Saltus Grammar School kicks of a year of celebration today to mark its 125th anniversary.The school is named after merchant and ship owner Samuel Saltus who bequeathed most of his estate to establish a school for boys in Pembroke after his death in 1880.Saltus officially opened its doors to 35 students on February 6, 1888 in the rented hall of Pembroke Sunday School on the corner of Angle and Union Streets — where The Centre youth club stands today. It later moved to St John’s Road and opened a preparatory department in Devonshire. It became coeducational in 1991.Headteacher Ted Staunton said: “As we celebrate this auspicious milestone, we are reminded of the bold educational vision of the school’s founder, Samuel Saltus, and the dedication of the many trustees, staff, students, parents and supporters who have made the school what it is today.”The school currently has more than 900 students from age four to 18, and alumni have included Olympians, Rhodes Scholars, World War veterans, premiers, entrepreneurs and business leaders.Secondary students will attend an assembly at St John’s Church today to mark the anniversary and the lower and upper primary departments will also hold special assemblies.Immediately following the morning assembly at St John’s, secondary and upper primary students will gather on the school field to spell out “Saltus,” while lower primary students will form “125” on their field at 2pm.Other anniversary events will take place later in the year.