It’s one of the great traditions of the private school education system – a time to celebrate the achievements of the past year.

East Anglian Daily Times: Woodbridge School Speech Day in 1983 Picture: ARCHANTWoodbridge School Speech Day in 1983 Picture: ARCHANT (Image: Archant)

Speech Day always attracts a packed hall or marquee of supportive parents, pupils and staff to hear the headmaster speak about the year past and ahead, an eminent guest speaker, and for the much-anticipated presentation of prizes to honour students’ academic and sporting prowess.

Some state schools have started their own similar events but as a tradition it firmly belongs to the indpendent schools.

Back in 1983, an EADT photographer attended Woodbridge School to capture the event. The school was founded in 1577 for the poor of Woodbridge and is today managed by the Seckford Foundation.

Did you attend the Woodbridge School Spech Day in 1983, or recognise any of the people in our photos? To share you memories email sam.dawes@archant.co.uk

East Anglian Daily Times: Woodbridge School Speech Day in 1983 Picture: ARCHANTWoodbridge School Speech Day in 1983 Picture: ARCHANT (Image: Archant)

East Anglian Daily Times: Woodbridge School Speech Day in 1983 Picture: ARCHANTWoodbridge School Speech Day in 1983 Picture: ARCHANT (Image: Archant)

East Anglian Daily Times: Woodbridge School Speech Day in 1983 Picture: ARCHANTWoodbridge School Speech Day in 1983 Picture: ARCHANT (Image: Archant)

East Anglian Daily Times: Woodbridge School Speech Day in 1983 Picture: ARCHANTWoodbridge School Speech Day in 1983 Picture: ARCHANT (Image: Archant)

East Anglian Daily Times: Woodbridge School Speech Day in 1983 Picture: ARCHANTWoodbridge School Speech Day in 1983 Picture: ARCHANT (Image: Archant)

East Anglian Daily Times: Woodbridge School Speech Day in 1983 Picture: ARCHANTWoodbridge School Speech Day in 1983 Picture: ARCHANT (Image: Archant)