Portsmouth High School celebrates birthday at city’s cathedral

PORTSMOUTH High School has celebrated 138 years of history with a service at the city’s cathedral.

The school was founded on 21 February 1882, opening at Marlborough House on Osborne Road before moving to its current Kent Road location in 1928. During the war years, the school was evacuated to Hinton Ampner and Adhurst St Mary; two country houses in Hampshire.

Headmistress, Jane Prescott (far right), with present and past pupils from Portsmouth High School.

placeholder image — Headmistress, Jane Prescott (far right), with present and past pupils from Portsmouth High School.

The service was enjoyed by many of the school’s former pupils.

Rhoda Zeffertt, who left the school in 1956, said: ‘Hearing the young ladies reading the lessons and hearing the choirs singing so beautifully, it was magical. The warmth and friendship one felt throughout the event is something I will always remember.’

Jill Hancock, who was head girl in 1953, added: 'It was so lovely to come back to the Cathedral and remember such fond memories of the school.'

At the end of the service all the girls enjoyed a crème egg - traditionally given to all pupils to celebrate the school’s birthday.