News and events
Our latest news and events give you an insight into life at school.
Our latest news and events give you an insight into life at school.
What an incredible few weeks it has been for the pupils and staff involved in our recent production of Beauty & the Beast.
In just three weeks, a group of pupils came together to create, rehearse and perform a full school production. What they achieved in such a short space of time was truly remarkable. From learning lines and choreography to building confidence, supporting one another and stepping onto the stage in front of an audience, the whole experience was a wonderful celebration of what our young people can achieve when they are given the opportunity to shine.
A particularly special part of the production was the involvement of 14 Year 7 pupils. For pupils who are new to Lift New Forest, getting involved in a production so early in their journey was a fantastic way to settle into their new environment, make friendships and feel valued and included within our community.
The production also gave our Year 11 pupils the opportunity to take centre stage in their final school production. They were absolutely superb and once again demonstrated the talent, dedication and maturity they have shown throughout their time with us.
As their final production, it was a particularly poignant occasion. We will miss them greatly, but over the past two years they have been fantastic role models for younger pupils. They have shown what can be achieved through commitment, teamwork and a willingness to support others, and the legacy they have created within our performing arts community will undoubtedly continue through the pupils who follow them.
The Year 11 pupils' own reflections on their experience captured just how meaningful the production has been. One pupil spoke about the people who had supported them throughout the production, saying that their “kindness, clear direction [and] positivity” had helped them go “above and beyond anything I ever thought I could ever do.”
Another reflected on the opportunity to share the stage with “these talented people who I wouldn’t have met otherwise.” It was not simply about putting on a show; it was about bringing people together, discovering new talents and creating experiences that pupils will remember.
Perhaps most importantly, the production inspired a genuine love of the performing arts. One pupil shared that, through taking part, they had “developed a love and passion for performing arts” that they intend to continue with into college.
These reflections perfectly capture what opportunities like this are about. Beauty & the Beast gave our pupils a stage, but it also gave them confidence, belonging, friendships and the chance to discover what they are capable of.
A huge thank you goes to everyone who made the production possible, including the staff, pupils, families and the wider team who supported the show. We are incredibly proud of what the pupils achieved in just three weeks.
And, of course, a very special thank you to Unique Events for everything they did to support the production and our pupils.
Fourteen Year 7s, an incredible group of Year 11s, three weeks, one magical production — and a whole lot of memories made.
We may be saying goodbye to our Year 11 performers, but the mark they have left on Lift New Forest will remain for years to come.
Lift New Forest,
Long Lane,
Holbury,
Southampton,
SO45 2PA
