Baroness Shirley Williams joined celebrations last weekend as a Richmond school celebrated its 300th anniversary.

A tercentenary service was held at St Mary Magdalene Church to commemorate the mammoth anniversary of Christ’s School in East Sheen.

Students from the school did readings, sang, and year 8 pupils performed a drama piece through 300 years which marked significant events in history such as the abolition of slavery and World War I, up to the present day’s Harry Potter.

After the service of celebration, attended by ex-students and staff as well as the mayor of Richmond and Baroness Shirley Williams, guests were invited to the school to carry on the celebrations and receive tours from prefects.

Ruth Scott, chaplin at Christ’s School, who wrote the service, said: “It was a really joyful atmosphere and people enjoyed it very much.

“The students were all participating and they had a great time being there and were all very proud of the school.”

The school’s origins date back to 1658, when John Bentley made a bid to found a free charity school, but was not formally established until May 1713.

Sarah Brown, who coordinated the event, said: “It was fantastic, in particular think for the ex-staff and students who came back after 30 or 40 years. We showed them plans of the school and then we looked towards the future because we are about to build a sixth form.

“Our current students really saw the benefit of where they belong and that was really inspiring.”