EVESHAM County Secondary School was born into a changing world in 1954, built for 350 pupils and led by headmaster Arthur Cave until he was succeeded by Michael Duffy in 1970.

"This birth was not without its troubles," said David Kelly, current headmaster. "On the first day of the school's life, September 9, only 70 senior boys could be admitted. Essential building work was not completed until October 3 and the next day 505 pupils began their careers at EHS."

The hundreds of pupils waiting to become the 1st Year intake were taught in their primary schools that September by secondary school staff, and Mr Kelly said: "From its inception the school has been ready to reach out to the community and share good teaching - even when classroom furniture is in short supply."

In 1954 the Fairfield Estate had only recently been completed and there was no access to the school over Battleton Brook from the estate. It was much later that a footbridge, basically two planks and a rail, was constructed by Mr Weaver and four pupils to ease access. Neither Durcott Road nor Four Pools Road existed. Access to the school was via Waterside and then up Coopers Lane or from Church Street and then into Owlett's End followed by a rough track up to the school gates.

The school began as 11-16 but by 1969 had acquired a sixth form and a new name, Evesham High School. Arthur Cave's legacy to the school is with us to this day," Mr Kelly said.

Michael Duffy oversaw the school's reorganisation in the comprehensive system as a 13-18 high school in the mid 1970s when the school rolled soared to 1,200.

Today 900 students attend EHS which last September was accorded the prestigious Sports College status.

Frances Smith, chairman of governors, said: "It is really hard to believe that EHS is 50 years old. How education in general and the school in particular has changed over these years."

She added: "As a former head girl I was delighted to be appointed as a governor in 1984 and even more so to be elected chairman some seven years ago. I have some very warm memories of my time at EHS and at a recent Year 11 Leavers Assembly it was evident that many of those would also have happy memories of time spent at school."

She added: "Congratulations and best wishes to everyone who have been and those who still are involved with this growing school."

The programme of celebrations begins in July with a start of the Sculpture Park, tree planting on Friday, September 4, panoramic jubilee school photograph on Friday, September 10, and a reunion day on Friday, September 17.

David Berezan, head of drama, is looking for former pupils to help with Jubilation: A Historical Review Celebrating 50 Years of the Performing Arts at EHS to be performed from Wednesday, November 17 to Friday, November 19.

"Many of our current students will be involved in the show but it won't be an authentic celebration without the alumni of EHS," he said.

A Carol Service at All Saints Church on Wednesday, December 15, to include a Thanksgiving and Dedication will involve the Rev John Colston, a former pupil, then there will be a break until spring when there is to be a Music Concert involving past and present pupils and staff on Friday, March 11, and an Awards Evening on Wednesday, March 23, when former headmasters Michael Duffy, Neville Andrews and Jim Andrews will be invited as guests of honour. The opening of the Sculpture Park and Jubilee Garden is planned for Friday, June 10, there will be a Sports Festival of Fun with a BBQ, dance and firework display, on Saturday, July 16, and the Jubilee culminates with an EHS Jubilee Magazine and video diary of the year.