These pupils didn’t usually come to school dressed like this. But on this occasion, there was no chance of a reprimand from the headteacher or other members of staff.

They were sixth-formers at Fitzharrys School, Abingdon, who were getting in the party mood for a good cause.

More than 80 pupils were taking a break from their A-Level studies in 1986 to organise a ‘Rag’ week and raise money for Sir Michael Sobell House, the hospice at the Churchill Hospital, Oxford.

They had to pay a fine of 25p for wearing fancy dress and 50p if they arrived in their usual school uniform – not surprisingly, most of them picked the cheaper option. In previous years, the sixth form had held a silly hats day to raise money for charity, but pupils thought that had become outdated.

Instead, they opted for not just a day’s fundraising, but for a whole week, in the hope of collecting much more cash.

A ‘Rag’ magazine with an assortment of jokes, quizzes and cartoons was produced and sold for 45p. A number of other events were organised during the week.

The school opened in November 1959 and was the third to be built in Abingdon by Berkshire County Council – the town did not become part of Oxfordshire until 1974 – since the Second World War.

The opening ceremony was performed by Sir John Wolfenden, Vice-Chancellor of Reading University, who described it as a “magnificent school” and one providing “immense opportunities” for the 600 pupils.

Head girl Gillian Vaughan presented Sir John with a cushion she had made to a design taken from the Bayeux Tapestry she had recently visited, while head boy Richard McGill handed him a pair of wooden fruit bowls and a silver tankard made in the school’s craft room. Sir John planted a tulip tree in the school grounds before he left.

The school derives its name from Fitzharris Manor, a large estate with a manor house, ornamental grounds, paddocks and farmland to the north of Abingdon dating back to the 12th century.

Hugh Fitz-Henry or Fitz-Harry was a one-time occupier or owner and the manor later became known by variants of his name, including Fitzharrys and Fitzharris.

The manor house was remodelled and extended several times, but was demolished in 1953 and much of the land developed for housing.