A primary school in Havering has celebrated its 300th birthday.

Dame Tipping CofE Primary School in Havering-atte-Bower, judged to be 'good' by Ofsted in 2023, held a ceremony at St John the Evangelist Church to mark the milestone.

The event, attended by Havering's deputy mayor Patricia Brown, was led by Reverend David Anderton and included reflections from head of school Stella McCarthy and executive headteacher Alice Larkman.

Ms Larkman said: “It’s such a momentous year for Dame Tipping as the school continues to hold a special place in the heart of our community.

"We had a wonderful time celebrating at St John the Evangelist Church and we have many more exciting events planned throughout the year," she added.

Romford Recorder: 'It’s such a momentous year for Dame Tipping,' executive headteacher Ms Larkman said'It’s such a momentous year for Dame Tipping,' executive headteacher Ms Larkman said (Image: Dame Tipping CofE Primary School)

The school had been criticised by Frances Johnson, 84, a teaching assistant there for 53 years, who was made redundant in July 2023.

Frances previously told the Recorder she wished she had been kept on for the 300th anniversary celebrations.

LIFE Education Trust, which runs the school, had said the decision to implement redundancies was not taken lightly.

Romford Recorder: Dame Tipping pupils took part in the ceremonyDame Tipping pupils took part in the ceremony (Image: Dame Tipping CofE Primary School)

"Dame Tipping has been shaped by the dedicated efforts of people like Mrs Johnson, and she will always be a cherished part of its history," it added.

Dame Tipping paid £10 to form the school in 1724, which is named after Dame Anne Tipping, the daughter of Sir Thomas Cheeke of Pyrgo who was governor of the Tower of London in the Stuart period.

Anne Tipping left a bequest for the education of Havering-atte-Bower children, which is commemorated in the school's name.

As part of the celebrations, pupils designed logos themed around the school's birthday which will be used alongside its updated 2024 logo.

Romford Recorder: A logo designed for the school's 300th birthdayA logo designed for the school's 300th birthday (Image: Dame Tipping CofE Primary School)

Julian Dutnall, LIFE chief executive, said: “We are so proud to have Dame Tipping as part of our trust with its rich history which has created a powerful legacy over three centuries.

"We look forward to continuing to see the school thrive," he added.