Beacon Academy Celebrates 70 Years

Beacon Academy proudly marked its 70th anniversary with a special celebration bringing together past and present members of the school.

Held on Tuesday 5 May, the event welcomed former students, staff and governors back to the school to celebrate seven decades of history, achievement and shared experience.

The morning provided an opportunity to reflect on the school’s journey since opening in 1956, while also recognising the vibrant and forward-looking school community that defines Beacon Academy today.

Guests enjoyed a warm welcome followed by a series of activities, including guided tours of the school led by student ambassadors, a presentation featuring student speakers, and a range of performances including both dance and music. An exhibition of memorabilia and photographs spanning the past 70 years gave guests the opportunity to reflect on the school’s history. A particularly memorable moment came from a speech delivered by one of Beacon’s original students, who started at the school in 1958, offering a personal and moving reflection on its early years.

Students from the Newspaper Enrichment Club were also involved in the event, interviewing guests and asking questions about their time at Beacon, including the key memories and milestones that shaped their experience of the school.

Headteacher Keith Slattery said: 

“It was a privilege to welcome back so many former students, colleagues and governors to celebrate this special milestone. It was a wonderful occasion, bringing members of our school community together to celebrate this historic milestone. The event captured everything that makes Beacon Academy so unique – a strong sense of pride, a rich history, and a shared commitment to the future.”

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to all those who attended and contributed to making the celebration such a memorable occasion.

Join Beacon Academy Alumni Network

As we celebrate 70 years of Beacon, we are reconnecting with former students through our Beacon Academy Alumni Network. Our alumni community plays a vital role in our story, past, present and future – and joining the network is a great way to stay in touch, hear about events, and celebrate the achievements of fellow students.

Whether you left recently or many years ago, we would love to reconnect and keep Beacon’s legacy growing for generations to come. If you are a former student, please take a moment to join our alumni network by completing this short online form: Stay in Touch with Beacon Academy Alumni – Fill out form