In the year that Victoria became Britain’s longest reigning sovereign and the first modern Olympic Games were held in Athens, a new primary school was established in St Albans.

And 120 years later, Garden Fields JMI is holding a double ceremony to mark the special anniversary and officially open its expanded facilities.

In 1896 Garden Fields originally opened at a site in Catherine Street, before moving to its current location in Townsend Drive, as a single form of entry, in the 1970s.

The wider community is welcome to visit the school on Thursday April 28 for the ‘grand opening’ of its new building, as it moves from a 2FE to 3FE institution.

A ribbon cutting ceremony will be held at 4pm, with many past and present pupils, teachers and staff expected to attend.

Head teacher Chris Jukes said: “The transformation of Garden Fields School over the last 120 years has been amazing!

“As we continue our journey of education we find ourselves in a fabulous new building that sits proudly on the hill along Batchwood Drive.

“Our grand opening will celebrate all these changes and more. It’s a real opportunity for pupils, teachers and staff past and present to visit our fantastic new school.”

Garden Fields will remain open after the ceremony at 4pm until 6pm during which time tea and cakes will be offered by the PTA, to enable visitors to see its classrooms – including the new learning resources centre.