May is always a month filled with mixed emotions, as we celebrate the achievements of our Year 11 and Year 13 students while also saying goodbye as they begin study leave ahead of their final exams.

Year 13 marked their final day at the Academy on Thursday 8 May, blessed with glorious sunshine and a brilliantly creative dress-up theme of British Icons. Students certainly rose to the occasion, with appearances from David Bowie and Wallace & Gromit to The Queen, and even Liam and Noel Gallagher making a surprise visit! The day was filled with celebration as students enjoyed a BBQ, ice cream, and time together before heading into Shefford to continue the festivities.

We wish all of our Year 13 students the very best for their remaining exams and look forward to celebrating with them again at Prom on Friday 3 July.

This Monday, we also said farewell to our Year 11 students. Although the weather was a little less kind, the celebrations continued in true SWA spirit across the street and courtyard. Students spent the day signing shirts, enjoying the BBQ and ice cream van, and making lasting memories with friends and staff. The afternoon ended on a high with a fantastic performance from Year 11 band Make Name Later, followed by a brilliantly entertaining goodbye video for students and staff to enjoy.

While Year 11 students are now officially on study leave, they are always welcome to reach out to their Year Team or teachers if they need any support during exam season. We can’t wait to celebrate with them once more at Prom on Monday 13 July.

We are incredibly proud of both year groups and wish them every success for the future.