A Truly Unforgettable Year 11 Prom
Last week we held our Year 11 Prom at the Mercure Bankfield Hotel, and it was such a special event as it always is. As I arrived, I could not help but think back to the original Prom event that I started 22 years ago at the Bingley Arts Centre. Back then, the concept of a Prom was very new and could be argued the exclusive domain of the USA. That too was a great night but oh so very different to what we have now become accustomed to.
Last Thursday was such an amazing evening; a wonderful celebration marking a milestone in our students’ lives.
It was a joy to see everyone arrive dressed so elegantly, full of excitement, laughter, and anticipation for the evening ahead. The atmosphere was filled with happiness from the very beginning, and it was clear just how much this occasion meant to our students, their families, and our staff. Indeed, over 80 staff members came to welcome our students as they made their entrances with many staying well into the evening just to be a part of the celebration, share memories, and reflect on the friendships and experiences that have shaped their time at school. From the music and dancing to the photographs and heartfelt conversations, every moment captured the spirit of this remarkable year group.
What stood out most was the warmth, kindness, and sense of togetherness shown by our students. They whooped and hollered for every arrival, and I was so emotional just seeing the care and warmth ooze out of them as a collective group. Everything we had ever asked of them since Year 7 shone brightly that evening. They represented the school beautifully and made us incredibly proud of them as individuals and as a group.
A huge thank you goes to all the staff and students who helped organise such a memorable event, as well as to parents and carers for their continued support. It was so nice to have you with us. Most importantly, thank you to our Year 11 students for making the evening so special.
As they now look ahead to the challenges of GCSE exams. They are ready and we wish every one of them well for what lies ahead. They are and will always remain an incredibly special part of our school community.
Continuing the Year 11 celebrations at Flamingo Land Resort
As if Prom was not enough excitement for our Year 11 students, we were also delighted to take them to Flamingo Land Resort the day after Prom.
The weather was great and the day filled with laughter, friendship, and plenty of unforgettable moments as students enjoyed the rides, attractions, and time together outside of the classroom.
From the biggest thrill-seekers racing to the rollercoasters to groups enjoying the zoo and spending time together, there was something for everyone to enjoy. The atmosphere throughout the day just as it had been the night before; a fitting way to again recognise all that this year group has achieved.
An Emotional and Inspiring Senior Concert
Our Senior Concert was yet another incredible showcase of the outstanding talent, dedication, and creativity of our students. The evening was filled with exceptional performances, proud moments, and a wonderful sense of celebration that truly reflected the strength of our Creative Arts community.
From powerful musical performances to moving solo pieces and energetic group numbers, our students amazed the audience with their confidence, passion, and hard work. It was a joy to see so many young people sharing their talents and supporting one another throughout the evening.
Alongside the celebrations, however, there was also a real sense of emotion as we said goodbye to those students who will be leaving us this summer. For many of our senior performers, this concert marked their final appearance on our school stage; a stage they have filled with music, creativity, and unforgettable memories over the years.
These students have contributed so much to school life, not only through their talent but through their commitment, encouragement of younger students, and enthusiasm for every performance opportunity. They leave behind a lasting legacy, and they will be greatly missed by both staff and students alike.
While farewells are never easy, it was wonderful to celebrate everything they have achieved and to reflect on the friendships, confidence, and experiences that have grown through music and performance.
A huge thank you must go to our dedicated staff especially, Mr. Lee, Mr. Stimpson, Mr. Ratahi and the incredible Peri staff team and everyone involved in organising such a special evening. Most importantly, thank you to all of our performers for sharing your talent with us and making the concert such a memorable occasion.
Supporting Wellbeing Together
It has been an inspiring few weeks in school as we have seen an incredible response to our call for student Wellbeing Champions. A total of 41 students stepped forward to apply, each bringing thoughtful ideas, enthusiasm, and a genuine commitment to supporting the wellbeing of others.
Following a challenging interview process, we are delighted to announce that 15 students have been selected as our new Wellbeing Champions. Choosing was no easy task; the calibre of all candidates was truly exceptional, and every student should feel enormously proud of the effort, care, and passion they demonstrated throughout the process.
Importantly, those not selected for the formal champion roles will still play a valuable part as members of a wider wellbeing network, helping to support and bring wellbeing projects to life across the school community. Their contribution will be just as important in helping us continue to foster a culture of kindness, support, and inclusion.
Our newly appointed Wellbeing Champions, representing Years 7, 9, and 12, will now begin six weeks of training led by an NHS Wellbeing Practitioner here in school. This training will equip them with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to make a meaningful difference, supporting their peers and promoting wellbeing in practical and impactful ways.
We are incredibly proud of every student who applied. Their willingness to step forward, support one another, and contribute positively to school life is something worth celebrating. Initiatives such as this remind us how fortunate we are to work with such thoughtful, compassionate, and community-minded young people.
We look forward to seeing what this group — both our Wellbeing Champions and the wider student network — will achieve together in the months ahead.
Billy Back Doing What He Loves
We are delighted to hear that Billy, in Year 9, is back on his scooter again and, most importantly, enjoying it massively after spending time away from the sport.
Returning after a period out is never easy, particularly when preparing for a return to such a high level of competition, but his determination, resilience, and enthusiasm have already been shining through as the heats for the UK qualifiers get underway. In recognition of his talent and potential, he was invited to take part in the recent Northern Ireland qualifier in Belfast; an exciting opportunity and a fantastic achievement in itself.
We are incredibly proud of Billy’s perseverance and positive attitude. His commitment to returning to the sport he loves is inspiring, and we wish him every success as he continues his journey through the qualifiers.
Celebrating Jack’s Outstanding Achievement
We are absolutely delighted to celebrate the fantastic achievement of Jack in Year 11, who has been awarded a prestigious Arkwright Scholarship.
The Arkwright Scholarship is one of the most respected honours for young people aspiring to pursue careers in engineering, design, and technology. Awarded through a highly competitive selection process, the scholarship recognises students who demonstrate exceptional potential, creativity, problem-solving ability, and dedication within STEM subjects.
Jack’s success is a reflection not only of his academic talent, but also of his determination, curiosity, and commitment to his studies. Throughout his time at school, he has consistently demonstrated enthusiasm for innovation and engineering, making this achievement particularly well deserved.
As part of the scholarship, Jack will benefit from mentoring and support throughout his Post 16 studies, helping to further develop his skills and open exciting opportunities for the future.
We are incredibly proud of Jack and all that he has accomplished. Achievements such as this inspire younger students and highlight the many talents within our school community.
Congratulations, Jack, on this outstanding success. We look forward to seeing all that you achieve in the years ahead.
Take care.
Simon Wade – Headteacher
