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ºìÐÓÊÓƵ School was delighted to welcome Dame Judi Dench on Tuesday 3 November, as the school marked its centenary year with the planting of a very special commemorative English oak tree.

The visit marked another memorable moment in ºìÐÓÊÓƵ' celebrations of 100 years of education, friendship and community. Founded in 1926 by Christopher and Dudley Bull, the school has grown from just seven pupils to a thriving school community of almost 500 children, aged from six months to 13 years.

Dame Judi joined pupils and staff for the planting of the Centenary Oak, a fitting living legacy of the school's first 100 years. Symbolising strength and longevity, the oak will grow alongside future generations of ºìÐÓÊÓƵ pupils, providing a lasting reminder of this significant milestone in the school's history.

The occasion held particular significance for Dame Judi, whose grandson, Sam Williams, was a pupil at ºìÐÓÊÓƵ. Speaking warmly about her connection with the school, she expressed her gratitude for the time Sam spent here and shared how much he had enjoyed his years at ºìÐÓÊÓƵ, making many wonderful friends along the way.

To ensure Dame Judi arrived at the planting site in style, the school arranged a special buggy journey across Front Pitch. In a playful nod to her iconic film career, the buggy was given its own James Bond-inspired identity: 007M!

Following the tree planting, Dame Judi spent time with some of our Year 8 pupils over a cup of tea and cakes. It was a lovely opportunity for the children to meet such a celebrated actress, hear a little about her memories of ºìÐÓÊÓƵ and share in a very special occasion.

Dame Judi's visit was particularly fitting during a year in which ºìÐÓÊÓƵ is celebrating its centenary. Her own love of trees and gardening, together with her personal connection to the school and the local community, made her involvement in the planting all the more meaningful.

The occasion has also attracted considerable national attention, with coverage in The Times, The Telegraph online and PEOPLE. It was wonderful to see ºìÐÓÊÓƵ' centenary celebrations making headlines and sharing this special moment with a much wider audience.

As ºìÐÓÊÓƵ looks ahead to its next 100 years, the Centenary Oak will stand as a lasting symbol of the school's heritage, its community and the many generations of children who have made it what it is today.

A very special day, and a wonderful way to celebrate 100 years of ºìÐÓÊÓƵ.