FOR SIX decades children have been filing through the doors of Finmere Primary School, near Bicester, readying themselves for a day of learning.

But for the past few days schoolchildren have been joined by ex-pupils, former teachers, staff, parents and Bishop Colin Fletcher all joining together to mark the 60th anniversary milestone.

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Celebrations have included an open day, school fete and a special anniversary assembly by Bishop Colin Fletcher.

The weekend of celebrations, started last Friday May 17, when ex-staff and pupils were invited back to the school to see how it had changed and to take pupils through old photographs.

Oxford Mail:

This included ex-headteachers Mary Sutcliffe (1984-1990), Ann Morton (1990-1995),Sandra Starsmore (1997-2002) and Lynne Bowen (2003-2010).

Celebrations then turned to the annual spring school fete on Saturday which pulled in an even bigger crowd than usual despite the early downpour.

Headteacher Caroline Tucker said: "Thank you to everyone who contributed to the success of the day, either by donating in some way or volunteering on a stall. The children and staff are extremely grateful for the overwhelming sense of energy and enthusiasm that goes into a day like Saturday and for the huge success it was."

Oxford Mail:

The Friends of Finmere School also pulled out all the stops to fundraise £3,300 for new resources for the school and playground equipment.

The Bishop of Dorchester then lead an assembly on Monday praising the children for both their 'wonderful behaviour' and singing.

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Ms Tucker added: "It was lovely to have Bishop Colin join us here and for him to draw together our 60th anniversary celebrations. Many thanks to all our families for supporting us, it has been a very busy time, but many people have taken the time to join us at all these events.

"Here's to the next 10 years."