Nansledan School ('Skol Nansledan') has King Charles III to thank for its very existence, so it seems fitting that it's been a hive of Coronation celebratory activities over the last couple of weeks. Now a familiar, eye-catching landmark on the southern edge of the Duchy of Cornwall’s development, Nansledan School was given an official royal seal of approval by the then HRH The Duke of Cornwall in early March 2020, having opened to 120 pupils in September 2019. As of last week, 302 pupils had the honour of commemorating an historic and momentous occasion, the crowning of their actual founder and benefactor!

On Thursday 4th May, the Coronation celebrations (all moved hastily inside due to a total weather malfunction) kicked off with a visit by ITV West Country. The whole school gathered in the vaulted hall to perform their special song 'Sing for the King', written by Matthew Crossey and Tom Kirkham, and led by the Nansledan School Choir. The children were decked out in their red, white and blue refinery and dazzled for the television cameras.

A few pupils shared their memories of the previous royal visit with ITV, including the then Reception Class superstar Whitney who presented her handwritten letter and picture of The Prince of Wales to the esteemed guest himself. Her letter read, ‘Dear Prince Charles. I love you. My name is Whitney and I’ve seen you before’. Now in Key Stage 2, the eight year old was a little bashful on camera and said, “I think I told him I loved him, did I?”.

At lunchtime, the Aspens kitchen staff excelled themselves and produced a sumptuous street party banquet with children and staff joining together to enjoy picnic goodies fit for, well, a King. Still full of cake, the day was rounded off with a final performance of their song, outside in the pouring rain to delighted parents and members of the local community.

Head of School, Mrs Vicky French said, “Throughout the day, the celebrations were captured through photography and class poetry and this all being collated for a special book that we will send to the King as a commemorative keepsake. It is also our way of thanking him, from the bottom of our hearts, for our wonderful school.”