On Thursday 4th June, The Grange School Community will come together to celebrate one of the most meaningful and emblematic dates in our annual calendar: the School’s 98th Birthday.

Each year, this celebration offers pupils across Lower Prep, Upper Prep and Senior School the opportunity to reflect on the history, traditions and values that have shaped The Grange School since its foundation in 1928. Through a range of activities taking place throughout the week, pupils are invited to strengthen their sense of belonging and continue building the spirit of Community that defines our School.

The Jackson Quad Run

Another of the most emblematic traditions linked to the School Birthday celebrations is the Jackson Quad Run, a long-standing InterColour competition that takes place around the  corridors of our iconic John Jackson Building.

Each year, Senior School 3°EM and 4°EM pupils gather to take part in this fast-paced and spirited race, representing their Colours in an atmosphere marked by enthusiasm, healthy competition and strong School spirit. More than simply a race, the Quad Race has become a symbolic tradition within The Grange School Community.

As part of this year’s School Birthday programme, the Jackson Quad Race will once again bring together pupils, Staff and Colours in a celebration of tradition, energy and Community spirit.

Cups | The History and Legacy Behind Them

Another central element of the celebrations are the traditional Cups, contested each year between pupils from 3° and 4°EM. More than sporting competitions, these matches pay tribute to distinguished members of our history whose dedication, leadership and contribution helped shape the identity and values of The Grange School. Today, their legacy lives on through the trophies that proudly bear their names.

The traditional Cups and matches that will once again form part of this year’s celebrations are:

• José Ignacio Quinteros Football Cup
• James Cowan Hockey Cup
• Irene Villarroel Volleyball Cup
• Juan Carlos Jung Rugby Cup
• Football Girls Shield
• Volleyball Boys Shield

José Ignacio Quinteros Football Cup

Mr José Ignacio Quinteros joined The Grange School in 1940 as a Sports and Physical Education teacher and later became Head of Sports. A distinguished sportsman, he won the South American Fencing Championship in Argentina in 1955, receiving the Cup from President Juan Domingo Perón himself. Years later, he donated that same trophy to the School, where it continues to be awarded every year to the winning football team in his honour. Since 1956, this traditional match between 3° and 4°EM pupils has remained one of the most emblematic sporting traditions within School Birthday celebrations.

James Cowan Hockey Cup

Mr James Cowan first arrived at The Grange School in 1960 as a Maths teacher and sports coach, later returning to serve as Deputy Head and, on two occasions, as Headmaster. Throughout more than 15 years coaching First XI Hockey, he became deeply respected for promoting the values of Fair Play, respect, teamwork, perseverance and hard work. His impact extended far beyond the sports field, becoming a role model for generations of pupils and Staff members alike. Today, the Hockey Cup proudly bears his name in recognition of his lasting contribution to School life.

Juan Carlos Jung Rugby Cup

Mr Juan Carlos Jung joined The Grange School in 1974 as an English teacher, tutor and Rugby coach, later becoming Head of Sports. Remembered as a tireless, enthusiastic and inspiring leader, he dedicated himself wholeheartedly to the School and to generations of Rugby players, particularly within the Intermediate teams. On and off the field, he represented the values of sportsmanship, commitment and leadership that continue to define The Grange School today. In recognition of his enduring legacy, the Rugby Cup proudly carries his name.

Irene Villarroel Volleyball Cup

Miss Irene Villarroel has been part of The Grange School Community since 1971, first as a pupil and later as a member of Staff. A former School Prefect and First XI Captain, she joined the Sports Department in 1985 and went on to hold numerous leadership positions, including Head of Women’s Sports, Head of Department and Deputy Head Pastoral for Senior School. Recognised for her constant role modelling and unwavering commitment to generations of Grangonians both on and off the field, the Volleyball Cup proudly bears her name in honour of her remarkable contribution to the School Community.

Over the past few years, the School Birthday celebrations have also continued to expand through the incorporation of additional matches, reflecting the growing participation and development of different sports within the School Community. In this context, alongside the traditional Cups, this year’s celebrations will once again include the Football Girls Shield and, for the first time, the official presentation of the Volleyball Boys Shield, further strengthening these important School traditions.

Throughout the day, pupils, Staff and invited guests will gather around the pitches and courts to support the participating teams in what continues to be one of the most valued traditions within Senior School life.

Upper Prep

Upper Prep pupils will also take part in a full week of activities specially organised to celebrate the School Birthday. These will include a Gryphon Hunt, creative competitions, assemblies, House activities and special moments designed to reinforce School spirit, participation and joy across all year groups. One of the highlights of the week will once again be the appearance of the Gryphon mascot during the celebrations.

Among the activities organised throughout the week are the Birthday Wish Wall, where pupils will be invited to share reflections and wishes for the School; the Gryphon Hunt during break time; an Acrostic Competition based on the word “GRANGE”; and the much-anticipated Upper Prep Assembly, where pupils will gather wearing their Colour T-shirts to celebrate together as a Community.

Lower Prep

During Humanities lessons and Form Time throughout the week, Lower Prep children will explore School Birthday, learning about the foundation of the School, its traditions and the values that continue to shape our Community today.

As part of the celebrations, our usual Monday and Tuesday assemblies will be replaced by a special whole Lower Prep Assembly in the Jean Jackson Hall on School Birthday, 4th June. Led by our Heads of Colour, this special gathering will include invited guests, a journey through the history of the School and, of course, the opportunity to sing Happy Birthday together as one Lower Prep Community, alongside a giant birthday cake.

Following the assembly, classes will return to their classrooms where they will continue the celebration by singing Happy Birthday together and sharing a delicious cuchuflí cake.

As we approach our Centenary, School Birthday continues to be a valuable opportunity to celebrate our history, honour the traditions that unite generations of Grangonians and look with pride towards the future of The Grange School.