This year marks the 50th anniversary of Nottingham College’s High Pavement campus, which first opened its doors to students in September 1974.
To celebrate this milestone, a special event was held in collaboration with the High Pavement Society on October 17, bringing together past and present students and staff to honour the rich history of the institution.
The event, held at Hight Pavement campus, featured a range of activities including presentations on the school’s history, exclusive video content, and previously unseen photography.
Attendees were also treated to a talk on distinguished alumni, a guided tour of the school, and the presentation of the High Pavement Society Awards. These awards were presented to Gaige Bailey, winner for the Stanley Middleton Prize and Kaspar Hawkins who received the Ken Bateman Award.
John Chambers, committee member of High Pavement Society, said: “It was a privilege for the High Pavement Society to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of High Pavement 6th Form. From the captivating history displays by our archivist, Graham Wybrow, to the inspiring presentation by Principal Adam Beazeley on the college’s modern achievements and diversity, the event truly honoured the college’s legacy.
“We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone involved and we look forward to the Remembrance Day Ceremony to honour former students who served.”
A fantastic day was had celebrating the breadth of history that lays within the walls of one of Nottingham’s most established educational institutions.
High Pavement Sixth Form officially opened its doors in September 1974, transitioning from a Boys Grammar School at Gainsford Crescent to a sixth form college.
In 1999, the college became part of New College Nottingham and later moved to its current location on Chaucer Street in 2002. A few years later, New College Nottingham along with Central College Nottingham merged together in 2017 to form Nottingham College as we know it today.
However, High Pavement’s history goes back much further than the establishment of the sixth form. The school was originally founded on January 26, 1788, by the congregation of the High Pavement Unitarian Chapel.
In a forward-thinking move for the time, the school educated both girls and boys equally and welcomed pupils from all religious backgrounds. Today, it stands as the third oldest school in Nottingham still in existence.
The High Pavement Society, founded in 1989, plays a key role in preserving this remarkable history, supporting the existing college, and fostering connections with alumni worldwide.
For more information about the High Pavement Society please visit: www.highpavementsociety.org.uk.
