NOTTING Hill and Ealing High School this month celebrated its 150th anniversary with a series of celebrations.

The independent girls’ school first opened its doors in 1873 and moved from its original home in Notting Hill to Ealing in 1931.

Headmaster Matthew Shoults went to Parliament with a group of sixth-formers studying politics to meet alumna Rupa Huq, Ealing Central and Acton MP, who petitioned the Commons about recognising the anniversary.

They also met Joy Morrissey MP, an NHEHS parent.

An assembly on the school’s history was also held this month, plus a Victorian-themed lunch of lemon and parsley roast chicken and syrup sponge with custard or jam tarts, a family quiz and the unveiling of a birthday cake.

The school also welcomed back more than 300 alumnae and former staff for a Prosecco afternoon tea with birthday cake. Former head teachers Jane Fitz, Susan Whitfield and Lucinda Hunt were in attendance.

Highlight of the party was a performance by the Madrigal Choir, conducted by Gordon Pullin, former head of music at NHEHS.

Alumnae of all ages, who had been part of this long-running choir at school, sung pieces that made everyone feel nostalgic.

An auction raised money for the Alumnae 150th Anniversary Bursary Fund and prizes included tickets to Disneyland, pilates lessons and a landscape gardening consultation.

There are more celebrations with a focus on fund-raising planned throughout the school’s 150th year, including the release of a book of 150 memories of the school from alumnae and past staff.

January will see the official opening of the new sustainable junior school and sixth-form space and February 2 marks the anniversary of the move to Ealing day (from the original site in Notting Hill).

There will also be a concert, with performances from current pupils and alumnae, at Cadogan Hall on March 11 and the Parents’ Guild Anniversary Ball on March 23.