Year 11 students at Gordano School marked the start of their Celebration Day in spectacular style with a fantastic fancy-dress Leavers’ Day event, filling the morning with laughter, colour and unforgettable memories.

As Gary Lewis, CEO of Lighthouse Schools Partnership and former Headteacher at Gordano School, said: “A long-standing tradition, Leavers’ Day offers students a chance to channel the pressures and stresses of exam season into something joyful, supportive and fun. It is one of the many ways Gordano continues to show that it is not simply an organisation, but a true community.”

The bright, colourful and wonderfully creative costumes made the morning, bringing excitement and laughter across the school site and beyond. Many members of the wider Portishead community also enjoyed the spectacle as students made their way to school. By celebrating students in such a joyful and visible way, the whole community was able to share in recognising this important milestone, coming together to cheer them on and celebrate their achievements alongside them.

Adam Dickinson, Teacher of PE, Head of Portland House and organiser of the celebrations, said: “Leavers’ Day is always a very special occasion at Gordano. It gives our Year 11 students a chance to celebrate everything they have achieved together, while also reminding them how much support they have from staff, families and the wider community. Seeing the smiles, laughter and creativity on display this morning was fantastic.”

Residents also shared their delight at seeing the students dressed up:

• “Our Year 1 daughter loved seeing all the dressed up students going to school – it gave her a real buzz! Thanks everyone, wishing you all a great day!”
• “It was great fun watching all the Year 11s dressed up during our school run this morning! The blow-up frog was so funny!”
• “Definitely made us and our grandchildren laugh this morning on the school run! Well done everyone – a great effort by all.”
• “Loved seeing them all this morning walking through Portishead!”

After their fun walk along the High Street, Year 11 students were welcomed into the Main Hall, where they took part in a short year group assembly before heading to the 3G football pitch for tutor group photographs.

Students then spent the rest of the morning enjoying a range of activities including inflatables, bouncy castles, table football, hot food, ice creams and drinks. The day provided a well-earned opportunity for students to relax, celebrate together and create lasting memories.

One Year 11 student said: “It was such a good morning,  I loved the inflatables and the SUMO wrestling, that was great fun. The food was really good as well, and it was nice just hanging out and having a laugh with my mates and some of the teachers too.”

Gordano School would like to thank all Year 11 students for approaching the occasion with such positivity, humour and creativity, all staff members who contributed to such a memorable day, and the wider community for embracing the celebrations.

We wish every student continued success as they move through the exam season and look ahead to the next exciting chapter.