Departing Year 13 pupils and their parents joined staff on the final evening of term for the 2014 Leavers’ Ball.
With a black tie dress code, gentleman donned stylish dinner suits while ladies arrived in glamorous ball gowns. The Head of College, Tom Arnold, and Senior Girl, Sissi Pongratz, arrived in VIP fashion in a chauffeur driven 1960s Ford Mustang.
In total, there were over 200 guests at the splendid event, which began with a drinks and canapé reception on the lawn in front of the Prize-Giving marquee. Legendary Catering Manager Mr Steve Beaumont, overseeing his final Leavers’ Ball at Shiplake, then called diners into the marquee for a fabulous three course meal. The exquisite duck main course was a particular hit with guests as they reminisced about the previous two or five years the pupils have spent at the College.
The meal was followed by dancing to excellent music from five-piece band Freeze Frame. After burning off energy on the dancefloor, the event ended with a traditional English breakfast served in the Great Hall in the early hours of the morning.
College Housemaster Mr Nick Brown, who himself is leaving the House to take on a new role in September, commented: “I thoroughly enjoyed this year in College House, due in large part to the efforts of the boys and their families. The atmosphere was great and I hope that all pupils have happy memories of your last year at Shiplake. I certainly will of my final year as Housemaster.
The students will of course return to the College on Thursday 14 August to collect their A Level results. The majority will begin university courses across the country in September, with some choosing to take time out on a gap year and others bravely entering the world of work. The College then hopes to welcome all leavers back to Shiplake as Old Vikings at various events in the months and years to come.Please click here if you wish to purchase professional photos from the evening.
