Norland nannies from the most prestigious childcare school in the world gather for their 40-year reunion

Former students of the world's most prestigious nanny school, Norland College, have reunited 40 years later to reminisce about their careers as nannies for the elite.

The Norland class of 1982 – all 60 years old – reunited Saturday.

The 87th class calls themselves the 'Original Norland Nannies' because they trained in Denford Park, Berkshire, before the college moved to Bath in 2002.

Since their training days, the group, who met for their reunion in Notting Hill, London, have worked for celebrities including Diana Ross and author Danielle Steel.

The women spoke about their training, which today includes escape driving and martial arts, as well as psychology, child health, philosophy and social sciences.

The 130-year-old institution is the world's oldest childcare training center and produces nannies for the rich and famous, including the royal family.

Graduate nanny Maria Teresa Turrion Borrallo cares for Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.

Mary Robinson, 60, from Norfolk, was the main organizer of the reunion, and she was a babysitter for singer Will Young when he was a baby.

“I just feel like this is a day that needs to be recognized and remembered,” she said.

'I haven't seen most of these people in forty years. It's absolutely fantastic to be all together again.'

Mary, who now works in a children's hospital, still considers working as a nanny in Norland to be the best time of her life.

'It's the best job in the world. It's just so incredibly rewarding,” she added.

“If I had the chance to do it all over again, I would without a doubt.

'As a Norlander you have the opportunity to expand. You're flying at the top and with that level of experience you can get a job anywhere.

“I've worked for prominent families, and you have to protect those children to the death.”

Norland's nannies are often referred to as the real Mary Poppins, a nickname that Mary says followed her throughout her life.

“I was called Mary Poppins by all the families I worked for because my name is Mary,” she explained.

'To this day I still get birthday and Christmas cards addressed to Mary Poppins.'

Karen Ibbot, 60, from Somerset, works part-time as a nanny and is in tears as she hugs her old friends.

Forty years after graduating, she still enjoys working with children.

“Children keep you young,” she said.

'The children I work for now are lovely and I couldn't wish for a nicer family.

'They make me laugh every day. I'm always smiling and laughing in this job.

“The other day one of the kids turned to me and said, 'Karen, I'm going to marry you.'

'I told him he wouldn't marry anyone for years. His response was, “I guess you'll be dead by then.”

Another sitter, Gilly Waugh, 60, from London, says Norland's sitters are completely unique and different from all the others.

“The intensity and detail of the training is second to none,” she said.

'It is a completely unique way of training that we have experienced there, nowhere else.'

Katherine Jenkins, 60, from Herefordshire, was also present.

Known as Kitty, she says the skills she learned at school were easily transferable to her career as a cabin crew member.

“If there were ever kids on board, they would send me because I was experienced,” she explained.

'I didn't know what I wanted to do growing up, I just knew I loved children.

“My parents told me that if that was the case, I had to do it right. That's how I ended up at Norland.'

The prospect of being reunited with her classmates kept Kitty awake all night.

“I was so excited about this that I didn't sleep,” she added.

“We all lived together for 19 months. Even after all this time apart, it feels like you're walking into all your best friends' rooms.

'They're exactly the same as I remember. Ultimately, the friendships you take away are for life. It's wonderful to know they are all there.

One of these girls introduced me to my husband. It's such a special bond.'

Sharon Charane, 60, from London – nicknamed Shazzy – is a games specialist in a hospital.

'I was really apprehensive about coming last night, but I'm so glad I convinced myself. It's great to be back, I feel very nostalgic,” she said.

'We're all connected, or gelled, so a lot of people have made the effort to come from even outside London.

'It's fun work, you feel good at the end of the day. I love it, it keeps me young.'

Alison Ward, 60, from Southampton, continues to work with children as a pediatric nurse.

When asked why she enjoys working with children, she said, “It's about the only thing I can do. I've always worked with children and I don't think I could do anything else.

'I'm so happy that I still work with children.

'It's great to see everyone again. I have to admit that I didn't recognize some people at first, we all look so different.

“None of us have the same color hair as we used to, but the voices sound the same.”