Cuddington Croft celebrates 60 years! 

Cuddington Croft Primary School in Cheam has marked its 60th anniversary with a vibrant day of celebration, bringing together children, staff, families and special guests to honour six decades at the heart of the local community.

The school began the day with a nod to its earliest years, as pupils arrived in 1960s-themed non-uniform, reflecting the era in which Cuddington Croft first opened its doors.

The School Council hosted a special gathering for invited guests, including Warwick Sharp, CEO of GLF Schools, and Kevin Davidson, Chair of the school’s PTA. The School Council welcomed guests with cake and refreshments, showcasing leadership and pride in their school. The event was further enriched by the presence of Mrs Gooch, the school’s first Nursery teacher in 1966, and Reverend Nico Ohlsson of St Paul’s Church, whose predecessor attended the original opening of the school.

A special assembly featured the school choir performing, echoing celebrations from 1966, while a video of alumni memories played throughout the day, sharing reflections from former pupils and staff.

In the afternoon, pupils enjoyed a range of party games and a magician performance, creating a lively and memorable experience for all year groups.

As part of the celebrations, the entire school community collaborated on a large-scale art project, with each class designing a piece of a 15-part MDF jigsaw. The completed artwork now forms a permanent display, symbolising the unity and shared history of the school. In addition, commemorative tea towels, featuring artwork from every year group, were also produced to mark the occasion and provide a keepsake for the children for years to come.

Children also took part in a reflective writing activity, imagining themselves returning in 60 years’ time for the school’s 120th anniversary in 2086, this inspired children to consider the impact they can have on the local and global community in their future lives.

Mike Skelton, Head of School at Cuddington Croft, said: "Friday was everything we hoped it would be. Sixty years is a remarkable milestone and it felt right to celebrate it in a way that honoured our history while looking ahead to the future. Seeing our children engage so thoughtfully with the anniversary, whether reflecting on past pupils’ memories or imagining their own futures, was particularly moving. We are incredibly proud of our school and the place that it has in our local community.

Warwick Sharp, CEO of GLF Schools, added: "Cuddington Croft has been a cornerstone of the local community for sixty years, and the celebrations were a wonderful reflection of everything that makes this school so special. The creativity, warmth and sense of shared pride on display were a real testament to the pupils, staff and families who make the school what it is today."

Cuddington Croft Primary School is a three-form mixed entry school based in Cheam, Surrey. The school joined GLF Schools in November 2014 and has classes from Nursery to Year 6. 

For information about the school, please contact office@cuddingtoncroft.org