As a school community, we fell silent on Friday to recognise the dedication and service paid by those who fought for freedom and peace in our country today. Inevitably, we remember those who have fallen and the loss to families within and beyond our North community. 

Our Head students remembered the youngsters at North who were involved with the First World War. One hundred and seven students enlisted from our school and served in the war. Two former students worked as nurses and the school welcomed a refugee from Belgium. Our North family values of acceptance into our family and to offer support was as strong then as it is now. 

It is difficult to imagine any of our students about to head off into a war of conflict and violence when fundamentally as a school, we seek to nurture and allow them to develop emotionally. What a shock it must have been for those young people to experience a world so removed from their home of Bromsgrove and it was no doubt a loss to the community as a whole when some were never to return.

Sadly, 17 were wounded, three were gassed and two suffered shell shock; one was torpedoed and two were taken as Prisoners of War. Tragically, 10 were killed in action and never returned to their North families. However, four were decorated for their bravery. 

Our dancers completed a beautiful performance which was moving to watch and students who take part in cadets also supported our service with respect and dedication. 

With Miss Chater's beautiful rendition of the last post, it was a moment of reflection for our fallen North family and for all those who have served, we thank them.