Official attendance at school finished for the current Year 11 and Year 13 students at Malton School last week. From now on they only (!) have to attend for their GCSE and A-level examinations.

A special day was held for each year group. Both year groups were invited, on separate days, to a farewell lunch (provided by the school) with waiter-service provided by staff, and tablecloths and flowers replacing the normally more functional refectory furnishing.

Many, many photographs were taken in a special photo opportunity session before (and during) lunch. These will almost certainly become the mementos of tomorrow, fondly revealed at reunions of the future. The days finished with special assemblies reflecting on the years gone by and offering advice for the exams to come.

Deputy head Stephen Fearnley commented: "I know that these students will remember their school days with great fondness, like so many have before. There were a few tears as the final bell rang, when hugs and handshakes were the order of the moment. We wish all students success in their forthcoming exams, and for their future lives."

Updated: 14:32 Thursday, May 31, 2001