Old Princethorpians, parents and staff from across the Princethorpe Foundation came together on Saturday 5 September to mark the start of the College’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations with a much-anticipated gala ball. Hosted out on the parkland, in a beautifully decorated marquee, with lights twinkling as the sun set, over 300 guests enjoyed a spectacular evening of commemoration and community spirit that marked 60 historic years of Princethorpe College.

Guests were welcomed on the North Lawn before crossing over the Ha-Ha into the parkland where they were greeted with a glass of fizz and wonderful live music performed by Upper Sixth Former, Liv Davey.

Foundation Principal, Ed Hester, invited attendees to take their seats before welcoming the gathered guests warmly. They included representatives from the MSC who founded the College back in 1966, led by Provincial Fr Joe McGee, together with former heads Fr Charles Sweeney, Fr Alan Whelan and Fr Teddy O'Brien, parish priest. Then there were OPs from across the decades, from the 1960s to the 2020s, including members of the OP Committee and our furthest travelling guest from Canada, Andrew Chan, Class of 1982. Also in attendance were a host of current Princethorpe parents, our fantastic PTA, and others representing all year groups including some of our new Year 7s. Finally, there were past and present members of teaching and support staff, and some of our wonderful Trustees.

Ed Hester spoke of the College’s rich history, its ethos and distinctive spirit of family, and the many milestones over the years. He reflected on the strength of the Foundation, now and looking forwards, and of the upcoming 60 Futures Bursary Appeal. Then, Headmaster, Grove du Toit, shared his pride in the College and its latest developments, from the purpose-built Science Centre to the school’s Vision for Sport including the newly opened All-Weather Pitch. He reflected on the strength of pupils’ recent exam results and on strong pupil numbers and on the College’s exciting plans for the future.

Fine-dining and drinks provided by Lemon Zest Catering and Jones The Bar Company fed and watered all, and the celebrations continued into the early hours, with guests dancing the night away to live music from party band, The Score.

Foundation Principal, Ed Hester commented, “The Jubilee Ball was a truly magical evening and epitomised Princethorpe’s ‘spirit of family’. It was fantastic to be joined by members of the Princethorpe community from far and wide, with old and young celebrating together.” He continued, “My thanks go to all who made the evening possible, and I’m delighted that we have contributed to yet another unforgettable chapter in Princethorpe’s rich history in such a memorable way.”

Huge thanks go to the organising committee, especially Mel Butler, Rebecca Iley and Holly Summers, and to all the Foundation staff that assisted in many different ways. Their months of planning ensured the evening went without a hitch. Special thanks also to all the guests who dressed up to the nines and dined and danced the night away. We hope you enjoyed the celebrations and enjoy the photos from the evening in the gallery.

A full set of photos from the Diamond Jubilee Ball can be found in here.