Parents' voice fury in campaign to have prom reinstated after schools cancel celebrations

Dyke House Academy and Manor Community Academy, both in Hartlepool and part of the Northern Education Trust, called off the events as coronavirus restrictions continue to be enforced.

But parents say they are angry at how it has been handled and that the proms should be rescheduled until October, as others in the area have, as they look to fundraise themselves for replacement parties.

Manor’s was to be hosted at Hardwick Hall on Thursday, July 2, with Dyke House’s on Monday, July 6, at Wynyard Hall.

Letters from the schools said they planned to postpone, but cancelled due to ongoing concerns, with hopes of a celebration at the schools once it is safe.

Among the parents is admin assistant Justine Parrott, 48, whose daughter Emily, 16, was set to wear her £500 dress to the night.

Justine said: "Their last day at school was at quite short notice because of what’s been going on and they were looking forward to this so much.

"Emily is devastated and was looking forward to it with her group of friends and they just can’t believe it, it’s disgraceful.

"I think they should rearrange it, other schools have managed."

Mum-of-three Michelle Brown, 41, paid £450 for a dress for daughter Ellie Whitehead, 16, with £250 more spent on a car, hair, make-up and accessories.

She added: “Ellie is gutted, it's one last time they will see all their friends from school at one big celebration.”

NHS nurse Kendra Dore, 42, hopes the situation can be resolved for her daughter Keira, 16, who went to Manor, where students had the cost of their ticket covered if they earned stamps through out of school activities.

She said: "I think we all understand, and so do the kids, that it’s the result of the pandemic and they understand why the schools had to shut, but they have lost out on so much, with not taking their GCSEs and their leavers’ assembly and their last day.”

Adam Palmer, principal of Dyke House, said on behalf of the Northern Education Trust that the schools have ideas on how to celebrate the students’ work and achievements, with hopes of a red-carpet evening once guidance changes.

He said: “Our Class of 2020 are truly special, and sadly have been hit particularly hard by the effects of the pandemic, with the loss of their rite of passage through exams, leaving ceremonies and prom.

"Nonetheless, our pride in their achievements and conduct remains undimmed, and on behalf of everyone at Northern Education Trust Dyke House Academy, we would like to offer our congratulations to Year 11 and wish them the very best for their future.

“Due to the current Government restrictions around social gatherings, we recently took the very difficult decision to cancel the Year 11 prom.

"Given the uncertainty around how or when these restrictions will change, and the fact that venues are currently prohibited from hosting large gatherings, this decision was made because the health and well-being of our students is our prime consideration.”

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