To kick off a year of celebrations, staff and students dressed up in Edwardian clothes and held a tea-party for parents and friends. Children had the chance to ride a penny-farthing bicycle and all the students helped decorate a string of bunting that hung around the playground.

One of the school's oldest ex-pupils, 94-year-old Les Gilles, joined the fun. For many years he visited the school to help teach pupils gardening skills. Future events will include a reunion, and pupils will be burying a time capsule in the school grounds 

Les Gilles with a specially-made birthday cake.

The school was named after 18th century Putney resident Admiral Hotham, and it opened its doors for the first time on June 2, 1909. Since then thousands of youngsters have passed through. Originally the building had separate entrances for girls and boys. Boys would learn woodwork and boxing, and girls would learn how to look after children and run a household.

Now the school boasts good academic results and prides itself on teaching pupils values such as tolerance, good manners and being kind to others. During the second world war all the children were evacuated to the countryside and the school was used as a fire station.  

Headteacher Pam Young said the school's sense of history helps young people to connect with the past, while its diversity and forward-looking ethos helps equip them for their lives ahead. “We like to think of our staff, parents and pupils – past, present and future – as a family, and our celebrations will reflect that. I'm tremendously proud of what we have achieved at Hotham and sincerely hope the experience of being educated here enriches the lives of all our students.”

The school wants to hear from past pupils, staff and friends of Hotham interested in attending a reunion next year. Email 100@hotham.wandsworth.sch.uk .

June 19, 2009