In the same year the school celebrates the 125th anniversary of its founding by George W Sibly in 1882, it also opened in September with record numbers of pupils joining both the Preparatory and Senior School.

This success is even more notable at a time when many independent schools across the country are seeing a decline in pupil numbers and in some cases have been forced to close.

The success of the school is largely due to the strong leadership of both heads, Adrian Palmer in the Preparatory School and Margie Burnet Ward in the Senior School. Their vision is of a school which is proud of its traditions but which is also a modern and dynamic environment able to equip its pupils for the challenges of an ever changing world.

Margie Burnet Ward said: "Even from its earliest days, Wycliffe has been distinctive. The school has a long history of being sympathetic to environmental issues, nurturing community spirit among its pupils, promoting the benefits of sport and a healthy diet long before it became fashionable.

"The school became famous for its pioneering spirit, with pupils taking part in overseas expeditions to the Alps, Africa and the Middle East, which in its day would have been unique and certainly not for the faint hearted! G W Sibly's vision was of a school which celebrated diversity and encouraged a love of learning for life! These values are even more relevant today.

"It is my intention to develop them further by continuing to improve academic standards, where we have already gained notable success.

"For the sixth year in succession we have achieved outstanding results in both GCSE and A level grades. We are promoting the creation of more leadership and social networking opportunities and we will be working closely with Stonehouse Town Council on a variety of projects.

"We will also continue to promote sporting excellence within the school and look forward to further success this season in soccer and netball. It is also my intention to focus on the environment and sustainability, where we have already made in-roads with energy efficiency and the recycling of waste. We will be working in conjunction with Y-Waste' in helping to reducing the school's carbon footprint further."

Adrian Palmer said: "We have a lot to celebrate.

We started the 125th Anniversary year with a whole school balloon race and the burial of a time capsule in September. We are planning an exhibition of Wycliffe through the ages at the Preparatory school, to be held in the Spring Term. We thank our staff, pupils, parents and friends for making the school the place it is and hope they will join with us in looking forward to the next 125 years of success."

For further information on our forthcoming open morning on Saturday March 1, 2008, please call the main reception on 01453 822432 or visit www.wycliffe.co.uk