This month, as per King James' tradition, we helped our Year 11s celebrate the end of exams and their 'uniform years' with a Leavers' Barbeque.

The excitement was palpable as jubilant students exited the exam hall following the final exam and ventured around King James in search of peer and teacher signatures for their never-to-be-worn-again school shirt. Students then gathered in our Main Hall to collect their Leavers' Hoodie and listen to the farewell speeches of their Head of Year, Miss Whitaker, and Head of Key Stage 4, Mrs Stead.

As usual, Miss Whitaker's much-anticipated leavers' video, which was produced using footage gathered by students themselves, provoked a diverse mix of emotions. Students laughed out loud at the humorous footage but quiet reflection soon took over as they watched the poignant messages wishing them well.

Mrs Lamb, assisted by some of her Year 8 Food Technology students, did a sterling job on the barbeque, providing over 100 burgers and sausages for the hungry masses!

We would like to wish our Year 11s the very best of luck in the future, whatever they choose to do. For those who are leaving us for apprenticeships or the world of work, we would like to wish them all the very best of luck. Many will be returning to King James in September to join us in Sixth Form and we look forward to helping them succeed in the next stage of their education. In the meantime, we hope they have a fantastic summer holiday.