Starting school was the same for a senior teacher as for 45 excited children as they began their new education journey in Sunderland together.
Camilla Hall joined the new reception class on their first day at Christ’s College, in Pennywell, as she took up her post as leader of primary years.
Mrs Hall will lead 318 children up to Year 6 at the college, formerly Grindon Hall Christian School and now part of the Emmanuel Schools Foundation multi academy trust.
She has joined from Bede Academy, in Blyth, another school in the ESF family, where she taught from its opening in 2009.
She said: “It’s wonderful to be here at Christ’s College. My aim is to ensure the children have the very best opportunities to excel in everything they do, to develop their curiosity and character.
“They are full of excitement about their new school and becoming part of a family of schools, which will have enormous benefits for them and our staff.”
Julie Roberts, principal of Christ’s College, said: “We are delighted to have a second school with primary years in the trust and there is a lot we can share and develop together. Bede Academy has grown into a centre of excellence and we have the same ambition for Christ’s College, which we want to be at the heart of our local community.
“There will be new opportunities for the children and for the professional development of our staff as we share best practice and collaborate at all levels.”
The primary years facilities at Christ’s College are relatively new and has features including a dedicated music room. The younger students will also benefit from being taught lessons in the college’s new science laboratories and art room.
Mrs Hall is originally from Johannesburg, in South Africa. She moved with her husband Mark, who is principal of Grace College, in Gateshead, to the UK nearly 20 years to offer better opportunities to their two daughters.
Former students of Emmanuel College, in Gateshead, Nicola, 23, is in her final year of medical school, and Roxanne, 21, has just graduated in biomedical science at Durham University.
Christ’s College is holding an Opening Evening on Thursday, September 26 from 4.30-6.30pm. For more information, call 0191-534 4444.