Wednesday 26th June 2024 saw our Inaugural Year 11 Prom and it proved to be an absolute spectacle of an event, sending our first ever KWS year group off in real style.

As the hottest day of the year dawned, our fabulous prom committee and various teams across the school set to work. There was a hive of activity throughout the day as tables and chairs were delivered, the marquee, entrance and steps were decorated, sound, lighting and a bar were rigged up, before the last minute addition of flowers, balloons, the buffet and arrival drinks.

The scene was set… and from 7pm Year 11 arrived, and wow did they do so in style!! Some in sports cars, others walked, one came on horseback, some appeared sounded by purple smoke flares, one drove in on a tractor and another group arrived accompanied by a drummer – all a delight to watch and it was fantastic to see so many parents and staff there to greet them – thank you for all your support.

Arriving through the glitzy red carpet entrance students had their photographs taken before headed up the steps into the marquee for an arrival drink. Across the evening students spilled out onto the lawn (aka our reseeded rugby pitch) and enjoyed catching up with staff and peers alike. Whilst students enjoyed the buffet the Year 11 tutor team were comparing notes for our best dressed awards. A very close and tricky one to call – huge congratulations to the winners Michael, Thea and Jasleen – but we have to say they all scrubbed up very well indeed. The photo booth was a huge hit with long queues all evening and many enjoyed the disco, dancing the night away.

The students behaved impeccably and were a real joy to spend the evening with. We have had fantastic feedback from students, parents and staff alike on the evening which is lovely to hear. As one of our Year 11 boys put it, a “decent” night – high praise indeed!

Huge thanks to my fellow prom committee members Amy Francis, Zoe Anderson, Dean Inns and Emma Barnard for all the planning and preparation (not to mention sweat on the day) as well as Abigail Grainger, Lauren Freeman and Keris McCormick for their help decorating and Chrissy Dicks for the beautiful flowers. A big shout out to James Vaughan, Archie Vass and James Bullock without whom the event would not have been possible, alongside Herts Catering, DJ Big Craig, Herts and Essex Marquees, Perfect Personalised Parties (photo booth) and W Fuller and Son (security). Photographs care of the talented Celine Hare and Chris Burke, with further footage to follow from the Rawlings – thank you to all for giving up your time to support our event.

Zoe Coomber – Assistant Headteacher