SHARPLY dressed Year 13 pupils from St John's Academy in Marlborough were treated to a buffet and dance for their Leavers' Dinner.

The teenagers descended on the Alexandra House Hotel in Wroughton to celebrate the end of their schooling with entertainment from the year group band and a buffet on Friday (May 27).

Lynne Cope, head of Year 13, said: “140 students attended and they all looked stunning. The evening began with canapes and sparkling drinks before everyone settled down to listen to speeches and presentations. The new principal, Nicky Edmondson, attending her first Leavers’ Dinner, gave the opening farewell speech and wished everyone good luck in their exams and in their future plans. Director of sixth form, Kay McArdle, then reviewed some of the highlights of the year, as well as thanking students for all their contributions to the school.”

The youngsters then gave presentations and showed their appreciation to the staff for the support they have received during their time in school.

Mrs Cope added: “Student presentations followed, led by head boy Tom Knighton, while an entertaining and heart-warming 15-minute film, made by students Freya Pigott and Megan Studdert Kennedy, proved a great success using images, music and words to reflect on the year group’s friendships and experiences.

“The evening continued with everyone enjoying a luxury buffet followed by an exhilarating half hour session of live music from the year group’s own student band fronted by singer Rhys Rowlands and superbly supported by George Scott and Jake Owen on guitar and James Light on drums. Everyone loved the band and the dance floor was immediately full of students and teachers.”

Mrs Cope added that the atmosphere of the evening was warm and friendly and the behaviour of the pupils was exemplary, with students and staff commenting on how it was a fabulous evening and how they had enjoyed themselves.