A new lecture theatre was opened at Casterton School in 1985 in memory of a former headmaster.

Dorothy Penny unveiled a plaque to the memory of her husband Tom Penny, who had died in July 1983, after serving ten years as headmaster of the school.

Plans to build a new creative arts centre at Casterton School were unveiled at the prizegiving ceremony in July 1987.

Outlining the school’s long-term development plans, David Bloomer, chair of the governors, said phase one would involve building the arts centre, where girls could be introduced to such things as photography, ceramics and graphics.

The phase would also involve the creation of a sixth form study centre, which would have space for up to 30 girls to work in.

Looking further ahead to phase two it was planned to demolish laboratories built 20 years previously and provide a new laboratory complex around the existing brick-built science laboratories.

It was also hoped to eventually create an all-weather games area at the school. Mr Bloomer said the governors were considering launching a new appeal to raise funds for the plans.

The previous week the school’s latest development project came to fruition with the opening, by Spencer Crookenden, of a new sixth form boarding house.

It would house about 28 girls - mainly in single or double rooms - and there would also be a flat for a member of staff.

Headmaster Gerald Vinestock told parents the school year had begun with the best ‘O’ Levels it had ever had - a 96 per cent pass rate.

"There was an 87 per cent pass rate at ‘A’ Level. Thirty girls went on to further education.

Mr Vinestock outlined sporting achievements and activities in many departments, such as music and drama. The school had organised fund-raising activities for several causes.

The chief guest was Sir Charles Graham Lord Lieutenant of Cumbria.