A very special day at Worth

Smiling faces, heart-warming speeches, a helicopter landing on the main driveway and a giant pair of scissors – the official opening of the Spencer Building, the School's fabulous new Sixth Form Centre and library, was an occasion to remember on 25th April.

The new centre is the extraordinary £6.25 million gift to the School from Michael Spencer B'73, Baron Spencer of Alresford. It incorporates a new school library and an auditorium for all pupils, and the Sixth Form Centre provides seminar rooms, study and social spaces for our pupils to come together socially and intellectually in a stimulating, pre-university experience.

Lord Spencer arrived by helicopter, to be greeted by excited pupils from Austin House, Worth's Junior House, and was particularly delighted to see his old teacher, Fr Kevin Taggart, now aged 91, and his former dorm prefect Jerry Fletcher G'72, Worth Society Chairman, also awaiting him. After a ribbon-cutting to officially open the building, Lord Spencer spoke emotively about the importance of giving back, his fond memories of his time at Worth, the “wonderful atmosphere” at the School now and how he feels proud to be an Old Worthian.

Head Master Mr Stuart McPherson said: “With thanks to you, Lord Spencer, Worth is now blessed with a building on the old Orchard pitch that will inspire the academic endeavour, the imagination and the society of our pupils, especially in the Sixth Form, in very special ways for generations to come.” He added: “In school value terms, it has its feet on the ground; I would say that it’s a very Benedictine building. Its beauty comes from balance and proportion, simplicity and spaciousness, and the way it draws the eye out to the landscapes beyond. The unimpeded view across to the Abbey Church deliberately underlines a connection that is so central to who this school is.”

Lord Spencer was joined by his nephew, Piers Spencer B'14, as well as his great friend from his school days, Andrew Robinson B'73 who all received the latest Butler House rugby top as a parting gift.