EXAMS are over and school is out for the summer, so we have taken a look at the most special moments from one of the most important end-of-year events - the prom.

Cartmel Priory CofE School held their leavers’ ball at The Netherwood Hotel, Grange, on Wednesday June 29.

Dr Paul Williams, headteacher at the secondary school, said: "We had a wonderful evening celebrating the departure of the Class of 2016. All pupils looked splendid in their finery. We had a wonderful meal, speeches were delivered by me, the headteacher, and Mrs Dodwell, head of year.

"The outgoing head girl, Lucia H, and head boy Steven N then performed their version of Tik Tok , the hit song by Kesha, describing their years at Cartmel, which was very fitting, before everyone took to the dance floor.

"I want to take the opportunity to wish all Cartmel Priory School pupils the very best as they move onto the next chapter in their education."

The institution of the prom, or leavers' ball in the case of Cartmel School, was originally more of an American celebration but has now become an event of huge significance for year 11 pupils in Britain too.

The word prom was originally shortened from promenade, the formal, introductory parading of guests at a party. The event has now become very glamorous, with many pupils planning their outfits for months and arriving in spectacular cars or in horse-drawn carriages.

However the pupils choose to celebrate it, a prom or a leavers' ball is a great way to round off a tough year of GCSE examinations and enjoy spending time with their teachers and peers before breaking up and moving on to college or work.

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