School 'Boys' Reunited

3:12pm Thursday 22nd November 2001

L angley Park School celebrated its centenary year over the weekend, as teachers and pupils gathered for the event.

The school, in South Eden Park Road, invited all its old boys back to see how it has changed, since it first opened in 1901.

Langley Park boasts a long line of famous pupils, including ex-Rolling Stone Bill Wyman, who attended the school when it was called Beckenham and Penge Grammar School.

Artist and former pupil Henry Mee, who provoked a national debate in 1986 with his unflattering and controversial portrait of the Queen, came with his wife and two children as a surprise guest.

Langley Park started life as the Beckenham Technical Institute with 22 pupils and six members of staff. The school now has 1,300 pupils and 85 staff.

Head teacher Rob Northcott said: “It was an incredible day. Some ex-pupils who hadn't seen each other for more than 60 years, got to meet up again.

“The atmosphere was remarkable and very affecting, we are looking forward to the next 100 years.”