Staff and students at Colston’s were delighted to welcome Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, Honorary Member of the Society of Merchant Venturers, to officially open the new Early Years building on 5th February.

Special guests included Tony Kenny, Master of the Society of Merchant Venturers, as well as the Lord Lieutenant, High Sheriff and Lord Mayor of Bristol.

The Hilborne Building for Early Years saw an investment by the school in excess of £1 million and houses the nursery and reception classes in a dedicated space which includes a dining room. The spacious classrooms, free-flow nature of the building and the access to outdoor play in all weathers, make this a truly outstanding start for students.

The Society currently oversees the education of over 4,000 children in nine schools across Bristol, but Colston’s was the first. Originally established in 1710 in the centre of Bristol to prepare young men for apprenticeships, it is now a thriving independent school with an all-through, fully-coeducational and wonderfully cosmopolitan community set in magnificent grounds in Stapleton.

The Lower School opened in 1942 with only 14 pupils. Today, 230 youngsters aged between three and 11 have started their educational journey at Colston’s, and the very youngest are already learning in the new state-of-the-art facilities.

The Princess Royal toured the new building meeting staff and students before unveiling a ceremonial plaque in front of an audience of Governors, Old Colstonians, guests, staff and friends of the school.