A SCHOOL celebrated its 90th birthday with fish and chips, ice cream and a virtual assembly.

Rye St Antony, an independent day and boarding school in Headington, honoured the occasion on Friday.

A live assembly was broadcast to each school bubble, with 50 alumni also tuning in.

The afternoon saw fish and chips, ice cream and birthday cake devoured as students came together, while socially distancing.

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Joanne Croft, head at the school, said: “I feel privileged to be here, 90 years after the school was first opened, leading the school and sharing in this moment with our whole community.

“Our celebrations brought out Rye’s true spirit and whilst we couldn’t quite celebrate in the way we had wanted, there was still a buzz and excitement around the school, and we all had fun together to mark this day.

“As we move on to our next 90 years, my vision for the school focusses on each individual pupil and the futures they have, it is about encouraging them to be themselves and confident that they can achieve anything they want.”

Lucy Embers, head girl, added: “Taking on the role of head girl at such an uncertain time in the world and addressing the whole school for the first time virtually wasn’t quite what I expected, but in true Rye spirit, I didn’t let it affect me.

“My message to our pupils was to remember they can make a change and have their voices heard regardless of who they are and how old they are.”