Pupils arrived in style for their last formal lessons

A SOUTH Derbyshire secondary school had more in common with a star-studded Hollywood bash in May 2002.

More than 20 white, stretch limousines — synonymous with American’s rich and famous — parked in succession outside John Port High School, as well as a vintage Rover 12 and several flash, modern convertibles.

The “posh” showcase of chauffeur-driven vehicles was part of a traditional spectacle at the Etwall secondary school which started in 1997.

Parents booked the prestige cars so that their teenaged children could be dropped off in extravagant style for the annual last compulsory day for Year 11 pupils. “It was quite a spectacle this morning — and they will be back this afternoon to pick them up again; we only had five limousines last year,” said teacher Peter Kennerdell.

Around 300 Year 11 pupils, aged 16, also turned up today in their best suits and dresses, all in a bid to out style each other in the fashion stakes.

A formal lunch and leavers’ ceremony, with end of year awards handed out, was to be held in the afternoon.

The carnival atmosphere preluded the tough weeks ahead when the youngsters would have to buckle down to serious revising for the start of their GCSE examinations.

“Arriving in style on your last day has become a tradition at John Port School,” said head of year 11 Jess Grundy. This year even more stretch limousines have been booked, many months in advance, to make the last day at school a thing to remember. The year group has been together for five years and the day is a celebration of the end of the compulsory education. It will be something that they can look back on and remember.”