Hundreds of former pupils and staff stepped back in time to celebrate their old school's 50th anniversary.

Matthew Arnold School, in Arnold's Way, Cumnor Hill, near Oxford, opened its doors in 1958. And alumni from all over the globe returned there for a party on Saturday night.

Reunion organiser Pamela Holmes, of Evelyn Close, Botley, said: "It was brilliant. Everybody seemed to have a good time.

"We had about 400 people there, and they came from as far afield as New Zealand, America, Spain, France and Australia.

"Many of them had come over to see family and friends, but they had made a special effort to make the reunion.

"I heard one or two screams from people who hadn't seen each for years.

"We had a disco, but most people wanted to talk and catch up.

"We organise an event every five years and this is the fifth one I've been involved in. But this had a very different feel as it was marking the 50th anniversary of the school."

As well as the disco, guests were treated to a bar and food — and were given a nostalgic look at the school's history.

Mrs Holmes, who left the school in 1965, said: "The school chef did some wonderful things with the food, which was laid on in the dining hall.

"In the gym was a selection of photos from throughout the past 50 years, which was brilliant.

"We had quite a few ex-teachers — probably about 10 or 12 — going back almost to the beginning of the school."

The school, which was opened by Baron Henry Brooke, hit the headlines in 1971 when headmaster Glyn Davies did away with teachers' comments at the end of school reports.

Instead, Mr Davies replaced them with numbers linked to a series of stock phrases, including "is unable to concentrate for long periods" (14) and "talks too much" (29).

In December 1986, Prince Charles paid a flying visit to the school after using the playing field as a helipad.

Mrs Holmes said: "I don't know whether I'll organise the next reunion in five years' time, but this one went very well, so who knows."