A primary school in Paget held its final graduation ceremony last week.

Gilbert Institute hosted nine children and their families during an emotional event for the Class of 2025 before the school shuts its doors.

Jana Pitcher, a keynote speaker for the ceremony, reminded the youngsters that they were “the last group to call yourselves the Gilbert Institute students of excellence”.

She added: “With that comes great responsibility and honour.

“As you step forward into your next chapter, you carry the story of this school with you.

“The laughter, the learning, the friendships, the challenges overcome — all of that is part of your story now. What a powerful story that is.”

The closure, which drew protest from members of Gilbert Institute’s community, came after Paget Primary was designated as the area’s parish primary school.

Dr Pitcher told graduates that their move to middle school closed one chapter in their lives and started another.

She admitted that the shift could be hard — but added it would also be “beautiful”.

Dr Pitcher said: “It means you’re growing, it means you are evolving and it means that what we built here — the values, the relationships, the memories — are strong enough to carry us all forward.”

She added: “This chapter may be closing, but the story is far from over.”

Several children took to the podium to reflect on their time at Gilbert Institute.

Sophia Borges, the head girl, said that the primary school shaped her and her peers for the better.

She added: “We’ve had ups and downs but through it all we worked together.”

Koah Stovell, the head boy, told the audience that the school taught him and his classmates how to be “kind, brave and how to keep going even when things got tough”.

He said: “We’ve cheered each other on, worked as a team and created friendships we will always cherish.”

The youngsters delivered personal messages to their parents, thanking them for their support.

They then listed their future goals, including aims to become accountants, designers, business owners and professional athletes.

Gilbert Institute is to close this month.