Clearwater Primary’s first cohort celebrates the end of Year 6

Published: Tuesday July 16, 2024
Pupils in reception class at Clearwater Primary, 2017/18

It is a historic year for Clearwater Primary School as its first ever student cohort is about to finish year 6 and leave for secondary school.

The graduating class of ’24 started in reception class in September 2017 as the first and only year group at the newly formed school, which is part of the Diocese of Gloucester Academies Trust (DGAT).

These first pupils were originally taught in a unit on the Olympus Park Business Park in Quedgeley, before their purpose-built school was opened in January 2021. The school was awarded an Outstanding grading in a 2022 Ofsted report and an Excellent in their 2023 SIAMS inspection. They were also awarded two outstanding judgements for personal development, and behaviour and attitudes.

Now at the end of their primary school education, the original group of children celebrated their leavers’ ceremony at the Diocese of Gloucester’s Leaver’s Service.

The service was held at Gloucester Cathedral, for all year 6 classes in Church of England schools across Gloucestershire.

Clearwater class representatives Valerie Dare-Samuel and James Berry read out a prayer written by the year 6 pupils, and fellow class representative Lydia Joslyn and headteacher Kate Moss, who has led the school since the class first formed, held a candle to symbolise the end of the students’ journey at the school.

Clearwater's year 6 leavers banner, made out of 100% recycled materials
Leavers banner, made out of 100% recycled materials

The service also saw two year 6 pupils, Evie Harrison and Jacob Lister, walk their unique school banner into the Cathedral. The banner was made by parent volunteer Ashleigh Harrison using recycled school uniforms, a re-purposed wooden curtain pole and old curtains.

In a class statement, the year 6s said: “This leaver’s service is certainly something that we will never forget and we look forward to generations of Clearwater leavers experiencing the special day in the same way that we have.”

Rachel Howie, CEO of DGAT, said: “I am very proud of all our schools, but Clearwater is unique in that it is the only one that we built from scratch – so this makes the children leaving extra special. We wish our very first Y6 Clearwater children every blessing as they move into secondary. We will miss them!”

Clearwater Primary school leavers ceremony
Clearwater Primary school leavers ceremony
Three of the first pupils at Clearwater Primary pupils in reception class, 2017
Three pupils pictured in reception class, 2017/18

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