It was standing room only as proud families, staff and pupils gathered to watch William Ford’s Year 6 production of School of Pop – a toe-tapping, heartwarming musical that brought laughter, nostalgia and even a few tears to the school hall.

The story followed the arrival of new teacher Mr Barry Garlow, a well-meaning but somewhat out-of-touch educator with big ideas and an even bigger collection of pop music memorabilia. As he tried to win over a lively group of pupils with old-school tunes and classroom charm, the cast took the audience on a musical journey packed with energy, humour and feel-good moments – with more than a passing reference to the legendary pop group Take That.

From the opening scene to the final bow, the performance showcased the very best of William Ford’s commitment to creativity, confidence and collaboration. Pupils sang and danced their hearts out, demonstrating impressive timing, characterisation and stage presence. The choreography was sharp and vibrant, the singing full of passion, and the acting delivered with humour and heart. While no live instruments were played, the musical backing and rehearsed vocals created a polished, professional atmosphere throughout.

Behind the scenes, an enormous amount of effort went into bringing School of Pop to life. Staff gave countless hours of their time to direct, choreograph and support the pupils, while the children themselves showed commitment, teamwork and joy in every rehearsal and performance. From perfectly timed comic moments to full-cast dance numbers, it was clear that this was a production where everyone gave their all.

The audience responded with rapturous applause and a well-deserved standing ovation – a fitting tribute to the pupils’ talent and the staff’s unwavering dedication.

As Year 6 prepare to move on to secondary school, School of Pop was not just a musical performance – it was a celebration of their journey, their friendships, and their unforgettable time at William Ford. A reminder, perhaps, that whatever comes next, we’ll never forget where we’re coming from.