PUPILS in Meirionnydd have become little fish in a big pond after waving goodbye to their primary schools for the last time this summer.

Ysgol Bro Tegid, Ysgol Beuno Sant, Ysgol OM Edwards, Ysgol Ffridd y Llyn and Ysgol Bro Tryweryn gathered to celebrate the graduation of their year six pupils at the School Prom Evening.

The event at Bala Golf Club with a smart dress code and many pupils wore shirts, ties and magnificent dresses.

The five Welsh language schools have shared the milestone day for the sixth year running. Because they are situated in a rural area they plan curriculum and extracurricular activities together, and the end-of-year party gives pupils the chance to meet each other before moving on to secondary school at Ysgol Y Berwyn in Bala.

Parents of Ysgol Bro Tegid founded the prom evening and the responsibility to host it returned to the school this year. The golf club hosted it without charge and Rita Jones, Ysgol Bro Tegid parent, made food for all the pupils. They were also treated to a soft drink served in a champagne glass, before enjoying a disco on the dancefloor.

Sara Morris, headteacher of Ysgol Bro Tegid, said: “The schools work together closely throughout the year in planning learning, staging sporting activities and friendly matches, and working towards the Welsh Language Charter at Welsh quizzes and workshops.

“The year six classes are busy every term and the end-of-year party is a good chance for them to relax and have fun. What matters is that they were all there and happy with their friends.

“I hope that the tradition will continue.”

Maria Jones, headteacher of Ysgol Beuno Sant, said the evening helps to “build a community” between the schools, adding pupils from the school enjoyed the event.

Dilys Ellis-Jones, headteacher of Ysgol OM Edwards, added that pupils are “excited” to start at secondary school in September.