The Prom was postponed as sixth formers said an emotional goodbye to their classmates after coronavirus brought the school year to an abrupt end.

Epping St John’s Church of England School Sixth Form, in Epping, was forced to close suddenly due to the outbreak, along with the rest of the country’s schools.

With weeks of the school year left, Year 13 students will not only now miss out on taking their A-level exams, but also planned trips and celebrations.

The sixth form prom was rearranged for September, but teachers rallied to give students the best send-off they could under the circumstances.

Flora Christofi, head of sixth form, said: “We managed to put together a sixth form leavers assembly and a pizza party for students in their common room on the last day.

“It was a realisation for students that their time at Epping St John’s had come to an abrupt and unexpected end. Some have been with us for seven years and so they were not prepared to say goodbye. It was an emotional last day.

"However, being together and celebrating for the last time definitely gave them comfort and positivity when thinking about the future.”

Students are still being given work to do, podcasts to listen to and links to university courses.

University and job interviews are taking place via video calls.