Founders’ Day gave us the perfect opportunity to pause, reflect and look ahead. Pupils, staff, and friends of the school joined together for a day full of tradition, symbolism, and celebration.

One of the highlights was the planting of 50 cherry blossom trees along the College driveway. Chosen for their beauty and symbolism of renewal, the trees will bloom each spring as a reminder of the generations of Worksopians who have passed through our gates, and of the exciting journey still ahead.

Our younger pupils also played a special part in the day, carefully burying a time capsule filled with treasures and reflections from 2025 – a gift to the Worksopians of the future.

Headmaster, Mr Charles Bailey, reflected:

“For 130 years, Worksop College and Ranby House have stood as places of learning, friendship and opportunity. Today, we honour our past while shaping our future. The cherry blossom trees and time capsule are more than symbols – they are a commitment to the generations still to come.”

For over a century, Worksop College has been shaped by values of care, honesty, and perseverance. As part of this anniversary year, we are proud to share our refreshed values – Compassion, Integrity and Dedication – qualities that have always been at the heart of our community, now expressed for a new era.

Since 1895, Worksop College has grown and evolved through moments of great change: the building of St Cuthbert’s Chapel in 1911, the transformation of the Shirley era in the 1920s and 30s, the acquisition of Ranby House after the Second World War, and the introduction of co-education in the 1970s. Each chapter has added to the story we celebrate today.

But while history is at the centre of this milestone, our Founders’ Day celebration was just as much about the future. As our new cherry blossoms begin to take root, so too do our ambitions for the next 130 years.

Together, we remain committed to inspiring young minds, nurturing character and preparing our pupils to thrive in an ever-changing world.