Y11 Prom – Thursday 2nd July – Important Information
Dear Parents and Carers,
We are very much looking forward to celebrating with Year 11 at their Prom on Thursday 2nd July 2026 at The Grange Hotel, Old Gloucester Road, Winterbourne, BS36 1RP. This is a wonderful opportunity for students to celebrate their time at Hanham Woods Academy, and we hope the information below helps you and your child prepare for the event.
Attendees and Invitations
Only Year 11 students who remain on roll at Hanham Woods Academy on Thursday 2nd July are invited to attend. Please ensure the remaining balance for your child’s ticket is paid by Monday 2nd June, as tickets cannot be issued until full payment has been received.
Please remind your child that their behaviour, attendance, punctuality, attitude to learning, and commitment to GCSE intervention sessions continue to be monitored. These factors contribute to their eligibility to attend Prom. Academy leaders reserve the right to withdraw a student’s invitation if they do not meet our expectations.
Arrival and Start Time
The Prom begins at 7:30pm. Due to the number of cars expected at the venue, we advise that arrivals take place between 6:40pm and 7:20pm for photographs.
Students will be welcomed into The Grange Hotel from 7:30pm, where they will be registered on entry. Parents, carers, and guests are welcome to watch and photograph student arrivals; however, please note that students will not be able to bring guests into the venue or grounds after the welcome period, and families must remain in the designated viewing area.
Collection Time
The Prom ends at 10:30pm, and all students must be collected by this time to return home or attend their own additional celebrations. Most families usually collect their children between 9:45pm and 10:15pm, with the majority leaving between 10:00pm and 10:15pm.
Please ensure suitable travel arrangements are made so that no student is left waiting at 10:30pm, as staff will begin post‑event clear‑up duties.
Dress Code
The dress code for the evening is:
- Trousers and shirt (a full suit, tie, or bow tie is optional), or
- A formal dress (please consider appropriate length and cut)
Jeans and casual wear are not appropriate for the event; however, trainers are permitted.
Safety and Screening
Once students have had their photographs taken and enter the venue, a screening process will take place to ensure a safe and enjoyable evening for all. Please ensure your child does not bring prohibited items such as vapes or alcohol, as these will be confiscated and may result in you being asked to collect your child immediately.
Alcohol
There is a strict no‑alcohol policy at Prom. Soft drinks will be available to purchase. If a student arrives under the influence of alcohol, they will be refused entry by security staff, and parents/carers will be contacted to collect them. No refunds will be issued in such circumstances.
Photographs
A formal Prom photographer will be present to take individual, group, and friendship photos. There is no cost on the night; photographs will be available to purchase from the photographer’s website the following day. A whole‑group photograph will also be taken.
Use of The Grange Hotel Estate and Outdoor Areas
The hotel grounds include large, unlit areas that are not supervised at night. Once students have entered the Prom, they may use the main Prom Hall and the adjacent patio area only. They are not permitted to explore additional parts of the estate or invite extra guests to the venue.
If a student is unable to remain in the designated areas, parents/carers will be contacted to collect them.
After‑Parties
As in previous years, some students may wish to attend independent ‘after‑Prom’ events that are not organised by the school. While these are often positive occasions, the safety of students is paramount. If you permit your child to attend such an event, please ensure:
- Clear travel arrangements are in place
- You know who is supervising
- You know when the event finishes
- You have accurate contact details and know where your child will be
We hope all students attending Prom will have a wonderful and memorable evening. We look forward to celebrating with Year 11 and wish them every success in their exams.
Mr J Hocking
Assistant Principal
