WARRINGTON’S Sir Thomas Boteler CE High School celebrated the 500th anniversary of the school’s founding with a commemorative service at St Elphin’s Church.
The service brought together current students, staff, alumni and members of the wider community to reflect on the school’s history and its continuing role in education. The service acknowledged Sir Thomas Boteler’s heritage while recognising the ongoing contribution of past and present members of the school community.
Speaking after the event, headteacher Mrs Beverley Scott Herron said: “It was a truly unforgettable occasion and one that reflected the very best of our school, our history and our community.”
The service featured performances by students from Alderman Bolton Primary School and St Elphin’s CE Primary School, highlighting links between local schools and the shared educational community. Contributions from current Boteler students and alumni included readings and musical and dance performances
The service was led by Boteler’s School Chaplain Mike Wildsmith.
Readings were delivered by staff and former students, including members of the Old Boys Union, representing the school’s alumni from its former grammar school era. A series of readings titled Boteler Voices saw students present extracts from memories and reflections of past students and staff, illustrating experiences of the school across different generations.
Mrs Scott Herron added: “Our students were absolutely amazing. They represented the very best of Boteler in every sense.”
The school’s publicity manager, Alice Roberts said: “The service was more than a commemoration – it was a reaffirmation of everything Boteler stands for.”
The school has also released a documentary video to commemorate the anniversary, produced by Alice Roberts. The documentary tells the story of the school’s history from 1526 to the present day. The final lines are “From its Tudor origins to the current classrooms of the present day, the school stands as a lasting institution — adapting with the times, serving its students and shaping the town it has called home for generations.” The video can be seen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vpFEN0P0ukQ or on the designated school webpage, which also includes an overview of the 500 year history of the school and links to historical documents: www.boteler.org.uk/boteler500
