Citizenship Ceremony at Bexhill High

Normally such events are held at the register office or, in more recent times, at Hastings Town Hall.

Sue Wragg, Head of House at Bexhill High, said she is delighted that the school has been chosen.

"This is a great honour for everyone at Bexhill High, and we are determined that the event will be a great success from our point of view," she said.

"It is also a good opportunity for our students to see the proceedings. All pupils study citizenship as part of the National Curiculum.

"Some of our youngsters will be playing a small part in the service, such as greeting people or helping with the catering, while others will have the opportunity to watch this historic event at first hand."

It will be the first time that a citizenship ceremony has been staged in a secondary school in East Sussex.

Since 2004, East Sussex County Council's Registration Service has been holding citizenship ceremonies for successful applicants aged 18 and over who apply for UK citizenship.

New UK citizens must attend a citizenship ceremony within 11 weeks of receiving their invitation letter from the Home Office.

Applicants are awarded UK citizenship after swearing the Oath of

Allegiance to the Queen, and promising to be a loyal citizen.

For an additional fee, applicants can arrange a private ceremony to which more guests can be invited.

The proceedings start at 1.45pm next Wednesday at Bexhill High School.