On Friday 29 July 2018 our Class of 2018 returned to Cirencester Deer Park School for their Leavers' Ball. As in previous years, our young people arrived in or on a variety of modes of transport, from tractors and stretch limos, to scooters and skate boards, with all sorts in between. The variety of styles reflected the individualities of our pupils and the procession of arrivals took about an hour to complete, with proud parents and other members of the school community watching in the summer evening sun.

Everyone looked amazing as they alighted from their vehicles and, once the last person had arrived, they were finally allowed to enter the Main Hall. There was an audible gasp of astonishment as they saw the major transformation, from utilitarian school hall where they have had assemblies and lunches into an enchanted forest with grass sofa, fantastic lighting and decoration. 

There was a selection of soft beverages served from the specially constructed bar by staff who volunteered their time to support the event. This year, for the first time ever, hot chips from the local chippie were supplied together with a selection of pizza, sausage rolls, other nibbles with the addition of a fully stocked sweet table with everything imaginable. Pupils danced the night away, some better than others it must be said, and that goes for the staff as well!

Our thanks to staff who gave up their time on the evening and to Mr Grant and the site team for the set up, for organising the arrivals and packing up at the end. A special thank must go to Mrs Hughes and Mrs Gibbs for their help in organising and set up and last, but absolutely not least, to the brains and organisation behind the whole event, Mrs Grinnell. Without the time invested by these people, our Leavers' Ball would simply not be possible.

"Because it is hosted on site, our Leavers’ Ball is a very special community event. It was an absolute joy to personally meet and greet every pupil and as they waited in their chosen modes of transport before they made their entrances! This year’s arrivals were spectacular with some beautiful vintage cars, enormous trucks, a cavalcade of motorbikes and a few surprises! Thank you to Mrs Grinnell and the team for the significant contribution they all made to the transformation of our main hall." Ms Henson, Headteacher

Mr Bellamy, Pastoral Team Leader, commented "We wish our Class of 2018 the best of luck in their future endeavours and hope that some of you will come back and let us know how you are getting on."

We look forward to seeing members of our Class of 2018 again on Results Day, Thursday 23 August. Details of our Key Stage 4 Celebration of Achievement Evening in November will be sent closer to the event.