'We are incredibly proud of our long history of academic excellence and how we have sought to develop and nurture young people of character for over four centuries. Our founder, Richard Pate, established a school in Cheltenham in 1574 with an endowment from his own estate, and was subsequently granted a royal endorsement by Queen Elizabeth I. His ambition to provide a place for those with a 'certain taste for learning' is enshrined in the Pate's Royal Grant and Letters Patent of 1574, inscribed on parchment in the original Latin and still preserved at Corpus Christi College, Oxford.

There is much to be learned from the aspirations of our founder and how the origins of our school, established during the social upheaval of the English reformation, can guide us in reaffirming our commitment to an education characterised by nurturing excellence, supporting each other and embracing challenge.'

In this time of reflection - forward and back - we look to that same Pate's spirit of supporting each other and hope that Pate's Community is fulfilling one of its key aims to rekindle old friendships and forge new connections. We are always so pleased to hear from those with stories to share; their words lend life to names and faces preserved in school magazines and photos. Please don't hesitate to get in touch with us to share your thoughts regardless of which year you came and went - photos and memorabilia are very gratefully received too! development@patesgs.org

We will be publishing new features celebrating our 450 years of history each month - we hope that you enjoy reading them!