People with a connection to Scoill Phurt le Moirrey turned up to a celebration to commemorate its 25th anniversary.

’We had an absolutely wonderful time,’ said head teacher Ange Callaghan.

’I was delighted to see so many past pupils, their families and members of staff.

’It was lovely.’

The most famous past pupil is blues guitarist and singer Davy Knowles.

Others are becoming influential in other areas, some are people in industry.

The current head boy and girl at Castle Rushen High School went here, she said.

She said 25 years ago there was some opposition to the school being built at all .

’This was the bonfire field. It was always much loved and it was a bit of a cut through, it still is, it’s still part of the village which fits in with the school’s ethos about developing the whole child, which is lovely.’

Guests at the celebration included Sir Miles Walker, who opened the school in his role as chief minister in 1994, and his wife Mary, as well as Carol Best, who was the first head teacher there, and Geoff Moorcroft, who was the first deputy head teacher and is now director of education.

Mrs Callaghan said they had a ’fabulous time’ looking at photographs and memorabilia from over the 25 year history.

Pupils had all made birthday displays for the hall and joined the celebrations for some words and a sing-song, she said.

The cake was then cut by two members of staff with continuous service since the school opened, caretaker Steve Shepherd and teacher Rachel Crawley.