Historic Gravesend School Celebrates Community Legacy Ahead of Relocation

Rosherville Church of England Academy welcomes generations of pupils, staff and families for a final farewell event ahead of future relocation.

On Thursday 30 April 2026, Rosherville Church of England Academy opened its doors to over 200 past and present pupils, staff and the wider community for a special celebration marking a significant moment in the school’s long history.

The two-hour event, held at the school’s current site on London Road in Gravesend, brought together generations of families to reflect on the legacy of a school that has served the community since opening in 1871.

Visitors were invited to explore the school and revisit its rich history through a carefully curated display of artefacts and memorabilia. Items on display included historic attendance registers, house shields, school uniforms, photographs and banners, offering a powerful glimpse into the experiences of pupils past and present. Visitors were visibly moved as they explored the displays, with many sharing memories of their time at the school. One former pupil remarked, “I can’t believe it’s still here,” while another recalled, “I remember that being a swimming pool.”

The event created an atmosphere of reflection and reconnection, as former classmates reunited for the first time in years, retired teachers shared memories, and families spanning multiple generations returned to where their educational journeys began.

A highlight of the afternoon was a collaborative fingerprint artwork, where current pupils, staff, alumni and visitors were invited to “leave their mark” on a canvas featuring the school’s original logo. The activity symbolised both the school’s enduring legacy and its transition into a new chapter.

Last year, representatives from the school also visited the new development site alongside construction partner Morgan Sindall to place a time capsule, preserving memories of the current school for future generations.

The celebration concluded with speeches from school leaders, reflecting on both the school’s history and its future.

Alice Martin, Headteacher of Rosherville Church of England Academy, said:
“We are not simply saying goodbye to a building – we are honouring a story. For generations, this school has been at the heart of the community, shaping lives and creating a place where people truly belong. We are taking everything that has been planted here, every memory, every value, every relationship, and carrying that forward, holding tight to the Rosherville spirit that drives us all.” 

Steve Carey, CEO of Aletheia Academies Trust, said:
“Today has served as a powerful reminder of the place Rosherville Academy occupies at the heart of its community. Since 1871, this school has been shaped by generations of families, staff and pupils, and the memories shared today confirm that legacy as something truly special. As we look ahead to the future at Cable Wharf, our focus is on carrying that same sense of belonging, identity and care into a modern, purpose-built environment that will serve many more children for years to come.”

The event closed with a blessing from Reverend Gordon MacBean of Rosherville St. Mark’s and St. Botolph’s Churches, bringing a fitting and reflective end to an afternoon that held deep meaning for all who attended.

The celebration comes ahead of the school’s planned relocation in September 2026 to the Cable Wharf development. The move will enable significant expansion, increasing capacity from approximately 140 pupils to a two-form entry primary school with an additional 280 places. The new site will also include a nursery, specialist resource provision, and enhanced facilities designed to support both education and community use.

The current London Road site, situated on a challenging quarry cliff and containing Victorian-era buildings, has long limited opportunities for expansion. The relocation represents a major investment in the future of education in Gravesend while preserving the school’s strong community identity.

Despite the forthcoming move, the focus of the day remained firmly on celebrating the past. Attendees described the event as “incredible” and “a chance to relive so many memories”, with many sharing personal stories, reflections, and highlighting the lasting impact the school has had on generations of local families.

As Rosherville Church of England Academy prepares for its next chapter, the event serves as a powerful reminder that while buildings may change, the community and memories built within them endure.