On Thursday 9th May 2024, we held our annual Leavers’ Dinner for the Upper Sixth as they prepare to go on study leave for their A Levels. This is always an incredibly special event, celebrating the year group – some of whom have been at FHS since the humble age of 4 – and recognising their extraordinary achievements and amazing endeavours over their time at the School.

The weather couldn’t have been more perfect as girls and staff gathered for the initial drinks reception, and there was a palpable sense of community in a playground filled with a rainbow riot of gorgeous outfits in the evening sunshine. After the annual ceremonial year group photo, our guests made their way into a beautifully decorated Senior Hall for a delicious street food buffet (at the girls’ special request!). Girls and staff also enjoyed perusing the Class of 2024 Year Book and watching a slideshow of photos over the years. The evening was interspersed with a poignant toast by our Head, Mrs Haydon, and brilliant and often hilarious speeches by our Head Girl and Deputy Head Girl, Mary and Anna, and Ms Stansfield, Mrs Wilkes and Mrs Ramage, looking back at just some of the precious memories of the girls’ time at FHS. Before tucking into a delectable spread of puddings, our guests were regaled with a surprise musical interlude – Mr Trussell and Dr Upcott performing all time favourite, Taylor Swift’s ‘Love Story’ (of course, everyone joined in!).

What a night! Thank you so much to our Sixth Form team, our Catering, Facilities and Operations Teams, and everybody else who made it such a resounding success. We wish the UVI the very best of luck with their upcoming A Levels and their next adventures, whether they are off to university, drama or art school, about to embark on a degree apprenticeship, or taking a gap year. They have grown into such mature, emotional intelligence, articulate, courageous and quietly confident young women; true examples of FHS Fearless Girls. We know they will go far and we look forward to welcoming them back to FHS for years to come as members of our incredible Old Girls’ community.