The popular annual event, which took place on 8 July in the Peter Hopkins Hall, saw our fashion designers exhibit their creations, while fellow students took to the catwalk to model the clothes.

Themes for 2025 included ‘Nature and Humans’ for the Year 11 GCSE students, while the BTEC students focused on ‘Nature and Sustainability’ in Year 12, and on ‘Identity’ and ‘The Bold and Unexpected’ in Year 13. There was also a Staff Collection on the theme of ‘Glamour’.

“Year 11 key items of clothing included a green bodice made out of shimmery, sheer fabric, with delicate ruffled sleeves inspired by coral reefs,” said Emma Markwell, Fashion and Textile Course Leader at our school, which is part of the West Norfolk Academies Trust.

“There were also two outfits inspired by human hearts and the blood system, using embroidery, red pearl beads, and laser-cut acrylic embellishments, and Oscar Isherwood’s Year 11 tailored red jacket, skirt, gloves, and red velvet train.”

Among the Year 13 students showcasing their creations, Mollie Ashby was influenced by Vivienne Westwood in the design of her satin dress, which featured flowing, sheer blue fabric, and an outsized white bow; while Charlotte McLeish showed a white satin ballet dress; and Summer Hawkes drew inspiration from Van Gogh for her sculpted dress, and blue-and-gold skirt and top.

“The Year 13 collections were pushing the boundaries with many stunning, eye-catching creations,” continued Miss Markwell, who organised the event with the help of students from Years 7 to 13, both on and off the catwalk.

“Several members of staff were involved in a variety of roles, including modelling, but most of the jobs to bring the show to life were covered by students.

“One hundred and thirty students took part from all year groups, helping with modelling, hair and makeup, front-of-house and ticket sales, promotions, designing the poster, wardrobe and fittings.

“It’s nice to see the models’ confidence and sass develop, but some of the most rewarding parts involve students learning behind-the-scenes skills and developing their work ethic.

“The unseen work put into rehearsing, promoting, and generally getting the show on the road, is hard to put into words.”

The Mayor of King’s Lynn, Councillor Andy Bullen, was among the 300 guests attending the evening, while support was also provided by Fent Shop in Lynn, which offers a discount to all BTEC Fashion students.

“The Fashion Show has become a highlight of the school year, and is looked forward to by everyone,” added Miss Markwell.

“It encourages the students’ confidence, creativity, and self-belief, and provides work experience in a variety of roles in the production of the show.

“This year, the collections had the wow factor. I am so proud of all my participants, and especially the designers. I feel like a fairy godmother at times, when seeing the students’ transformation and growth.

“I wish all the best for the Year 13 designers who are progressing to university and apprenticeships to study Fashion and Textiles.”

Vinethmi Kulasinghe attained the highest A-Level results at Springwood High School last year, which saw her nominated for the Queen Elizabeth Prize for Academic Excellence, a prestigious accolade awarded annually to our high achievers.

The star student received top A* grades in Chemistry, Further Maths, Maths, Physics, and EPQ while with us and is now studying Robotics and Artificial Intelligence at University College in London.

Accompanied by her family and Springwood Headteacher and Trust CEO Andy Johnson, the former Head Girl enjoyed an audience with The King, who presented her with a leather-bound copy of The Complete Works of Shakespeare.

“Leading up to the day, I was very nervous, as it felt like a monumental occasion,” said Miss Kulasinghe. “But, on top of that, I was also incredibly proud of myself and the A-Level results I’d achieved.

“The prospect of them being recognised by His Majesty King Charles III himself was quite hard to believe. It was amazing that all my hard work was rewarded in such a unique manner.”

“On the day, the nerves were quickly replaced by excitement, and it was quite a surreal experience to be stood in the magnificent ballroom at Sandringham House, receiving the prize from His Majesty," she continued. “He then came over to us and had a very friendly chat with myself, my family, and Mr Johnson. 

“It was such a huge occasion for me. I very much enjoyed the entire event, and would say it marked an unforgettable feat in my academic career and my life.”

Her mother Lanka Udahawatta, father Sanjaya Kulasinghe, and sister Methumlee Kulasinghe also had the opportunity to meet King Charles at the prize-giving ceremony.

“We were overjoyed when Mr Johnson informed us on A Level Results Day that our daughter had achieved the best results in the school and that her name would be nominated for this year’s award,” said the proud parents.

“We believe it is a great tradition of Springwood High School to recognise academic excellence with such a prestigious prize. We are very thankful to the school for the excellent education it provides to students.”

“It was a dream-come-true moment to be able to personally witness our daughter receiving the prize from His Majesty,” they added. “It was indeed a great honour to be invited to Sandringham House for the Prize Giving. It was a memorable moment in our lives.

“We were able to meet His Majesty in person, and we had the privilege of having a brief chat with him. He was very friendly and made us feel very comfortable. He did not forget to speak personally to each and every member of our family. We are very grateful for His Majesty’s kindness.”