THE DAYS of no bins, no doormats and no coat hooks are a distant memory for one Bicester primary school four decades on from when it first opened its doors.

When Glory Farm opened in 1977, at a time of national financial hardship, it was missing a few finishing touches.

But now as the school celebrates its 40th anniversary this month, pupils are able to visit worldwide destinations such as The Great Barrier Reef or Machu Picchu all with the help of virtual reality.

Headteacher Ian Elkington has been flicking through the history books and reminiscing about how the school has changed over the years before Saturday when staff and pupil's past and present will join for one big anniversary celebration.

He said: "It is a very special occasion for the school and we have already held a special assembly with the children to talk about when the school opened.

"We have been looking through old pictures and the old logbook that was kept by original headteacher Michael Waine when he first opened the school on January 4, 1977.

"It gives an insight into our school's history and memories of starting it all up - for example it describes missing a few bits of furniture when opening."

Mr Elkington has taught generations of families in Bicester in his role as headteacher for more than three years and before that as a teacher from 1989 to 1993.

The school's history is still a very prominent, with a number of artifacts displayed around the grounds which were collected in the early 90s when funding for a school museum service was cut off.

Items that still remain include the old Baughan and Son Bakers cart that used to do business in Sheep Street and was donated to and restored by a school parent.

Oxfordshire County Councillor for Bicester Michael Waine headed the school for nearly 30 years and says it still remains close to his heart.

He said: "The school was very much was like another member of the family and is still is close to my heart."

He added: "I very much enjoying being able to maintain that link with the primary school, it has an excellent headteacher who has bought about some amazing changes over the years.

"It is still very much the school it has always been, as a school that is all about learning, laughter and love.

"Im looking forward to the open day to meet with lots of families and exchange stories within the school environment."

Mr Waine spoke of fond memories of the school opening with just 200 people, rising at its peak of 630 students before the 420 students as it is known today.

He also recalls the first few weeks of finding furniture for those finishing touches as well as the school being built in a ploughed field, meaning many muddy pupils had to 'make the most of it'.

The former headteacher retired in 2003 but works with the school through its partnership with The Cooper School under the Bicester Learning Academy.

This partnership was formed in July, 2014, and allows primary students to work with the secondary school to ease the move to upper school.

Mr Elkington said this was a major achievement in the school's history, he added: "It is a nice place to work in and children are so keen and willing to learn.

"We plan to hold more celebrations in the summer for the children and we are hoping to have a whole school photo old fashioned-style with everyone in it."