On Sunday 20th June 2021 we held a special service to commemorate the founding of Immanuel and St Andrew Church of England Primary School 160 years ago by our very first vicar, Revd Stenton Eardley. It was a joy to see the church as full as we could manage with social distancing in place; among the congregation were teachers, students and school governors, past and present.

During the service we reflected on the purpose of schooling, watched recorded messages from current pupils explaining what they liked about their school and learned the school prayer. We considered ‘the parable of the talents’ and how we are encouraged to do all we can with all we have. We also enjoyed one of the school community’s favourite songs, ‘I’ve Got Peace Like a River’ and – while we weren’t able to sing along – joined in with the actions.

Arthur Williams, a previous headteacher and member of the congregation, spoke about the history of the school. With the help of a number of others linked to the school as well as The Streatham Society, Arthur has written a book to mark the occasion which chronicles the history of Immanuel and St Andrew’s and gathers together many memories, stories and photographs.

Please get in touch if you would like to purchase a copy of The Story of Immanuel & St Andrew Church of England Primary School, for just £4.

If you would like to watch the 160th anniversary service please visit our Facebook page.