Celebration evening for year 13 students departing The Cooper School

The annual event is a significant occasion in the Bicester Learning Academy calendar where directors, staff, students, parents and invited guests get together to celebrate the hard work, dedication and achievements of the departing post 16 students, and wa held this year on Thursday, June 30.

Director of post 16 studies, Mark Doorley, said: ‘Our year 13 students have been an amazing group to work with. They have been excellent role models to students lower down the school and are on course to deliver the school’s best set of A Level results. They deserved a brilliant send off and that is exactly what we gave them.”

The evening was formal but fun as the audience were invited to take their seats at elegantly dressed tables to listen to speeches from the executive headteacher, Ben Baxter, the post 16 head boy, Jack Massey and head girl, Katy Framingham, followed by a toast by the chair of directors, Michael Waine.

Speaking on behalf of the year 13 students, Jack and Katy impressed the audience with eloquent speeches, both humorously and poignantly expressing their thanks to staff and fellow students alike for their support, encouragement and direction over the last two years.

Certificates were awarded to staff by the students in various categories, such as the funniest, most memorable and most dedicated teacher, amongst others. This was followed by awards for individual student achievements in academic excellence, hard work and outstanding contributions, during their time at post 16.

The final award was ‘Mr Doorley’s Superstar of the year’ award, which was presented to Catherine Mullier. Others who were awarded certificates and a special mention by Mr Doorley were Heather Grant, Jack Gough, Darius Smith and Joel Reynolds.

After the ceremony, the students boarded a double decker bus to take them to The Great Barn at Aynho for their end of year ball.