Staff and students at Tewkesbury Academy joined the nation on Armistice Day, observing a two-minute silence to honour the courage and sacrifices of members of the Armed Forces, past and present.
Continuing a cherished tradition, students who are part of youth organisations such as the Cadets, Guides, Scouts, and Boys’ Brigade wore their association uniforms, symbolising respect and solidarity.
At 11am, the entire school community paused lessons to gather quietly on the academy’s tennis courts.
Sombre music and hymns created a reflective atmosphere, and a lone trumpeter played The Last Post before the school fell silent in collective remembrance.
Following the silence, cadets, joined by their Unit Leaders, held a parade that concluded at a memorial tree located at the front of the academy.
This tree honours the memory of Able Seaman Matthew Stuart, a former student who tragically lost his life on his 18th birthday while serving aboard HMS Argonaut during the Falklands War in 1982.
Matthew’s mother, a regular attendee of the event, described the occasion as deeply moving.
Kathleen McGillycuddy, Principal of Tewkesbury Academy, said: “Our annual Remembrance event is one of the most important in our calendar.
“The entire academy stands together in remembering those who gave their today for our tomorrows.
“We also remember our service families, our own loved ones, and our hopes for peace across the world.
“Our students were exemplary in their conduct and seeing them all together in solemnity is quite breathtaking. We are very proud of them as they pay tribute.”
