WITH the summer holidays already having started for many, Oxfordshire teenagers have marked the last of their school days.

Prom season this year coincided with an uninterrupted spell of hot weather, which meant the sun shone as students stepped out of fire engines, classic cars and luxury limousines to make their entrance.

Students from Didcot Girls' School and neighbouring St Birinus School for boys united for a joint prom at Oxford Spires Hotel.

Cathy Pearl, head of Year 11 at Didcot Girls' School, said: "The event marked the end of the students' time at school, and was a fantastic way to reward them for all of their hard work and commitment.

"Prom committees from both schools worked hard fundraising and planning the much anticipated event, which was an enormous success.

"All students and staff had a fantastic time and the atmosphere was electric.

"The impeccable behaviour of the students was commented on and staff were incredibly proud."

Pupils in Year 11 at St Gregory the Great Catholic School in East Oxford also enjoyed their prom, at Hawkwell House Hotel in Iffley.

Acting head of school Sean Tucker said the evening on July 4 was 'hugely successful'.

He said: "This is a date in the diary that many have been looking forward to and it was a thoroughly enjoyable for all.

"It is always interesting to see students mature and develop through the years and for it to culminate in an event like this is fantastic.

"It was lovely to see so many students and a wonderful evening of celebration for their time with us.

"We would like to thank parents for their continued support for the school as well extended friends and family."

Students at Wood Green School and Henry Box School in Witney also attended their respective proms this month, which each saw their school halls transformed into glittering dance floors.

Wood Green described the event as 'a brilliant evening from beginning to end', attended by 138 students.

Assistant headteacher Mark Bonsell said: "It was wonderful to welcome these talented and unique young men and women back to Wood Green School to celebrate the end of their exams.

"They are each tremendous people and we wish them and their families well, for what will undoubtedly be a very successful future."

Most state schools in Oxfordshire close for summer on Wednesday, though some have broken up earlier by scheduling inset days this week.