A fond goodbye

Celia James writes about Walden School

Since 10 May, when governors announced the proposed closure of Walden School in Saffron Walden, Essex, staff, parents, pupils and governors have all endured much stress and upheaval, and on the last day of the summer term the school’s future was still not clear.

During May and June governors had negotiated with several external parties to try to ensure continuation of education on the site. However, during July it became clear it was not going to be possible to conclude a contract with either of the two remaining parties and governors decided that the right action was to go into administration. On Monday 17 July administrators from Grant Thornton were appointed.

Yet the last day at Walden School, on Friday 7 July, was a positive and deeply fulfilling experience. This was made possible by the forward planning of the sensitive and caring staff.

The atmosphere throughout the day was easy-going and relaxed. In the mid morning, the catering staff created a party atmosphere in the dining hall, producing brunch, with egg and bacon ‘butties’, which was accompanied by some pupils and members of staff playing impromptu music together.

All pupils and staff in the senior school then gathered for a final Meeting for Worship, making their way to the circles of chairs laid out by the maintenance team under the lime trees of the avenue. Meeting for Worship was everyone’s valediction to Walden School: Friends’ School.

The head of school read from the Book of Isaiah and encouraged each and every pupil to celebrate their own very special qualities, going forward, true to themselves, into their new lives. She commented on the depth of her experience of working alongside her staff, through several years and many ups and downs, thanking them and wishing them well in their future careers.

From within the gathered silence, in dappled sunlight and soft breeze, some pupils and members of staff gave profound ministry. After the shaking of hands, everyone flowed like rivulets, embracing, saying thank you and bidding goodbye: with a medley of tears and smiles, the occasion, like the school itself, was unforgettable.

Earlier in the morning the preparatory school head had led the children and her staff in their own Meeting for Worship. Everyone had gathered in their cherished Forest School, sheltered by the trees and amongst the birdsong: a place full of memories of adventures and fun.

While the Meeting for Worship was taking place for the senior school, preparatory school staff mingled with the children as they played together in the open and as their parents came to collect them, taking their farewells in a carefree atmosphere.

In the bustling dining room, in dappled light under the trees and in sunshine out on the field, the school on the hill said its own goodbyes.

It was a privilege to have been part of such a special day.

Celia is clerk of the governors’ Search and Governance Committee at Walden School.

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