PARENTS of students at a school in Ellesmere Port have been left confused over whether a prom will be going ahead just a week before the event.

The Ellesmere Port C of E College, on Whitby Road, is due to have their Year 11 prom next Thursday (June 22).

George Donnelly, from Ellesmere Port, has a grandson who goes to the school, who he says has autism.

Speaking to the Globe, he said: "I was told the pupils were told earlier this week about it being cancelled.

"Some of the kids have been selling cakes and biscuits to raise money for the prom, and they've just cancelled it.

"My grandson has really struggled and tried really hard through Covid and his exams so I was disgusted to hear it was cancelled."

George said that the school had confirmed in a text to parents yesterday (June 15) that the prom wasn't going ahead due to the lack of ticket sales.

He added: "They never said how many tickets they needed to sell for it to go ahead. 

"If you have a raffle, and only sell 20 tickets, you still go ahead with the raffle, and this is the same."

'It's absolutely unfair'

In a post on social media, one person wrote: "I think it's absolutely unfair that the Academy has cancelled the year 11s prom this year, not only have the year 11s raised their own money for the prom, but also the expense that some parents have already paid for, like dresses, suits, paying deposits for the girls hair and make up and nails to be done.

"Some of the students have said that the school has cancelled the prom on and off now for the past few weeks. I think it's unacceptable that not only have the year 11s lost out but also the parents."

People took to the comments to express their frustration about the news of the cancellation.

Parents have also taken action to try and find a suitable venue to hold the prom for their children, not involving the school.

One said: "The money raised should be refunded to the prom committee so they can arrange their own out of school, it’s an absolute disgrace. 

"I didn’t even get a text, the teachers wanted a BBQ instead, they did another vote and prom won, low and behold it’s not going ahead, so they had no intention of doing a prom to start with."

Another said: "It's so unfair I have spent over £1,000 for my daughter to have the best night to remember and they just cancel a week before. Her and her friends spent their own money to bake cakes and sell...and what's happened to that money?"

Confirmation that the prom is taking place

Since this, the school has confirmed to the Globe that the prom will in fact be going ahead as planned next Thursday (June 22).

A spokesperson from the school said: "Following on from our recent successful Ofsted report, we look forward to celebrating this success at our Year 11 Prom on Thursday, June 22.

"We look forward to celebrating their time with us so far as they continue their journey to Be More."