ITS history spans back to the 1500s.

But, in the 21st century, a modern invention is helping former pupils of a historic school stay connected and share memories.

The Bolton School Old Boys and Old Girls (Official) Facebook page was set up in 2011 and has more than 3,300 likes, making it one of the most successful independent school alumni pages.

Jenny Salerno, the school’s development officer, is responsible for updating the popular page with alumni news and archive material. Here is a selection of just some of the photographs — from Sixth Form students in 1897 to school trips of more recent years.

Miss Salerno said: “It was created to serve as a way of communicating with our Old Boys and Old Girls and to encourage them to keep connected with the school and each other.

“We have an impressive network of over 10,000 registered Old Boltonians and Old Girls that stretches across the globe.”

They hold a variety of alumni events throughout the academic year, both at the Chorley New Road school and around the country, catering for a wide audience — from the more recent leavers to Old Boys and Girls who left many years ago.

Visit facebook.com/bsalumni to find out more about future events.