Celebrating 150 Years of Pinewood School

PINEFEST

PINEFEST was the highlight event of the year; a magical festival that created a truly spectacular moment in school life. On Saturday 21st June, over 1,500 members of our extended Pinewood family gathered on a gloriously sunny day, with temperatures reaching 30 degrees across our 84-acre grounds. Current pupils, parents, staff, and Old Pinewoodians spanning several decades came together. The joy was universal and utterly infectious, creating memories that our families will treasure for years to come.

The musical entertainment from 29 Fingers, Old Pinewoodians Tilly Cripwell (2015) , Annie O’Grady (2012), Lily Vere Nicoll (2018) and Jemima Nettleton (2015) , and our own Pinewood Performers created the perfect soundtrack to our celebrations. The food and drink offerings were plentiful, and family activities kept everyone engaged throughout the day.

We are grateful to our sponsors and local businesses who helped make PINEFEST possible. The messages we have received since PINEFEST speak to the profound impact of the day: “It was like coming home. Seeing old friends and new ones all together was incredibly special.” “The atmosphere was absolutely magical – Pinewood at its very best.” 

Whilst PINEFEST was the perfect culmination to our 150th celebrations, we fondly reminisce on the occasions which helped mark this milestone year for Pinewood…

24-Hour Marathon

Our 150th anniversary celebrations began in September 2024 with an ambitious challenge: completing  150 miles around a set course on our grounds in 24 hours.

Every pupil took part, running or walking their contribution to the total distance. Staff supported throughout the day and night – serving hot chocolate, taking photographs, cheering participants on, and joining in themselves. As the hours passed and the miles accumulated, the sense of community and determination grew stronger. We reached 150 miles, setting the tone for the anniversary celebrations ahead.

150th Anniversary Choir

Our specially formed 150th Anniversary Choir brought together 150 voices of our pupils and staff for performances throughout the year. The highlight came at Marlborough College Chapel, where our Chamber Choir and School Choir delivered our anniversary Carol Service. We are still reminiscing on the memorable moment when all 150 voices joined together to perform Gardner’s ‘The Holly & The Ivy’.

Swimming Pool Transformation

The completion of phase two of our swimming pool refurbishment has been transformative and has made a real impact to our provision. The reconfigured changing rooms and new all-weather polycarbonate enclosure have turned the facility into a year-round resource, with swimming lessons now possible in every season.

On 17th May 2025, former Headmaster Henry Boddington officially reopened the upgraded pool in memory of Patrick Mackie, an inspirational teacher at Pinewood. The ceremony, attended by numerous Old Pinewoodians, reflected the connection between past, present, and future that has defined our 150th anniversary.

Stepping Back to 1875

During Pinewood 1875 Day, we stepped back 150 years in the classroom as well as in our history. Our pupils experienced the school’s Victorian origins firsthand through an immersive celebration that brought history to life, offering fascinating insights into education in 1875 when Pinewood first opened as a boys’ school.

Pupils rotated through authentic Victorian experiences: strict classroom sessions complete with mini boards and old-fashioned discipline, learning about Victorian icons like Ada Lovelace (who created the first computer algorithm), Joseph Lister (who revolutionized medical hygiene), and Isambard Kingdom Brunel (who transformed transportation with the Great Western Railway and SS Great Britain).

Activities included ‘Horrible Science’ exploring peculiar Victorian medical cures, ‘Sew Victorian’ teaching the language of handkerchiefs, traditional PE games, and drama sessions featuring ‘Pygmalion’. The grand finale saw pupils meet ‘Queen Victoria’, learning proper Victorian etiquette and creating animation toys. As one Year 6 pupil reflected, “I really enjoyed Victorian Day and learnt all sorts of cool and brutal stuff” about Pinewood’s origins.

Welcoming Back Old Pinewoodians

The 150th anniversary provided the perfect opportunity to invite Old Pinewoodians back for reunion events across the year. These gatherings offered alumni a chance to reconnect with peers and see the school as it is today. The warmth and enthusiasm of returning pupils, whether they left five years or fifty years ago, reinforced the enduring connections formed during their time at Pinewood.