Thousands of pupils have been taught in the classrooms of Hellesdon High which this year celebrates its 75th year.

Headteacher Gerry Batty, who joined the school in 2008, spoke of his pride in the school's achievements as it marks its anniversary.

'The reason the school is where it is today, is because it is built upon all the people who have been to school here and worked here over the years.' he said. 'It is a wonderful place to learn and work.'

About the school's achievements in recent times, he said: 'The highlight for me is that the school has broken its GCSE record for three years on the trot and we have moved from somewhere in the middle to being one of the top schools in the county.

'We are very proud of that and have worked very hard to achieve that.'

To celebrate the 75th anniversary, on the school held a community day packed full of activities including performances from the school band, mad science lessons and drumming workshops, and there was also a special buffet attended by 50 teachers past and present including former headteacher Mr Joscelyne.

'It was a lovely celebration of the community around the school,' Mr Batty said.

'It was a superb day. Lots of people have got very fond memories of the school.'

The school opened in 1937 and was at the time called Hellesdon Central School. In 1944 after the Education Reform Act it became Hellesdon Secondary Modern and was based on the site which is now home to Firside Junior School.

In 1965 it moved to its current site on Middleton's Lane, and in the 1970s under the leadership of Mr Joscelyne it converted from a secondary modern into a comprehensive and became Hellesdon High.

In 2007 year seven students joined the school for the first time.

The school went into the Ofsted category of 'notice to improve' in 2008 but came out of that the following year, and Mr Batty said the school was expecting at least a 'good' rating in its next Ofsted inspection that is due sometime this academic year.

The school became an academy in 2012 but continues to be called Hellesdon High School.

It has about 1,250 students and has a joint sixth form with Taverham High School.

Mr Batty said as well as the community day, the school was also marking the 75th anniversary by installing a new clock.

Is your community celebrating a special anniversary? Call reporter Emma Knights on 01603 772428 or email emma.knights@archant.co.uk