Two north Bristol secondary schools are celebrating 20-year anniversaries this summer.
Fairfield High School is marking two decades since it moved into its new building in Allfoxton Road while Redland Green School is commemorating the arrival of its first pupils in 2006.
The schools were part of big changes in secondary education in the city in the early years of this century. They were the only two built by the city council; many other schools were rebuilt under private finance initiatives.
One of the aims was to stem the flow of children out of Bristol to secondary schools in South Gloucestershire and North Somerset. This, coupled with the unusually large number of independent schools in the city, was distorting exam performance figures.
The new Fairfield was built on the site of the former St Thomas More School while the new north Bristol school, after some years of wrangling, was built in Redland. The building was not ready until 2007, so the first RGS pupils were taught in the old Fairfield building in Fairlawn Road, which later became Fairlawn Primary School.
FHS and Redland Green, like others in Bristol, later became academies, run independently from the local authority. Both are now part of the Excalibur Academies Trust.
Redland Green School is running a programme of events, performances, exhibitions and community activities through June and July to mark its 20 years, culminating in an anniversary concert and celebratory school dinner.
A centrepiece of the celebrations is a striking new mural, unveiled in the school’s main thoroughfare known as The Street. Created as a lasting legacy, the mural captures the diverse experiences and opportunities that define life at Redland Green School. It features imagery representing music, drama, sport, science, languages, learning, community and aspiration and reflects the journeys of thousands of students
Headteacher Ben Houghton said: “Our 20th anniversary is an opportunity to celebrate not only the achievements of our students and staff over the last two decades, but also the incredible support we have received from families and the wider Bristol community.
“The new mural beautifully captures the creativity, ambition and inclusivity that are at the heart of Redland Green School.”
For more information about Redland Green School’s 20th anniversary celebrations, please contact fhickson375@redlandgreen.bristol.sch.uk.
Meanwhile, Fairfield plans to showcase its 20 years in Horfield at its Summer Fiesta on July 15 from 5.30pm, which will feature dance, drama, music, multi cultural food stalls and much more.
The school also organised a mini festival to celebrate refugees, with a particular focus on the students and families who are part of the school community.
Guests enjoyed an exhibition of student artwork, shared cultural food, plus had the opportunity to exchange experiences and stories.
Organiser Mariluz Garrido-Ruiz said: “This was a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the cultures, experiences and contributions that make our school community so special. It was wonderful to see students share their artwork and messages, and for families to come together and celebrate. We are grateful to everyone who helped make the event such a success. We remain committed to creating an inclusive environment where every student and family feels welcomed, valued and a true sense of belonging.”