Whippingham’s Priory School once again rolled out the red carpet for the Year 11 leavers in magnificent style.
On the afternoon of Thursday 26th June, staff and pupils lined the red carpet clutching an array of musical instruments as the class of 2025 processed through the school in all their finery. The noise was deafening and as the leavers reached the school gates, they were greeted by parents and family members who were waiting with their cameras (and tissues) for an emotional send off.
Here the pupils boarded a vintage open top bus, the ‘Old Gal’, for a tour of the Island, before being dropped off at the Lakeside Hotel in Wootton.
Waiting for them at Lakeside was the Principal, Mr Lloyd, and many pastoral and academic staff. Pupils and teachers enjoyed a delicious meal in beautiful surroundings, with glorious sunshine, great company and camaraderie; ending with an inspirational speech from this year’s Head Boy, Dan Grugeon.
Mr Lloyd said:
“We are incredibly proud of our leavers and will miss them all. We wish them good luck and good fortune as they embark on the next stage of their education and look forward to celebrating their GCSE results with them in August. However, there is summer break to enjoy first, and they all deserve a good rest and lots of summer fun.”
In 1980, leavers from Ryde High School never received such a heartfelt ‘bye-bye’. I think many of the teachers were glad to see the back of many pupils.
When did it become a ‘thing’ for leavers to have a send-off by the teachers?
That’s the difference between the haves and have nots….