Loughborough Grammar School pupils and staff have launched the start of a year of celebrations marking the school’s 525th anniversary.

Local residents are encouraged to attend a series of events which are planned over the course of 2020, including a Heritage Open Weekend, History Display in Loughborough Town Library, and a prestigious Lecture Series featuring eminent alumni and Loughborough University’s most famous student, legendary Olympian Lord Sebastian Coe.

Founded in 1495 by Thomas Burton, a local wool merchant who left endowments for the teaching of boys in his will, the Grammar School lists Rev. George Davys, a tutor to Queen Victoria, Johnnie Johnson, RAF flying ace, and Sir Thomas Abney, the first Governor of the Bank of England amongst its alumni.

Professor Rachel Thomson, Professor of Materials Engineering and Pro Vice Chancellor for Teaching at Loughborough University will kick off the Foundation Lecture Series on 4 February at Loughborough Schools Foundation.

Her lecture will look at the ‘future of the motor car’, how technology will impact future cars and discuss the potential and drawbacks of electric and autonomous vehicles.

Eminent alumni of the Grammar School will also be contributing to the lecture series. QC, James Flynn will be highlighting the legal consequences of Brexit on 27 February, while prize-winning historical novelist, Giles Kristian, will be talking about his literary career in March.

Speaking at the launch of the 525th anniversary celebrations, Duncan Byrne, the 35th headmaster of the Grammar School, explained that he was honoured to lead the school on an historic day. He said:

“It is a great pleasure to celebrate the start of our 525th anniversary celebrations which are an opportunity to give thanks to all those who have translated the foresight of the school’s benefactor Thomas Burton into a lasting legacy, not only for the Foundation but also for the town of Loughborough as a whole.

“The programme of events is designed to celebrate the rich and varied education the Grammar School has long stood for and it will be a pleasure to share these events with all, including current and past pupils, parents and the local community.

“This landmark anniversary also provides a welcome opportunity to look ahead to the future as we build on the traditions and heritage established since 1495 to create the next chapter for our school community.”

Dates for the diary – Foundation Lecture Series

● 4 February – Professor Rachel Thomson, ‘The Future of the Motor Car’.

● 27 February – James Flynn, QC, After the Break: United Kingdom law, EU law and Brexit.

● 24 March – Giles Kristian, How to be a writer: the long and winding road to creativity.

● 5 May – Professor John Dickie, “Why do the Italians eat so well?” – A History of Italian Cooking.

● 22 September – Professor Andrew Thompson, Nelson Mandela on Robben Island – Do political prisoners have human rights? If so, who should protect them now?

● 4 November – Rt Rev Mark Tanner, What is a Healthy Community in the 21st Century?

● 14 December – Lord Sebastian Coe, The 2012 Olympics and its Legacy