Former Students Turn Back Time at NK Academy
Twenty-two former students of North Kesteven Academy turned back the clock at the weekend when they returned to the school for a reunion half a century after they left.
The class of ‘68 were the first to attend the new North Kesteven Grammar School when it opened in North Hykeham in 1961.
During a day of celebrations and reminiscences on Friday (25th May) they toured the site of the present North Kesteven Academy, caught up with old friends, met Headteacher Neil Wilkinson-McKie and Assistant Head Karen Jones, enjoyed dinner at the school and took part in a quiz about former staff.
Barrie Sowden from Lincoln, who attended the reunion, claims he was one of the first pupils through the gates when the new school opened.
“For the first term we had to share the facilities at Robert Pattinson School as the new school buildings weren’t ready,” he said.
“But on the first day at the new school I was one of the first through the gate – I remember arriving on the Lincs Roadcar bus and getting in there first.”
Pete Cook, a retired teacher who was Head of Technology at the school at the time, also joined in the celebrations.
The event was organised by another former student, Charles ‘Will’ Wiltshire, who left the school in 1968 and later returned as a teacher from 1971 until 1977.
“I felt we had to do something to mark 50 years since we left NKGS,” said Will. “We’ve had a couple of reunions in the past, one at the Memorial Hall in Hykeham and another at Waddington.
“When we attended the school JWN Winwood was the Headteacher with Keith Straw and Miss Richardson as his deputies. I returned in 1971 to teach Handicraft with Pete Cook and ran a lot of the sports teams with John Harding.
“Other members of staff during my time as a teacher were the young drama teachers Keith Elms, Malc Ross, Geoff Ellis and Don Maltby.
“It’s unbelievable that we’re all here together and it’s wonderful to see everyone again,” Will added. “To be welcomed back so warmly by the school today is really great.
“I’d particularly like to thank Karen Jones who’s been fantastic and a great help in getting the event organised.”
The reunion coincided with the launch of a new Facebook group called North Kesteven Academy Alumni which aims to be a focal point for former students of the school.
If you went to North Kesteven School (now North Kesteven Academy) visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/NKAcademyAlumni/ and request to join the group.
Notes for editors:
- North Kesteven Academy was founded as North Kesteven Grammar School in 1961 and became a comprehensive school in 1970, by which time it had around 1,200 pupils.
- It became a grant maintained school in April 1992 and a foundation school in September 1999. A sixth form complex opened in 1999.
- The academy was formerly a specialist arts college in performing arts. As part of the commitment to the arts, the school’s arts complex was opened in September 2002, which includes the 200-seat Terry O’Toole Theatre. The academy also has daily use of the OneNK sports centre that boasts two swimming pools and state-of-the-art fitness and dance studios.
- The school was awarded academy status in 2011.
- For more information visit www.nkacademy.co.uk
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