THE FIFTIETH birthday celebration of a Test Valley school is fast approaching.

The golden Jubilee event is set to take place next week on June 28 and there are still tickets available for those wanting to attend.

Pupils, staff and ex students are set to attend the event to celebrate the school in Whitenap Lane which first opened it’s doors in 1969.

Fifty years on the school now has more than 1,400 pupils.

It also became an academy in 2011.

The event will take place from 7pm until 11pm guests will enjoy a marquee held within the school ground, a marquee, hog roast, bar and DJ.

They money raised will go towards the cost of the event and an remaining money will go towards future school projects.

The school is set to carry out fundraising for the next five years as Lord Mountbatten did not officially celebrate the opening of the school until 1974.

Associate Headteacher Chris Cox who has worked at the school since 2005 said the school has an “exciting celebratory year ahead.”

“All of the students will receive a fiftieth birthday badge that they can wear to school, and they will attend a service at Romsey Abbey on June 27.”

Chris added: “The school is in excellent physical shape for its Golden Jubilee.

“Since becoming an academy two thirds of the school has been upgraded.”

This includes a new dance suite, refurbished science block and PE changing rooms as well as a newly built maths and languages block.

To buy tickets for the Golden Jubilee event visit www.eventbrite.co.uk.

Tickets cost £25.