On Friday, 20 June, just hours after our Biology students put their pens down on their final exams, Heston Sixth Form welcomed its Year 13 students for our annual Leavers Barbecue.  

It was an emotion filled but joyous occasion, as our students sat down in our Sixth Form Centre one last time to hear from their tutors and myself before moving to the field for a relaxing barbecue in the sun. It was important for me to revisit the place where they started, two years ago, and to highlight how far they had come. I am incredibly proud of the resilience they have shown, of the obstacles they have overcome and of the individuals they have become.  

Albert Einstein once said “Genius is 1% talent and 99% hard work”. Each of our students has spent countless hours poring over books, going over notes and discussing targets and progress with their teachers, and as they leave us, we are confident they are on the path to professional success. 

However, school is about more than academic success. Our Sixth Form’s aim is also to develop students as well-rounded, happy and ambitious individuals. Over the past two years, we have seen fantastic demonstrations of ambition, both in and outside of school. Our students have attended Science workshops in Cambridge, trained for half-marathons, secured degree apprenticeships, been recognised for their kindness on national news, completed work experienced in American universities and become kind, intelligent, thoughtful and interesting young adults. There is so much to be said about the perseverance students displayed and I am excited to see where their journey takes them next. 

Miss Forrest [Y3 Learning Coordinator]

From our students: 

“Enjoy your school years, they go faster than you think.” 

“I have enjoyed the last seven years and I am excited to go to uni now!” 

“It was really nice to see all our teachers one last time today; I’ll definitely be back to visit!” 

“Mr Naqvi’s video was really funny and it was nice to see many of our teachers take part.”