THERE were celebrations and sadness as two schools said goodbye to their sixth-year students.

At Preston Lodge High School, Prestonpans, there was a beach-themed farewell as the group said goodbye to staff and took part in a morning assembly before heading out to the school playing fields where there was fun with water pistols before staff and students shared a barbecue in the garden area.

Gavin Clark, headteacher, said it was a day of enjoyable, and emotional, events.

He said: “The S6 students made us laugh first thing with their beach theme, and then we had a very moving farewell ceremony.

“After a bit of time soaking each other with water pistols in the playing fields, staff and students came together for a really nice barbecue in our garden area. We wish all of our S6 students well as they step into the big wide world. They have made an enormous contribution to Preston Lodge High School, and we will miss them very much.”

At Ross High School, Tranent, there was a graduation ceremony for S6 leavers which was declared a “big success”.

Seventy youngsters were joined by their family and friends, as well as staff at the school as they recounted favourite memories of their time at Ross High and revealed their plans for the future.

Paul Reynolds, headteacher, said the evening was “filled with laughter and tears” and wished the sixth-year all the best for the future.

He said: “The hall was brimming to capacity with proud parents, grandparents and friends there to see their child move on to the next stage in their life.

“The S6 video of their final year had most of the hall in tears.

“I would like to thank the S6 pupils for everything they have done for Ross High during their time here and wish each and every one of them the best of luck in the future.”