The Prince of Wales visited an historic school today to mark the end of its 500th anniversary celebrations.

Prince Charles was taken on a tour around St Paul’s School, in Lonsdale Road, Barnes, whose alumni include English writers Samuel Pepys and John Milton.

At the all-boys school he was treated to a sneak preview of the students forthcoming play on Mozart and listened to a performance by the orchestra.

Speaking to the pupils, aged between 13 and 18, Prince Charles said: “What a pleasure it is to join you if only briefly for some of your celebrations.

“It isn’t often that a school celebrates its quincentenary.”

The school was founded in 1509 by the priest John Colet and was originally free, although pupils were required to bring their own wax candles - an expensive rule at the time.