Celebrating ten years of Willow Lodge at The King’s School

If you went up on the field last week, you’d have been sure of a big surprise as all of our infant children gathered for a very special Teddy Bear’s Picnic. Complete with picnic blankets, cupcakes and commemorative teddy bears, the afternoon was filled with smiles and laughter as we celebrated ten years of Willow Lodge at The King’s School Chester. 

The celebrations brought together current pupils and staff, including many who have been part of Willow Lodge since it first opened. They were also joined by members of the school’s very first Reception class – now in Fourth Year – alongside special guests, founding Head of Willow Lodge, Mrs Margaret Ainsworth, and the school’s original Deputy Head, Mrs Jan Callaghan.

Head of Willow Lodge and Junior School, Mrs Dewhurst, opened the celebrations with a few heartfelt words, reflecting on the hundreds of children who have passed through the doors of Willow Lodge, and the lasting impact that each one has had on the school’s story. 

She said: “Over the past ten years, we are privileged to have seen so many children learn, laugh, grow in confidence, form friendships and make memories that will stay with them for years to come.”

She went on to thank the pupils, parents, governors and staff – both past and present – for continuing to make Willow Lodge such a happy, caring and thriving school.”

The infant school was officially opened by the late Duke of Westminster in September 2015, meaning this term marks the end of the tenth year of  Willow Lodge. 

For the Fourth Year pupils, the afternoon offered a chance to reconnect with their former teachers, who fondly recalled the excitement of Willow Lodge’s very first year. They were delighted to discover that much-loved features, including the climbing frame and storytelling chair, remain favourites with today’s children, while reflecting on how the school has grown over the last ten years.

Our infants enjoyed a cupcake, each sitting with their new teddy bear, before settling down for a teddy bear-themed story read by the Senior School pupils. For Mrs Ainsworth, it was a particularly touching moment.  

She said: “Watching the children I first met as four year olds interacting with our current infants so beautifully feels like a full-circle moment. They have grown into wonderful young people who are natural role models to our younger children, and that is one of the really special things about Willow Lodge. I look forward to coming back in another ten years to see our current Reception children doing the same.”

Looking ahead, Mrs Dewhurst concluded: “As our tenth year draws to a close and we prepare to welcome our eleventh Reception class in September, the future is looking very bright at Willow Lodge. Here’s to the next ten years – and beyond – of making wonderful memories!”

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