There was a splendid send-off for the children of Willowbridge School at the recent leavers’ assembly held on Thursday, June 6.

Acting principal, Ms. Bernadette Cornyn, welcomed everyone to the event which, thanks to the creative genius of Mrs. Anne Wilson and Mrs. Catherine Ratchford, was held under the theme of, ‘I’m a Leaver, Get Me Out Of Here’.

After weeks of hard work and preparation, the young people were ready to receive their family and friends for the big occasion.

The school choir wowed the audience with the appropriately titled, ‘Try Everything’, followed by, ‘Lean On Me’.

The school leavers were then introduced, ‘I’m a Celebrity’-style, thanks to the benefits of green screen technology, and this was followed by live ‘bush tucker trials’ which had the audience enthralled.

The trials ranged from obstacle courses and forcing students to wear Man Utd tops, to eating ‘monkey brains’, all led by the inimitable Mr. Neil McConnell and his willing accomplice, Post 16 student, Darren Brown.

Leavers’ assembly is always an especially poignant occasion for the staff of Willowbridge as many of the young people have been students in the school for 15 years.

The morning gives staff a unique opportunity to wish all the young people the very best for the future, whilst taking a walk down memory lane in the ‘letters from family and friends’ section, as well as a compilation of their ‘best bits’.

This ‘I’m a Celebrity’-style twist also gave the young people the opportunity to let the audience know what their plans were for the future.

Mr. Tom Palmer, a member of the Board of Governors, congratulated all the students on all their many successes, the staff on their unwavering commitment to the students, the parents for their support over the years, and the wider school community for making Willowbridge what it is.

Parents, extended family, and staff were then invited by Ms. Cornyn to enjoy the hospitality provided by the school catering staff.

Despite it being an emotional morning for parents, the uplifting and fun theme of the assembly had everyone in great humour, and parents were able to reminisce about the many happy years spent making good friends for many years to come.