Year 13 students at Upton Court Grammar School bid farewell to staff and each other on Friday 12 May, marking an end to seven years at the school.

In an emotional final school assembly led by the head and deputy head of sixth form, students looked back at photograph presentations marking significant mile-stones in their secondary school journey and enjoyed musical performances by members of the year group.

Motivational speeches about being prepared for forthcoming A Level examinations, as well as advice about university and life beyond were accompanied by an Oscars style “awards” ceremony for a variety of humorous categories.

Amongst the tears of joy, there was a strong sense of determination as most students hold conditional offers from a range of Universities in a variety of courses.

Principal Mercedes Hernandez Estrada said “We wish these deserving students well as they are about to sit such high stakes exams."