Three middle schools in the Thurston area which are closing at the end of the summer term are marking the end of an era with a host of events.

Ixworth Middle School, Blackbourne Middle School in Stanton and Beyton Middle School will soon be shutting their doors to pupils for the final time.

They are closing as part of the educational restructure which has seen a move from three-tier to two-tier schooling.

Pupils and staff at Ixworth Middle – which opened in 1957 – are celebrating the past and present successes of their school by presenting a “dynamic and imaginative” version of the Wizard of Oz, which they performed yesterday and is also on today.

Jacqueline Rozier, deputy headteacher and director of the show, said: “This is our way of showing just what we have always been about: achieving excellence through nurturing talent.”

Headteacher Glenice Francis said pupils were positive about moving on to their new schools, but from the staff perspective there would be an element of sadness.

“We have been such a great team here for a very long time,” she said.

At Blackbourne Middle – which opened in 1975 – there will be a final celebration on July 19 from noon to 3pm on the school field for all students, staff and parents past and present, including a bouncy castle, stalls and beer tent.

And at Beyton Middle there will be a special event – yet to be revealed to pupils – on the last day of term, July 22, and a range of activities are taking place to give students the chance to say goodbye.

Are you a former pupil or staff member of one of the three middle schools? We’d like you to send us your memories and any old pictures of the schools. You can also email mariam.ghaemi@archant.co.uk or call 01284 727410.