OVER 200 students and staff met at John Kyrle High School for the annual year 11 leavers' prom. It has become a tradition, over the years, for students to arrive in novel ways and to have the opportunity for red carpet treatment at school before heading off by vintage bus to The Chase Hotel, Ross-on-Wye.

More students than ever enjoyed the added bonus of free or discounted tickets for the event, thanks to an innovative Passport to the Prom rewards scheme run by the school. Students could obtain a free or discounted ticket by fulfilling a range of criteria throughout the year such as maintaining high attendance, taking advantage of the numerous revision sessions on offer at school and membership of school clubs.

During the celebrations, headteacher, Nigel Griffiths congratulated the year 11 students on their contributions to John Kyrle since they began in 2009. He noted their academic progress, successful participation in sport, the arts and fund-raising activities.

Mark Croad, head of year 11, echoed Mr Griffiths' comments on how fantastic the students looked. He thanked the tutors and all staff at school who had supported the year group and told them how proud he was of what they had already achieved. He added about how he would be disappointed if results' day was the high point in their lives as he hoped they would use their results as a stepping stone to go on and accomplish far greater things. The evening then continued with alternative awards and a disco.