Former Ursuline students to celebrate 120th anniversary of their Westgate on Sea school

Former students from The Ursuline College and Convent Schools will gather on Saturday 13th July for a celebratory reunion to mark 120 years of Ursuline Education in Westgate on Sea.

The school in Westgate-on-Sea was established in 1904 when a group of Ursuline Sisters fled Boulogne with a number of their pupils. Although our school in Boulogne-sur-Mer had existed since 1624 (400 years ago), laws passed in France had made it impossible for the Sisters to continue their work of Catholic education in France.

In 1995, following the sudden closure of the neighbouring St Augustine's College the school became coeducational. In mid-1998 the school was reborn as a voluntary aided comprehensive for students aged 11 to 19.

Today the Ursuline College is run by the Kent Catholic Schools Partnership Trust.

Its alumni include Professor Dame Ann Dowling, former President of the Royal Academy of Engineers and Colonel Paddy Williams MC, (Royal Armoured Corps of the British Army) both of whom are Patrons of the Westgate Ursuline Alumni Association (WUAA). Actress Rula Lenska was also a pupil at the school.

Prof Dame Anne Dowling has been the only woman ever to serve as President of the Royal Academy of Engineers. Colonel Paddy Williams led the King's Coronation Parade in London last year on behalf of the British Army.

Commenting on the event, Secretary of the Ursuline Alumni, Alice Odeke, said: "This is a truly historic event - 400 years the school has existed - 120 of them in Westgate. It is a significant achievement that the Ursuline values and ethos of education have survived the test of time - and hopefully will continue to serve for many years to come".

The event is being supported too by former students of St Augustine's College and Abbey School.

The event begins at 12 noon on Saturday 13th July at the Ursuline College, 225 Canterbury Road, Westgate on Sea. CT8 8LX.

Former students at the Ursuline Convent School, Ursuline College and St Augustine's College and Abbey School are welcome to attend the event.

Booking is essential via this link:

www.oldaugustinians.org.uk/westgate-ursuline-alumni-association-120-year-anniversary-event-booking-form

For more information please email the Westgate Ursuline Alumni Association: wuaaserviam@gmail.com