It will be hosting a special event to mark the occasion
Staff and students at Henbury Court Primary Academy, which turns 70 this week
A school in Henbury is celebrating a special milestone as it reaches its 70th birthday.
Henbury Court Primary Academy will mark the occasion with an afternoon of entertainment, bringing together pupils past and present, teachers, families and local residents on Wednesday (July 15). Highlights will include a live archaeological dig that visitors can take part in, along with Year 6 students selling their homemade wares at an ‘enterprise market’.
There will also be exhibitions of photos and documents highlighting key moments from the school’s history. Bristol’s recently-appointed lord mayor, Green councillor Yassin Mohamud, is set to open a commemorative orchard which will be enjoyed by generations to come.
Headteacher Jake Howarth-Brown said he couldn’t wait for the big day. “This is a truly special moment for Henbury Court,” he said.
Exhibits will celebrate the school’s history
“For 70 years, our school has been at the heart of the community, and this celebration is about bringing people together to reflect on that history while also looking ahead to our future. We are incredibly proud of our pupils and excited to showcase their talents, as well as welcome back former students and staff who have been part of our journey.”
Henbury Court is part of Amplifi Education, the largest Bristol-based multi-academy trust, serving approximately 12,000 pupils across 21 schools. Amplifi was formed in late 2025 following the merger of the Cathedral Schools Trust and Trust in Learning Academies. Henbury Court Primary was previously under TiLA’s management.
There were 279 pupils enrolled at the school at the time of its most recent Ofsted inspection, in October 2024. The education regulator gave the school something of a mixed appraisal; inspectors praised its approach to pupils’ behaviour and attitudes and personal development, as well as its early years provision, while saying its quality of education and leadership required improvement.
On Tuesday, Ofsted inspections will surely be briefly forgotten during a day of celebration.
Neil Blundell, chief executive at Amplify Education, said the school’s birthday was perfect chance to commemorate its past and toast the pupils of today.
“Henbury Court is a powerful example of what it means to be a community school,” he said.
“This milestone celebrates not only its history, but the energy, ambition and creativity of its pupils today. Events like this show the impact schools can have when they bring people together and create opportunities for every child to thrive.”
Henbury Court’s birthday celebration will take place from 3pm until 7pm. The event is free to attend but registration is encouraged.