AN OTLEY school is celebrating a very special anniversary this week - its 100th ‘re-birthday’.

Prince Henry’s Grammar School was actually established more than 400 years ago, back in 1607.

In 1874, however, the school was closed due to financial problems and falling pupil numbers, due to increased competition.

It didn’t open again until September 18, 1918: 44 years later.

The re-started Prince Henry’s was based, temporarily, in the Mechanics Institute (now Otley Civic Centre) but shortly afterwards its current site on Farnley Lane was identified as a suitable location for a new school.

Building work started there in 1923 and the school was fully up and running at the site, where it is still based today*, in 1927.

The school is planning to hold a series of events over the coming months to celebrate its centenary - and is inviting local residents to get involved.

Assistant Headteacher Stephen Clarkson, who is leading the celebrations, said: “We are very proud of our long history in the Otley Community and we couldn’t let this date go by without celebrating our past - and looking to the future.

“We would love to hear from ex-students from across the 100 years since our re-opening, and their families.

“We have been at the heart of the community for a very long time and I’m sure there are some great stories of life at Prince Henry’s through the years which people would like to share.”

Anyone interested in sharing a memory and/or photograph from their time at Prince Henry’s (which may be shared online) is asked to either write in or send an e-mail to Pippa McPherson at 100years@princehenrys.co.uk .

The school intends to use as many submitted stories and images as possible in its upcoming celebrations, which will include open days for the community, reunion events and an end-of-year display.

Updates will appear on the school website, www.princehenrys.co.uk, over the coming year.

*In 1967 the school began its next phase when it joined with the Otley Secondary Modern School and became a comprehensive.

New buildings were constructed on the Farnley Lane site and the new school was officially opened on December 11, 1970, by the Prince of Wales.

On July 10, 2008, a new science block (The Hindle Science Building) was opened by the Duke of Kent.