THIS term pupils will get a glimpse of bygone schooldays as Moorfield School and Nursery celebrates its 90th birthday, looking back on memories that have forged its identity and built its reputation.

Moorfield School in Ben Rhydding Road, Ilkley. has gone through many changes in its 90 years.

The independent school was started in 1930 for both boys and girls by Miss Thorpe.

Lessons were first taught in converted rooms in her family home at West View, Ilkley.

The school derived its name from the moorland behind the house and the fields surrounding Ilkley Hall – hence Moorfield.

The school relocated to Wharfedale Lodge, Ben Rhydding Road, in 1968 where it continues to flourish into the outstanding school we know and love today.

With its new headteacher, Mrs Tina Herbert, the school may now have entered a new era, but the traditions of Moorfield, which have always marked it out as a leader in independent education, remain the same.

Moorfield can count some big names among its former pupils – including bestselling author Jilly Cooper and Georgie Henley, star of the Narnia Chronicles.

Local ‘old boy’, Roger Davy MBE, won the first Courtesy Cup in 1947 and recently visited Moorfield to help mark this milestone birthday.

Pupils are celebrating by having a 1930’s Party Day, dressing up, playing games from the era and having a special lunch followed by a birthday cake.

Pupils will also be planting a tree and time capsule in the Bushcraft area to commemorate this special year.

For all enquiries, including virtual tours and meetings, please don’t hesitate to call us 01943 607285 or visit the website www.moorfieldschool.co.uk for more details.