A SIXTH-FORMER honoured his outgoing headmaster with a surprise concert.

Joshua Puckey, who is inYear 12 at Colchester Royal Grammar School, came up with the idea to pay tribute to Ken Jenkinson six months ago.

Since then, he organised the topsecret show, involving former and current pupils, with the help of deputy headmaster Tim Chambers.

Joshua, 17, said: “I have been at the school for about six years and have found Ken Jenkinson to be pretty awesome. I thought I owedhim something.

I know people were writing him cards but I wanted to do something more meaningful.

“I spoke to Mr Chambers as I wanted to run it past him. Then I set up a Facebook group and added as many ex-musicians of the school as possible.”

Joshua wanted the concert to include performances from former and current pupilss and the group soon had about 100 members in support of the idea.

Mr Chambers even asked Mr Jenkinson’s wife for advice on the sort of music he might like to hear.

The line-up included 14 performances encompassing soloists, duets and groups, and much of their music was from previous shows held during Mr Jenkinson’s career at the school.

Guests in the 100-plus audience included former teachers and pupils.

Joshua, of Ipswich, admitted it was difficult to keep the concert under wraps before it took place at the Lexden Road school last Friday He said: “I don’t know how we managed to keep it a secret.

“On the day he had a clue something was happening, but didn’t knowwhat it was.”

Mr Jenkinson was told to attend the school hall on the night, but not told what for.

He described the surprise concert as “both immensely enjoyable and incredibly touching”.

He said: “I have always marvelled at the talents of ourmusicians, and it was a crystal clear reminder of the importance of CRGS music to the ethos of the school.

“The musicians are not only multitalented individuals, but they also enjoy each other’s company, collaborate willingly and fill the room with sheer joy whenever they perform.

“We finished the evening with Carmen Colcestriense, written by Percy Shaw-Jeffrey. The former headmaster’s call for solidarity and loyalty to CRGS in the words of the school song is a sentiment which is still valid today."

Mr Jenkinson is set to retire this summer after 14 years in charge.

Joshua added: “The school will be very different. It is a shame, but people have to leave at some point and I am sure new the headmaster will be great."

The new headmaster will be John Russell.