

Students and staff at St John’s Sixth Form College in Bishop Auckland came together to celebrate the end of the academic year with their much-anticipated annual Year 13 BBQ.
The event, a long-standing tradition at the college, is a highlight of the Sixth Form calendar and offers students a chance to mark the end of their journey together in a relaxed and enjoyable setting. This year, as in recent years, the celebrations took place at Durham Rugby Club, whose facilities once again provided the perfect backdrop for the occasion.
Staff members Mr Dunn and Mrs Thompson took charge of the barbecue, continuing their tradition of keeping the grills going well into the evening. Their efforts helped create a warm and welcoming atmosphere, bringing students and staff together to reflect on two years of hard work and shared experiences.
The BBQ not only provided an opportunity to celebrate academic achievements, but also to recognise the sense of community that defines life at St John’s Sixth Form. As students prepare to move on to the next stage of their education or careers, the evening served as a meaningful send-off for the Year 13 cohort.
One Year 13 student summed up the occasion, saying:
“We had a brilliant evening with staff and friends. It was a great way to end after two fabulous years in Sixth Form.”
The annual BBQ remains a valued tradition at St John’s, offering a moment to pause, reflect and celebrate before students take their next steps beyond Sixth Form.
