Students celebrate the end of the school year at proms

Chichester Free School hosted its first year-11 summer prom, welcoming nearly 70 students to celebrate the end of school along with staff.

After arriving in a multitude of transport choices – including a Lamborghini – arrivals travelled down the red carpets while photos were taken. Guests walked through an archway of balloons into the school hall, which was transformed with an LED dance floor, drapes and lights, a mocktail stand and sweet stall, and a photo booth. The dancing never stopped, as staff taught the pupils the Saturday Night Dance and the night ended with the whole year group on the dance floor.

A range of awards, all voted for by the pupils, were presented by principal designate Louise New. These included the ‘Heart of Gold’ award, which went to Imogen Cole, and the ‘Most Likely to Travel the World’ award, won by Harry Pullenger. This was followed by the crowning of the Prom King and Prom Queen Alex Fyfe and Lucy Underhill.

Mrs New said: “A huge thank you to all those who made the evening happen; it truly was a fantastic evening enjoyed Many students will be returning in September for Sixth Form by all. What a wonderful atmosphere from start to finish; from the arrivals, to the gasps of shock as they saw the hall, to the visible warmth and admiration they all have for each other as the awards were presented, to the final dance when the whole year group were on the dance floor as one. A fitting celebration for a very special year group.”

The event, which was held at the new Convent site, was organised by a team of parents led by Hannah Cecil, Joanne Golby and Claire Smith. They were supported by staff members including finance officer Gayle Austin Hogg, and food and nutrition teacher Tanya Pye. Special thanks were extended to Claire Smith, who provided much of the equipment through her company VIP Venues.

The event was a temporary farewell for some of the attendees, as many of the pupils will be returning in September for sixth form.

Year-11 pupil Connor Smith said: “It was great celebrating end of school with all my mates.”

Liberty Lavell, also a year-11 pupil, said: “The second I set foot into the star lit room the hard work and dedication was obvious.

“What a beautiful and truly magical first CFS prom.”