On Armistice Day – West Buckland School remembers
Pupils, staff and guests have continued the West Buckland School tradition of observing Armistice Day with a full remembrance service and Act of Remembrance at the school’s own war memorial
Armistice Day is always an important event for West Buckland School, which saw many former pupils march off to war during its long history and several of those never returned.
Today, (Wednesday, November 11) the school community gathered together on for a moving whole-school Remembrance Service in its Memorial Hall, reflecting on the sacrifices made by those who have served their country and honouring members of the West Buckland community who lost their lives in conflict.
The service brought together pupils, staff and guests from across the school and included readings from the heads of school, guest speakers, prayers and hymns.
In recognition of the school’s international community, prayers were also read out by international students in a number of different languages, highlighting the values of unity, remembrance and respect that connect people around the world.
Following the service, the school gathered around the war memorial for an Act of Remembrance. Wreaths were laid and a period of reflection observed before sixth form music scholar Peter delivered a poignant performance of The Last Post on the trumpet.
On Remembrance Sunday, members of the school's Combined Cadet Force (CCF) represented West Buckland at the town's commemorative service in South Molton.
This year's commemorations also marked the continuation of West Buckland's collaborative ceramic poppy project, inspired by Paul Cummins’ iconic Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red - the breathtaking display of ceramic poppies at the Tower of London in 2014, commemorating those lost in World War One.
First displayed around the school's war memorial in 2025, the installation was created with pupils from Kingsacre Primary School in Braunton, who visited West Buckland last year to make the ceramic poppies alongside West Buckland pupils.
This year, the annual poppy installation is being hosted at Kingsacre, continuing its role as a powerful symbol of remembrance, reflection and collaboration.
A West Buckland School spokesperson said: “Remembrance provides an important opportunity for us to pause, reflect and remember those who gave so much in service to others.
“It was particularly meaningful to see our school community come together, alongside our partner schools and wider community, to honour their sacrifice and ensure that their stories continue to be remembered by future generations.”