Saltus Grammar School.

It is launching twin commemorations this week by highlighting the achievements of its female students and graduates in a series of advertisements between now and June.

And the school's first ever Women's Focus Group will be established to co-incide with the 25th anniversary since the start of the Saltus Graduate Year programme, and also the 10th anniversary since girls were introduced to all years in the school.

Saltus principal Nigel Kermode said it was a year for celebration in the school.

"I think it is entirely appropriate and fitting to focus on the impact and contributions which our women have made over the years,'' he said.

The first meeting of the women's group was held last night and the first advertisement celebrating the Saltus girls will run on Thursday.

Mr. Kermode added: "I would like to see as many of our female graduates and former staff as possible... help plan such things as the annual prize giving ceremonies, career day, our festive Christmas programmes, the Saltus Graduate Year open house, and other sports and art/music events.'' The principal said there were some girls in the school at lower age levels because of the merger with Cavendish School in 1971, but a true female presence at Saltus did not begin until the sixth form Saltus Graduate Year was instituted in 1975.

But in 1991, the school's trustees reached a momentous crossroads and made the decision to add girls to all year levels.

Mr. Kermode added: "In turning Saltus from an all-male school to a co-ed one, the trustees considered today's realities.'' The initial induction was just 89 girls, who joined 608 boys in 1991. Today, however, girls represent one third of the total enrolment of 1,030 and nearly 900 women have graduated from the school.

Graduates of Saltus interested in helping to plan next year's activities may call the school's development office for more information on 292-6177.