Bury St Edmunds’ Westley Middle School, one of last two Suffolk middle schools, to hold West Fest celebration to honour school’s legacy

Ex-students, teachers and friends have been invited to ‘bid farewell’ to their ‘beloved’ school that is closing at the end of this academic year.

A ‘joyous’ festival celebration of Westley Middle School in Bury St Edmunds is taking place at the school on Friday, July 14, from 5pm to 8.30pm.

The middle, run by Unity Schools Partnership, will shut at the end of the summer term and the site will become the lower campus of County High School.

The current executive head of Westley Middle, Ben Jeffery, will be leading the new County High School lower campus for Year 7 and 8 students.

The ‘West Fest’ celebration promises to be an unforgettable evening filled with live music, entertainment, and ‘heartfelt reminiscence’, the school said in correspondence to parents.

Mr Jeffery said: “We invite all former students, teachers, and friends of Westley Middle School to join us for West Fest as we celebrate the remarkable journey of our beloved institution.

"It is a time for us to come together, embrace the memories we've made, and create new ones as we bid farewell to Westley Middle School."

The message to parents talks of the school’s ‘rich history of nurturing young minds’ and ‘fostering a sense of community’, with the event commemorating the ‘cherished memories and countless achievements’.

It added: “Over the years, Westley Middle School has been a source of knowledge, growth, and lifelong connections for countless individuals.

“As the school prepares to close its doors, this celebration aims to bring together the entire Westley community for one final gathering.

“It will be an opportunity to honour the legacy of Westley Middle School, relive treasured memories, and forge new connections with old friends.”

Unity Schools Partnership published proposals in January last year to shut Westley Middle and Bury’s Horringer Court Middle – the last remaining middle schools in Suffolk – due to dwindling pupil numbers. Horringer Court Middle is also set to close at the end of the summer term.

West Fest will feature an ‘impressive’ lineup of bands, carefully curated to deliver a diverse range of musical genres and entertainment for guests of all ages. Guests are encouraged to bring their picnic baskets and blankets.

Tickets are free. Contact office@westleymiddleschool.org for more details.