ELVIS Costello's old school in Hounslow is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.

A reunion party and a special mass at Westminster Cathedral are among the events planned by St Mark's Catholic School, in Bath Road, to mark the milestone.

Headteacher Paul Enright has written a few words for the Chronicle about the school's history and the exciting year ahead.

IT WAS Father Wilfred Musgrave, parish priest of St Michael and Martin’s, who, in 1936, first proposed the building of a new Catholic secondary school in the area.

"Plans were put on hold during the Second World War but in 1952 a house and land, including an orchard at 106 Bath Road, were offered to now Canon Musgrave.

The site was purchased and, after Canon Musgrave’s death in September 1955, it was left to his successor Canon John McKenzie to oversee the project. Local Catholics contributed more than £45,000 to the building of the school (originally called Archbishop Myers School).

The first 279 pupils and 11 staff were welcomed to the school on May 10, 1960 by headteacher Patrick Boland.

In 1972 the school became a comprehensive and changed its name to St Mark’s. Its reputation and academic performance rapidly improved. St Mark’s is now one of the best comprehensive schools in the country.

In January 2009 it was judged outstanding in every category by Ofsted and last summer it achieved the best examination results in Hounslow with 93 per cent of students gaining five or more A*-C grades at GCSE (81 per cent including English and maths).

In May the school has arranged several events to celebrate its anniversary.

On May 6 Bishop George Stack is visiting the School to unveil a commemorative plaque and to celebrate mass with the Sixth Form. On Friday May 7, at 7 pm, there will be a reunion in the school hall. All former staff and students are invited to attend.

There will be some brief speeches, tours of the school, displays of old photos, refreshments and an anniversary scrapbook. Most importantly. the event will provide an opportunity to catch up with old friends.

Finally, on Saturday May 8, at 2pm, there will be a mass for current staff and students in Westminster Cathedral.

Please inform the School if you would like to attend the Reunion event. Email: howardm@st-marks.hounslow.sch.uk Tel: 020 8577 3600
Post: 106 Bath Road, Hounslow, Middlesex TW3 3EJ