On Thursday 8th May 2025, the AKS community came together to say farewell to the Class of 2025 at the Upper Sixth Celebration Evening - a fitting and heartfelt send-off before the start of study leave.
The evening began with a musical performance by the Senior School Chamber Choir, followed by a warm welcome from Headmaster David Harrow. Addressing students, families, staff, and governors, he remarked:
“This evening is a chance to cherish memories at AKS and celebrate the journey as our students now leave and prepare for their future. Students who leave AKS go on to do marvellous things. The experience of change and moving on is universal to us all.”
This year’s keynote speaker was AKS alumna Beth Holyoak (Class of 2015), who offered a powerful and inspiring message for students preparing to take their next steps. Beth reflected on her own journey, from starting at KEQMS in 2008 to experiencing the school’s merger in 2012 to form AKS Lytham. She studied Maths, Chemistry, Art, and Geography at A-Level and went on to graduate from the University of Leeds with a BSc in Geography, before completing a Master's in Quantity Surveying while working full time. She is now a Senior Cost Manager and Chartered Quantity Surveyor at Turner & Townsend.
Beth shared three key pieces of advice:
The power of networking – how building meaningful connections can unlock opportunities.
The value of resilience – how setbacks often pave the way for unexpected success.
The importance of self-belief – encouraging students to embrace individuality and avoid comparisons.
Head Girl Priyanka R delivered a heartfelt vote of thanks to Beth and spoke on behalf of the year group, expressing deep gratitude to the AKS teaching staff, their families, and to one another.
“We have laughed, cried, grown, and developed together - and for that, we are forever grateful. The opportunities we have had at AKS, and the support from our families, has given us the strongest possible start in life.”
The evening featured a stunning saxophone performance by Hugh F, accompanied on piano by Director of Performing Arts, Michael Hodgkinson, and a nostalgic and humorous trip down memory lane led by Head of Sixth Form Kevin Maund, who shared photographs, videos, and stories celebrating the students’ time at AKS.
The evening concluded with a final performance from 8:15, the school band formed earlier in the students’ senior school years - now bidding a fond farewell in true AKS style.