Prom students bring a touch of star quality to Moss Side

Young men in shades and tuxedos and girls with heels as high as their nails are long, exchange air kisses in the glare of flash bulbs. Make no mistake; they are here to celebrate in Oscar-winning style.

But this is Moss Side, not the side of that famous hill in Hollywood, and the party-goers are not film academy wannabes but 16-year-old school-leavers from Manchester Academy eager to mark the end of their exams.

There is no need (or room) for gold-plated statuettes here, just a bit of bling and plenty of the right attitude are all that is necessary to enjoy a night, which rivals the glamour of any LA awards night.

Many of the students made their own clothes and raised funds for the prom by packing bags at the local supermarket; organising a staff versus student football competition, performing in concerts, arranging cake sales and raffles or offering car wash and valeting services.

Kathy August, Executive Director of Manchester Academy, said: “The effort the students have put into ensuring this prom has gone ahead are a testament to just how entrepreneurial these students are. This night is all about their incredible achievements. Tonight we are wishing a fond farewell to more students who have gained top college places than ever before.”

Shola Rashford, Head of Year 11, said: "Everybody looks fantastic and I’m extremely proud of all the students. This is the perfect way to celebrate all that these students have achieved over the last five years”.

“I feel like a film star! We girls in Moss Side really know how to glam it up!”