Photo: Some of Risedale's new Year 7 students for September 2020.

Risedale Sports and Community College is preparing for a new way to introduce prospective pupils, parents and carers to what the school has to offer.

Headteacher Colin Scott said: “The past few months have thrown many challenges our way and our virtual year 6 open evening is just one of these — and Risedale loves a challenge!

“The Transition Team at Risedale have created a bespoke information section on the school website to enable families to explore the opportunities that Risedale has to offer. Videos, information and a virtual ‘meet the team’ Zoom session are just some of the aspects of the virtual evening.”

Mr Scott said the school was also offering three covid-secure opportunities for families to book a tour of the school with a member of the senior leadership team.

Transition manager Kieran Pearson said: “At Risedale, the transition is at the heart of what we do. Welcoming and supporting new members into the Risedale family is very important to us. Our extensive transition programme from year 4 and beyond means that our links to local primaries are strong and growing. Our open evening this year will be different but we can guarantee that all visitors to the virtual experience will enable all prospective parents to gain the valuable information they’ll need.

“The Risedale family is ready to welcome you and to help you decide the website provides you with all the information you will need to make that important decision about your child’s future.”

The school said current year 7 students have had a good start, and had settled into their tutor groups and had taken part in the first house competition.

Aidan Hindhaugh, the House System Coordinator, said: “It has been an exciting first couple of weeks for our newly launched house system.

“The students have had an exciting introduction to a new sense of working together and we’re already looking forward to the new intake for next year. Risedale has chosen four ‘house heroes’ that we feel represent the diversity and inclusivity of the Risedale family — Attenborough, Pankhurst, Seacole and Turing.”

Headteacher Mr Scott added: "With two Ofsted Goods in 2015 and 2019, results improving and a super reputation in the community, there has never been a better time to send your child to Risedale. Enjoy the information on the website and please do join our ‘Meet the Team’ Zoom coffee morning on offer."