THEY have been educating secondary school pupils for almost 50 years, tirelessly bestowing knowledge to the youth of Hampshire.

The Mountbatten School was originally founded by Earl Mountbatten on land which was once part of the Broadlands estate in Romsey. Lord Mountbatten’s personal crest was used as the school’s badge - permission granted for usage by Queen Elizabeth II.

The pupils belong to one of the school’s five houses, each named after Royal Navy ships with associations to Lord Mountbatten; HMS Wishart, Daring, Kelly, Illustrious and HMS Lion.

Most of the pupils who attend the school come from surrounding districts such as Chilworth, North Baddesley, Nursling and Rownhams.

Famous faces to have walked the corridors over the years include gardener and presenter Charlie Dimmock, Saints footballer Sam McQueen and athlete Melanie Purkiss.