Stephen Hawking's former wife opens school science facility

During her visit, Dr Jane Hawking unveiled a plaque at the "state-of-the-art" Hawking Building, named after her late husband.

The facility houses the school's science department, with dedicated physics, biology and chemistry labs.

Mr Jonathan Hellyer Jones, Dr Hawking, Jonathan Gillespie and Cllr Anthony Rowlands, Mayor of St Albans (Image: Gravity Global)

Prep rooms, computer science facilities and refurbished teaching rooms are all included.

The building also houses a telescope that belonged to Stephen Hawking, who was once a student at the school.

The object has been donated to the school's astronomy club by the Hawking family.

Dr Jane Hawking and her husband, Mr Jonathan Hellyer Jones, received a tour of the site by the school's headmaster before a demonstration of the telescope and a display of artefacts related to Stephen Hawking took place.

Dr Jane Hawking said: “Science was obviously hugely important to Stephen in his school days, and it is an honour to see his legacy continued at his former school.

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"Science has progressed so far in recent decades, and The Hawking Building gives students access to top-quality facilities that will encourage the next generation of brilliant minds.”

Jonathan Gillespie, Dr Hawking, and John-Ellis Wallace, Head Boy at St Albans School. (Image: Gravity Global)

Jonathan Gillespie, headmaster of St Albans School, said: “The new labs and equipment will enable us to continue delivering the highest levels of science education.

"Professor Hawking is one of our most famous alumni, and it is a pleasure to commemorate his inspirational legacy to the school in this way.”