GLAMOUROUS teens partied into the night as they celebrated the end of five years of secondary education.
Stylish students from Risedale Sports and Community College, Hipswell, North Yorkshire, gathered at Hallgarth Hall and Country Club, Darlington, for the last time as a year group, to attend the college’s traditional prom.
Dressed in sophisticated evening gowns and sharp suits it was a chance for the 50 Year 11 students to let their hair down as they celebrated the end of their GCSE exams and the start of a new futures in higher education, apprenticeships and employment.
Head of key stage 3 Sam Wright, who helped to organise the ball, said: “Prom is always a really lovely evening and a wonderful way to mark the end of one journey and the beginning of an exciting new one.
“Everyone has put so much effort into their outfits tonight and they all look amazing - it is fantastic to see how much each student has blossomed and grown in their time with us at Risedale.”
The celebrating students were each served a non-alcoholic punch on arrival before they enjoyed a buffet meal followed by a night of dancing.
Associate principal John Kelly who is set to retire in August, after eight years at the head of Risedale Sports and Community College and 37 years working in education, said: “This year’s prom is especially poignant for me as it will be my last as principal – it is always a tremendous event and I will miss it massively.
“As teachers we are extremely lucky to be able to watch these young people grow and mature over the years from fresh faced Year 7s to mature responsible Year 11s who are ready to take their place in the world.
“The fact that they have dressed up in evening dresses and suits for this evening shows that they are truly ready to enter the world of adulthood and it has been a privilege for me to be a part of that over the years.”
Student Liam Gallagher, 16, of Catterick, who has been accepted to join the Royal Marines added: “I’ve really enjoyed my time at Risedale – all the staff there have been so supportive.
“They even helped me with all of my psychometric tests which I needed to pass to join the Royal Marines.
“It’s sad that this is the last time we will all be together but exciting to think of what the future holds.”
