Student-leavers at a school in Clifton were given a surprise visit by some familiar faces who want to ensure they get the send-off they deserve.
Year 11 students from Farnborough Academy in Clifton were due to have their formal prom last Friday (July 10).
But due to the pandemic, the ball gowns, tuxedos and limousines have not made an appearance.
Knowing how important the final goodbyes are for both students and staff, the Farnborough Academy leaders hatched a plan to surprise students after their final year was cut short.
Head teacher, Martyn Jobling said: "This unique school experience was cut short so abruptly for these students, it was important to let them know they weren't forgotten.
"They deserve the same rites of passage as everyone else and I know they were all looking forward to their prom.
"We wanted to mark the end of the year, by visiting them personally to say 'we're thinking of you, we've got your backs and well done'.
"It's not all about grades, but this year group was on track to get the best results on record, so it is disappointing for all of them."
Members of teaching staff donned black ties and met at the school on Friday morning (July 17) to go door-to-door to 130 students with a heartfelt goodbye and an invite to a rearranged prom in October.
Deputy head teacher Clare Watson added: "We know it could be the last time we see them, so we had to rebook the prom.
"The reality is we don't know what will happen so it might change again but everyone deserves to say goodbye properly.
"We tried to have a last day for them back in March and keep it normal, but it just wasn't the same."
The first student to get a knock at the door, was 16-year-old Ryan Camm who was described as "a gifted sportsman".
Following his surprise greeting, he said: "It's nice that we've not been forgotten.
"When the school had to close, it was very sudden so it will be good to see everyone again.
"I'm still deciding what I want to do next year, but I love football.
"The teachers have been great through lockdown, sending us emails and making sure we're alright."
Ryan's mum, Tracey Camm, said: "I think it's a really thoughtful gesture because it's easy to be forgotten.
"They've all missed out on the end of year and it has been hard.
"But Ryan has been keeping busy, working hard and saving up money."
The whole crew also visited Autumn Wilson who said she was "very surprised" to see her form tutor, Alex Booth, on her doorstep.
"I think it's really sweet and it's nice to see my tutor and everyone after so long," she added.
"We were told the day before that the school was closing - I cried.
"I've had my tutor since I was in year 8 and the same head of year since I started.
"I'm very excited for prom and getting to see friends and teachers again and I'm excited for the future. I'm planning to study four A-Levels at Sixth Form."
