STUDENTS from Bethany School at Goudhurst were able to say goodbye to their alma mater in style, with a day of events organised on their behalf by the Friends of Bethany and the by the Old Bethanian's Association.

The day began with a champagne breakfast in the upper sixth boarding house, followed by a special farewell service in the school's chapel and a cricket match on the playing field.

Then on Saturday evening, 255 students and their guests, parents, staff and Old Bethanians attended a three-course meal in the Great Hall Barn at the High Rocks nightspot in Tunbridge Wells.

The 39 students who were leaving the school this summer were joined by many of their fellow students from the lower sixth.

Head of sixth form Tim Hart Dyke said: "The school always like to do something very special to say farewell to our leavers."

The young men and women donned tuxedos or strapless dresses for the occasion and after the meal and the speeches there was dancing to local band Bloz.

David Wilson, 18, said: "It was a great night and it was particularly nice to see all the staff having a good time!"

Chris Macardle, 18, said: "It was good to have the Old Boys there too. It was interesting talking to them about their experiences, what had happened to them since they left school."

Chris Cowdery, also 18, said: "It was a good venue, excellent food and a great band. It was a strangely moving occasion. Everyone was very happy, but at the same time there was a sadness that we were leaving."

All the 39 leavers have been offered university places, though some, like Chris Cowdery who is off to Australia, are planning a gap year first.

A raffle at the event raised £1500 towards a new hard surface play area at the school.