Families, friends and teachers gathered in St Mary’s Church on Friday 10th May to say a fond farewell to the Upper Sixth, reflect on their journeys and celebrate their countless incredible achievements.

Rev. van der Hart led a poignant service which welcomed the Class of 2024 into the Alumni Association – where each student took turns to light a candle to join in a prayer for their life beyond Francis Holland. Musical performances interspersed the prayers and readings including  A Whole New World, Landslide, Parting Glass and Somewhere Only We Know. 

Mrs Haydon addressed the Class of 2024 and their parents with gratitude for welcoming her to FHS in their final terms. Taking inspiration from ABBA’s greatest hits, Mrs Haydon (accompanied by Miss Vickery) then imparted some words of wisdom on the departing year group.

It was then time for the Upper Sixth Prize-Giving where prizes were awarded for achievement and progress in each subject as well as special prizes for girls who have shown outstanding qualities during their time at Francis Holland.

To close the service, the Upper Sixth performed ABBA’s Slipping Through My Fingers, turning around to face their parents and families. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house!

We are enormously proud of every single student, we wish them the very best of luck for their upcoming A Levels.

We are so proud of our UVI leavers who have matured into kind, compassionate and determined young women.  Their supportive camaraderie has enhanced everyone’s life at FHS and we will miss them!  We are very excited to see all that they achieve next. – Ms Stansfield, Head of Sixth Form