PUPILS from Oxfordshire’s largest school delved into hundreds of years of history as they prepared to mark 450 years since the school was founded.

Lord William’s School in Thame, which has more than 2,000 pupils on its roll, started life as a grammar school in 1559.

Tomorrow, students, teachers and parents will celebrate 450 years in education with a party, including drama, dance and musical performances topped off with a firework display.

Headteacher David Wybron said: “The school started off as a very small grammar school in Thame and that building still remains. Then it became a comprehensive in 1971.

“If we have the same people who believe in comprehensive education I think it will still be here in 450 years time.

“I think the most important thing is the creative energy in the school from staff and students and that’s the tradition we are probably most proud of.”

The anniversary also coincides with 100 years of the Old Tamensians Association, a social group made up of former pupils.