Last month heralded the 150th anniversary of King Edward’s move to Witley and the start of a year of celebratory events at the school.

Waverley Mayor Chris Storey and Haslemere Mayor Sahran Abeysundara were special guests for the ceremonial planting of a holly tree to mark the date of the move from London to Witley.

A second tree was planted in the grounds of St Bride’s Church, in London’s Fleet Street – the school’s was a Tudor orphanage when it was originally founded in the City.

Holly is significant because it is linked to the silver ceremonial beadle’s mace of Bridewell, the wooden staff believed to originate from a holly tree grown in the City of London in the 1660s.

Mr Storey said: “The tree planting service has provided an opportunity for us to remember the important mark King Edward’s Witley has made on the local landscape over the past 150 years.

“In addition to enjoying a reputation for its world-class education offering, the school provides a priceless opportunity to a small proportion of pupils who, thanks to the financial support of the Bridewell Royal Hospital, are able to transform their lives.”

Headteacher John Attwater said: “We retain close links with the City of London and are proud of our heritage. The planting of the holly trees will allow us to reflect on our two homes in Surrey and the City, and to reflect on the wonderful evolution of our parent foundation, Bridewell Royal Hospital, into the outstanding school we are today.”

A special Bridewell Day thanksgiving service was held in the presence of the Lord Mayor of the City of London and The Duchess of Gloucester at Southwark Cathedral, last month, an exhibition at Haslemere Museum and the opening of the school to the public for Heritage Open Day, on September 10.