This is Sussex --AFTER a hard year with their heads buried in books, students from two Crawley schools were able to let their hair down on at their proms on Friday night.
Sixth-formers from St Wilfrid's School, Southgate, and from Thomas Bennett Community College, Tilgate, celebrated in style, with talk of potential exam results no doubt kept to a minimum.
St Wilfrid's students wore their snazziest dresses and sharpest suits, with some even sporting top hats and cummerbunds at their ball at Stanhill Court Hotel, Charlwood.
On the same night a graduation ceremony was held for more than 200 Thomas Bennett students was at the Copthorne Hotel Effingham Gatwick.
At the latter, 16-year-old Olivia Bennett sang two songs to an audience of 400, which included parents and friends.
It was particularly poignant for Gill Beeney, who will shortly be standing down as director of Year 11.
Deputy head Julian Grant said: "It was a special day for her – she gave a speech and a group of students gave a speech and presented her with presents and cards. It was an emotional occasion."
About 150 students and 50 staff were then whisked up to London for a memorable prom aboard a Thames riverboat.
Mr Grant said: "It was a beautiful evening on the Thames, from Lambeth Pier down past the O2.
"For many of them it was an experience they'd never had before." Reported by This is 4 hours ago.