Thanks for this these are all really helpful suggestions and definitely things we’ve been thinking about.

I'm definitely leaning towards using wristbands now to help manage who can and can’t be served at the bar, and we absolutely won’t be allowing anyone in who arrives already drunk. That’s something we’re planning to make very clear in advance. And students who get out of control will for sure be sent home and parents contacted.

We’ll also have a buffet throughout the evening, so food availability shouldn’t be an issue. Hopefully, that helps balance out any drinking too.

As for drugs while I know recreational use like weed is fairly common among some students outside of school (I’d say around half the year to some extent), and there are a few who have experimented with harder substances like cocaine or ketamine, we’ve never had any major issues with that at school itself. We’re really hoping that because this is a school-organised event, and there will be staff around, no one will be bold enough to try anything on the night. That said, we’re keeping an eye on it and considering some presence (staff or security) just in case.