A King James’s school reunion took place on Saturday the 27th of June 2026 at the Mitre Hotel, Knaresborough, to celebrate 50 years since the majority of students left the school, to start their careers.
Over 50 former students turned out for the event, some of whom had started their schooling together at Manor Road Infants School before moving onto the then Castle Yard Junior School and then finally the then newly opened King James’s School in 1971, following the changing of the school’s status from Grammar School to a Comprehensive.
Dubbed the class of 76, a number of those attending had not seen many of their former classmates for around 50 years, with reminiscing by some going on until closing time.
One of the attendees was Philip Allott, who like many of the others attended all three local schools:
It was great to catchup with former school friends and to learn about some of the great and varied things people have done since leaving school. It was also fun to be reminded about some of the things people had done together, which due to the passing of time had been forgotten.
Whilst many of those who were at school have stayed relatively local, others have lived and travelled far and wide, with some of those who attended now planning to return and live again in Knaresborough, which was also great to hear.
Former student Ian Bell who was instrumental along with others in making the event happen was delighted with the attendance and there is talk on making a meet up an annual event.
Future reunion plans will be put on Facebook or you can send a message to Ian Bell by using Facebook Messenger.
