Gateway Academy youngsters make their mark on Blackpool history

The retiring year six at Gateway Primary Academy have left a legacy for their successors... by writing their way into the school's history books.

They were the first pupils at the school when it opened in 2013 and are the first year six group to leave.

Although their final weeks at primary school didn't go as planned, the youngsters still managed a send-off to remember.

The Covid-19 pandemic meant they didn't spend much time together over the past few months but the enterprising children created a way to say their final goodbyes in a social distancing way together on the playground.

A few final words were said by the head boy Dylan Jerome and head girl Scarlet Walker before they all headed off to prepare for their new lives at secondary school.

Dylan said: " It has been an amazing ride with everyone from Gateway and I'm going to miss this school very much. It has been my life since I was four years old from the first-ever time the school opened.

"My best highlights have definitely been going on trips and playing on the sports teams.

" have never had such a feeling to be the first head boy of the first year group leaving Gateway."

Headteacher Sue Robinson said: "It has been a very memorable year in many ways. Our first ever cohort who started their reception years at Gateway Academy and started the first ever Year 6 year group have now left.

" It has been an unusual time for all children everywhere but not least the Year 6 of 2020. They started the year as the first cohort that claimed to be head of school and they didn’t all get their time to shine as this was cut short. "

She added: "Many children did return in June and we were so happy to see them. Lots of communication has helped several stay in touch with those at home and the children that did come back in to school have developed some fabulous life long relationships.

"They will remember their days when Covid struck but I hope they remember more their days at Gateway where we all wanted the very best for them, and wished them well in their new school and in life.

Sue said: "They will always be very welcome to visit and we hope they keep in touch and share their future journey through school and life .

"I am very proud of the capable and sensible young people they have become and Gateway Academy will always remember their first ever Year 6 school children with fond memories and happy times."