Surrey Royal touch to 250th birthday

9th April 2010, 1:00am

An independent Surrey school has marked its 250th anniversary with a visit from the Duchess of Gloucester. The royal took part in celebrations at the Royal Alexandra and Albert School, Reigate, which welcomed its first pupil in 1760.

The school was founded as the Orphan Working School, and later became the Royal Alexandra School.

In 1949, it merged with the Royal Albert School and moved to its present location in Gatton Park. Headteacher Paul Spencer Ellis said: β€œThe school is proud of its heritage and the visit from the Duchess of Gloucester is a fitting way to acknowledge the opportunities given to over 20,000 orphans in the last 250 years.” pa.