Ref. 25777-21School Proms probably conjure thoughts of American high schools and dozens of US teen movies. Now the leavers' prom has become an annual date in the English school calendar with most secondary schools holding a ball and primary schools starting to host them too. Giles Sheldrick and Tamash Lal report

FINAL year students at Drove Primary School lived the high life at a glitzy leavers prom. The pupils, all aged 10 and 11, got dressed up and gathered for a special evening of high-class entertainment, which was headteacher Nick Capstick's way of wishing them all the best for the future.

And the youngsters, who all came wearing evening frocks, dinner jackets and smart shirts, enjoyed a disco, buffet dinner and photo session.

Mr Capstick, 43, said: "We've spent a lot of time here trying to make our Year Six pupils feel very special by instilling a sense of responsibility in them because they're right on the cusp of moving from this primary school to secondary schools.

"And what we're saying is 'thank you very much'. "They've worked their socks off and led by example, so the prom was almost a coming of age party.

"We really pushed the boat out, got a quality disco and some food that's different to the usual jelly and ice cream. And they really appreciated being treated like adults.

"Hopefully we created a landmark for the kids so they can look back and say 'do you remember when?'"

The prom was funded entirely by the Friends of Drove and included a disco, food and photograph. And the girls each received a flower on arrival.

Although some of the boys were a little retiring when being photographed with some of their female peers and being seen arriving with their parents, all the children thoroughly enjoyed the event.

Steven Page, 11, who is going to Commonweal School, arrived with his date Frances Phillips, 11. He said: "I was really excited about this event for ages. I've really enjoyed my time here and this was a great leaving party."

Frances, who is also leaving for Commonweal School, added: "I think this was a great way to finish the school year. I've met some really good friends at the school and I've been looking forward to this prom for a long time."

After the festivities had finished the children were handed a goodie bag with a difference, which included party poppers and an autograph book to capture the signature of teachers and classmates before they leave.

Another Swindon school to have adopted a swanky American-style end of year prom is Churchfields.

With their GCSEs behind them, students let their hair down with a glamorous leavers' ball at the Hilton Hotel near Freshbrook.

There were shrieks of excitement as groups of revellers emerged from gleaming stretch limos to be reunited with their classmates.

Teachers who had spent the past five years telling the students to tuck their shirts in and not to wear trainers to school stood open-mouthed as lads in immaculate dinner suits led girls in elegant evening dresses to the ball.

There were no baseballs caps, no baggy jeans, and not a Marilyn Manson t-shirt in sight as the 16-year-olds ended their time at Churchfields in style.

Sophie Knott, from Lawn, wore a fuchsia pink strapless dress. She turned heads by arriving with friends Justine Aplin and Laura Keogh in the back of a chic 1955 Chevy Bel Air.

She said: "It took me three hours to get ready and I had to pay £200 to hire the dress and have my hair done.

"It's worth it though, we've all worked so hard for our exams, it's a great way to finish school."

Sophie and her friends were driven to the party by her neighbour, classic car lover Dave Hay.

There were also those who brought a touch of individuality to the evening.

Kevin Shergold, from Walcot, celebrated his Scottish ancestry by wearing a green tartan kilt.

He said: "All my mates were dressing the same, I just wanted to do something different."

And friends Amandeep Budwal, from Lawns, and Narinder Mudhar, from Swindon town centre, wore traditional Indian dress and jewellery.

Amandeep said: "We both bought our clothing during recent visits to India especially for the party."

Once inside, the students were photographed before enjoying a buffet meal.There were speeches and awards before they headed for the dance floor to party the night away to a disco.

Around 120 students and 35 teachers paid £25 each to attend the ball, which was the brainchild of Churchfields tutor Su Rai.

She said: "Seeing the students all dressed-up like this is really quite emotional. It makes you realise these children we have taught have now grown-up.

"It's nice to be able to party with them, and see them off in style."

Headteacher Steve Flavin added: "It is a landmark in their lives, and I really wish them all the best in whatever career they pursue."