On Friday, East Leake Academy proudly celebrated the end of an era for its Year 11 students with a day full of joy, reflection and well-deserved recognition.

The celebration event was a fun-filled day where students had the chance to relax, unwind, and enjoy time with friends and staff.

The morning began with a celebratory breakfast where students were welcomed with warm smiles, tasty treats and a genuine sense of pride from staff. There was something for everyone, including signing shirts and snapping photos as a memento of their five years together, alongside a series of comedy awards handed out, including ‘human calculator’, ‘most likely to be prime minister’ and ‘worst hair’.

The highlight of the morning was a special assembly led by Mr Reid and Mr Tebbett. Mr Tebbett took students on a poignant journey, reflecting on their unique time at ELA from the disruption of Covid to the resilience shown through exams. His speech captured both the challenges and triumphs of this remarkable cohort.

One of the most special moments of the day was the traditional ‘guard of honour’, where year 7 students lined the academy grounds to applaud our leavers as they walked out of school for the final time. It was an emotional and memorable way to end an important chapter, and a touching moment that highlighted the strength of community across year groups.

To top it all off, the celebrations continued on the school field, with students taking on the inflatable assault course and trying their luck at carnival-style games. The popcorn machine was a hit, and our buffet kept everyone well-fed while they soaked up the atmosphere.

We’re so proud of everything our year 11s have achieved and we wish them all the very best for the exciting journeys ahead. We hope they enjoy a well-deserved rest before results day in August!

A huge thank you goes to the PTA for their generous contribution, helping to make the day truly memorable for all involved.