It is that time of year again, when we start saying our goodbyes to Year 11, before they start their GCSEs on Thursday 9 May and go off on Study Leave from Monday 13 May 2024.

After the Easter break, the official photographer was in school to take the timeless year group photograph, which always serves as a lovely reminder in years to come.

On Monday 29 April, those pupils who had purchased a Leavers' Hoodie were able to collect their item. Pupils are able to wear these in school and are doing so with a sense of pride, adding splashes of colour to the year group.

Friday 3 May 2024 was 'Leavers' Day' (or not) for our Class of 2024. Leavers' Day is normally the final day in school before the start of study leave, but this year, due to the early start of the written exams and the Bank Holiday Monday, pupils were back in school until the start of Study Leave on Monday 13 May.

Leavers' Day is an emotional time for pupils and staff alike, and this year was no different. It was nice to hear that some of the pupils had met for breakfast in the morning to start proceedings. Following two lessons in the morning, the year group were invited to start the formal celebrations. The weather wasn't on our side but this didn't disrupt proceedings as they gathered in the Sports Hall for shirt signing (and face signing in many cases). There were some lovely bling-ed shirts. The annual BBQ still took place under cover outside and was enjoyed by the pupils, who also had classic ice cream and flake 99 served by Mrs Stubbs (Year 11 Year Leader) and Mrs Smith (Year 10 Year Leader).

After lunch, we held the Leavers' Assembly, which included an opportunity for each of our Year 11 tutors to say farewell to their tutor group. Our thanks to tutors for their presentations and reflections, and to everyone who helped share memories of the Class of 2024's five years at Deer Park - from their Induction Day video to a video montage of photos over the years, showing just how much everyone has changed.

Mr Clutterbuck, Headteacher, completed the assembly with words of wisdom, before we let our Class of 2024 leave site early.

Mrs Stubbs, Year 11 Year Leader: 'The speed at which the Leavers' Day is suddenly here never ceases to surprise me. Friday’s rain did not dampen the high spirits and excitement felt by everyone involved in the day! All pupils were exceptionally well-behaved and celebrated together with the usual shirt signing, BBQ and Leavers' Assembly. There were many laughs and a few tears as we watched the video that reflected their time here at Cirencester Deer Park School and remembered pupils' outstanding adaptation to their studies during Covid and lockdown. I am a very proud Year Leader and the Class of 2024 have been an absolute privilege to support! I know it is time to say Farewell and I wish you all the very best with your plans for the future! You are all amazing!!'