Wade Deacon High School alumni event

The Wade Deacon High School community took a trip down memory lane on Saturday 8th February, with existing students and staff welcoming alumni members from as early as the 1940s, back to school.

Just fewer than 200 ex-pupils flocked back to Birchfield Road for an alumni event that was organised by a Facebook community group of former Wade Deacon students.

Wade Deacon High School has a rich tapestry of heritage, dating back centuries to 1507.

It was then that Bishop William Smyth established the original grammar school, envisioning a future where education would flourish in the community.

Over the years, Wade Deacon has evolved, including the construction of a £26m modern, state of the art facility which opened behind the traditional facade back in April 2013.

However, the school remains deeply connected to its rich past, embodying a legacy that has shaped generations.

The main building, which is a striking symbol of progress and aspiration with its iconic art deco façade, opened in 1931 as Wade Deacon Grammar School.

Named in honour of Sir Henry Wade Deacon – a leading local industrialist and long-time Chairman of the Local Education Committee – the building stands as a tribute to his dedication to both industry and education.

Deacon’s vision for the school reflected his belief that every young person deserved the opportunity to grow, contribute to society and succeed.The event was organised by David Hopkins and Ray Trivass, and it was run by Josie Gallagher, Vice-Principal at Wade Deacon, and Rebecca Griffiths, Leader of Careers.

The current cohort of pupils who delivered the event were described as “a credit to their teachers and themselves” with “an infection enthusiasm showing guests around the school.”

After a reception and school tours, guests re-convened to share memories and laughter, before elaborating on each of their own life’s development post-Wade Deacon.

The event was considered not merely to be a reunion, but a bridge between past and current cohorts, with today’s students connecting with those who once walked the same halls.

Together, all attendees helped to fundraise for a future memory in the making: an upcoming excursion to Kenya which some current pupils will have the opportunity to participate in. 

One returning pupil commented:

“I was made to feel extremely welcome during my return to Wade Deacon. I love how it is now, and the students are an absolute credit. For the first time in 67 years, I am proud to say this way my school.”

Another added:

“I’ve really enjoyed the look behind the scenes of the familiar frontage to finally see the modern facilities beyond. It is great to see the spirit of the school is still so strong.”

Matty Deeney, Head of School at Wade Deacon High School, commented:

“Saturday was an extremely poignant and emotional day during which we celebrated Wade Deacon’s rich heritage and alumni community.

“It was inspiring to hear so many stories and experiences being shared among our former students, many of whom reflected fondly on the lasting impact that Wade Deacon has had on their lives, even to date.

“As a school we are extremely proud to serve our community and ensuring this doesn’t end when students leave is something we are very passionate about. Our former students are a huge inspiration, and as Head of School, I am acutely aware of the standards and expectations that lie on the shoulders of today’s students and staff, simply as a result of the outstanding people who have gone before us at this school, and have gone on to make their mark on the world.

“I am incredibly grateful to all of our staff and students who made this event possible, and we look forward – with great excitement – to similar events in the future which will further testify to the extent of impact that Wade Deacon has had, and will continue to have, in our community, for many years to come.”