Emotional reunions at Portsmouth High School as pupils from up to 70 years ago return to classrooms
“It was such fun to see the many changes and still to recall our days at PHS.”
High school students from years gone by went back into their old classrooms for an emotional reunion.
Portsmouth High School (PHS) alumnae from the classes of 1956, 1966, 1976, 1986, 1996, 2006 and 2016 gathered for a reunion lunch, plus tours of the senior and prep schools.
Marking decade anniversaries for each cohort, the tours were led by current sixth form students, giving former pupils the chance to see how the school has changed while sharing memories of their own time there.
From the class of 1956, having studied at PHS 70 years ago, was Pamela Snow, formerly known as Pamela Sorrell. She said: “It was such fun to see the many changes and still to recall our days at PHS. In reality many, many years ago, but still easily recalled.
“There are so very many more opportunities open to the young of today, but so many more challenges; it does seem the staff members are meeting those with sympathy and common sense.”
A former sudent from the class of 1966 was Helen Wynne-Griffith, formerly Helen Sandover, who added: “Sixty years on, the buildings might not be quite the same, but the happy vibes of our memories were everywhere.
“Smiling faces and laughter showed what an important part of our lives, PHS had been.”
Current pupils also got a reunion of their own, with former headmistress Jane Prescott also in attendance. Mrs Prescott was at the helm of PHS from 2011-2024, and now has the school’s refurbished dining hall named in her honour.
Mrs Prescott was on hand to open the eponymous Prescott Hall, just in time for lunch.
She said: “It was wonderful to chat to the alumnae from the class of 1956 right up to the class of 2016 and all those in between. PHS is a very special place.”
Mrs Prescott’s successor, Sarah Parker, added: “It is a joy to welcome our alumnae back to the school that helped shape your journeys and to celebrate the enduring bonds of our community.”
Isobel, a Year 13 pupil who helped host the tours, said it was a "real privilege" to show the former students around.
"Hearing their memories made me realise just how strong the Portsmouth High School family is, no matter what generation you belong to," she said.