lower School began life in the former Acton Burnell Primary School building in 1995 with five classes and 36 students aged 12-16.  A large majority of the pupils who were taking their O Levels were boarders.
John Leighton, who worked at Concord for nearly 40 years, still treasures a photograph taken on the first day that the Lower School opened.

A ribbon was cut by Mrs. Esther Howlett, a retired teacher from Acton Burnell Primary School, and they were joined by three 16 year old students, Angie Sobocik, Paul Leighton, John’s son and Emily Morris, daughter of the then Principal Tony Morris.

Said John:  “It was a big step forward and I would like to think that the birth of the Lower School has added considerably to the life of the college and the uniqueness of the community.

“From the outset Concord has been fully committed to its Lower School and its growth.  It is a wonderful way for so many local students – 35% of the total – to be able to enjoy international friendship in a safe and beautiful environment.”

He said the Lower School moved its roots to an all-purpose built theatre and classroom complex on campus in 2000.

Said Pastoral Vice Principal Jeremy Kerslake:  “International students love to become friends with Shropshire families and there are many happy memories of how the relationships are mutually beneficial.”

Gail Denham, who recently retired as Head of the Lower School, said she had been delighted with the continuing growth – five classes expanding to 14 - and how Concord’s GCSE results were the highest of any independent school in Shropshire.

Rachel said she hoped to continue the trend during her tenure and added:  “I am delighted with the ambition and diverse skills of the Lower School students who are very community minded.

“It is a rich and interesting place which is full of young characters eager to develop their personalities and diverse skills and interests.  I am looking forward to working closely with them to develop their potential to the fullest.”

Said Mr. Hawkins:  “The Lower School is the engine room of Concord.  The students are wonderful young people who bring joy and so much enthusiasm to our everyday life which really is infectious.

“I am delighted that the management structure of Concord College is able to bring such a strong cohort right the way through the school with the values we continually strive to encourage.”