STUDENTS shared the warmth and family-friendly nature of their new school as they opened the doors to the next generation of secondary learners.
Hundreds of Year 6 pupils, their families and carers descended on Richmond School and Sixth Form College for a snapshot of life at the big school.
Around 35 primary schools from the Yorkshire Dales and south to Leeming were invited to meet teachers and tour the facilities of the school, which is rated good by Ofsted and just recorded excellent GCSE and record A Levels results.
Current Year 7 pupils shared their experiences of term so far praising the way staff and students had helped them make the transition to secondary education.
Seth Wilkinson, 11, of Scorton, told a packed audience: “This time last year I was sitting where you are and I can tell you that life at Richmond School is not scary, you soon work it out.
“There is plenty of time to get to lessons and you soon find where things are. There are plenty of adults around to help you. The facilities here are great and the opportunities exceptional. Teachers support you and encourage you to realise that you can be anything you want to be.”
Fellow Year 7 student Diana Murray, 11, of Barton, added: “I came from a very small primary school but it already feels normal at secondary school. The food, lessons, teachers and facilities are great. I already love my new school; it is really brilliant.”
Newly appointed headteacher Jenna Potter said: “We are really proud of our school and its traditions which stretch back to 1372. We are at the forefront of current educational practice and prepare our students for the future. Despite our apparent size, we are a close family and know our children very well.
“We challenge them on the things they find difficult so they become resilient, support their dreams and enable them to succeed.”