Thank you to Mrs Carruthers for the following report: 

“Richmond School recently hosted a lively multi‑sport festival featuring boccia, archery and kurling, with 18 teams taking part. The event was expertly delivered by 30 Year 9 Sports Leaders, who organised equipment, officiated and supported participants throughout the day. 

Pupils showed great teamwork, determination and enthusiasm across all three activities. Boccia saw some incredibly close matches, archery produced several impressive personal bests, and kurling brought excitement with dramatic final‑stone finishes. 

The atmosphere was positive, inclusive and energetic, and visiting schools praised both the organisation and the sportsmanship shown by all involved. 

A huge well‑done to every team and a big thank‑you to our fantastic Sports Leaders for making the festival a great success. 

Many thanks to all schools for supporting this event. Results can be found in one of the images attached to this post. Schools highlighted achieved the top 3 positions.” 

Thank you to Miss Jeans for the following report: 

“The game started well with the girls keeping control of their pace of play. From the opening moments, they moved the ball confidently through the court and settled quickly into a strong rhythm against a determined Thirsk School side. 

Throughout the match, the team displayed impressive consistency, scoring points in every quarter. Their balanced approach was evident in attack, with accurate shooting and well‑timed feeds into the circle, supported by calm and controlled play through the mid‑court. 

Defensively, the players were disciplined and alert, making key interceptions and disrupting Thirsk’s attacking flow. Their work rate remained high, even when faced with the challenge of playing against two different Thirsk line‑ups across the fixture. 

The match remained close from start to finish, with both teams showing excellent determination. After four competitive quarters, the game concluded in a well‑fought 8–8 draw, reflecting the effort and teamwork shown throughout. 

A special mention goes to our Players of the Match: Izzy Hunter (Centre) and Chloe Devlin (Goal Shooter). Izzy controlled the tempo brilliantly through the mid‑court, while Chloe showed impressive accuracy and composure in the shooting circle. 

Overall, it was a fantastic display of teamwork, resilience, and sportsmanship. Well done, Year 8!” 

No photo was taken on the day – this one is from a previous fixture. 

Thank you to Mrs Harrison, Lead Teacher of Physics, for the following: 

“Our Year 10 Triple Science students had an exciting and enriching day at the GCSE Science Live event held at St George’s Hall in Bradford, where they experienced science brought to life by some of Britain’s most inspiring experts. 

During the event, students attended a series of captivating lectures delivered by five leading scientists, each working at the cutting edge of their field. The line‑up included Professor Robert Winston, Professor Andrea Sella, Professor Jim Al‑Khalili, Dr Kate Lancaster, and Professor Suzie Imber. Their talks gave students a glimpse into real‑world scientific research, ranging from cutting‑edge physics and chemistry to biology and space science.  

In addition to the scientific lectures, students also benefited from an invaluable session led by experienced examiner Stewart Chenery, who provided expert advice on how to succeed in GCSE Science exams. 

Throughout the day, our students represented the school brilliantly. They listened attentively, engaged thoughtfully, and demonstrated curiosity and maturity during each session. Their conduct was exemplary, and they made the most of this unique opportunity to deepen their understanding and broaden their scientific horizons. 

The event aims to inspire young people to pursue further study and careers in science, and our Year 10 students certainly left feeling motivated and enthusiastic about the possibilities ahead.  

Well done to all who took part—you were a credit to the school, and excellent ambassadors for the Science Department.” 

Thanks to Mrs Southgate for the following report: 

“Richmond School’s U13 girls put in an excellent team performance to secure a 6–0 win over Risedale in the Hambleton and Richmondshire Plate competition.  

Richmond started strongly, with Charlee Stead scoring from the first attacking play to give the team early control. Madeleine Leighton and Phoebe Willis added three well‑taken goals between them before half‑time, extending the lead to 4-0 through great passing and attacking play. 

In the second half, Risedale demonstrated some determined defence and Richmond had to work hard in attack to find a way through. Their determination paid off with Phoebe Percival and Charlee scoring to make the final score 6-0. The team are looking forward to facing Wensleydale in the next round.” 

In the latest of our almost-regular alumni profiles, we catch up with Nic Perks, owner of the Easby-Loop Café, a brilliant street food outlet situated on one of the most popular walks from Richmond. If you haven’t been, you are definitely missing out! 

Below, Nic provides us with an insight into his journey from Tanzania, via Richmond School and Sixth Form College, the Tan Hill Inn, achieving the role of Head Chef at only 19, to his current position as owner and manager of a successful local business – read on! 

RS: Describe your time and your memories of school and college. 

NP: Joining Richmond School in 2017, in Year 8, after 13 years growing up on the coast of Tanzania, was a bit of a shock! Coming from a French school, the education, habits, hours, and everything else was night and day to what I was used to, but I couldn’t have been happier. I went straight into a great group of friends who showed me the ropes of Richmond, the education system, and how to not get into ‘too much’ trouble!  

Going into the final years of secondary school, things got serious. The tests came and the study seemed endless, but it was so worth it. I look back on all my grades with great pride, knowing that I gave it my all - but I didn’t forget to enjoy it, especially the football!  

Some teachers really made an impact on me, looking back on it, not only in terms of the work, but also their personality and attitude - they were so important to me, and still are.  

My business studies teachers, Mr Stamford and Mrs Clish, were some of the most important figures I thought about when setting up my first business, The Easby-Loop Café. My Media teachers, Mrs. Weston and Miss Dunwoodie, taught me things I use every day in customer interaction - generally just being kind to everyone you see! The main figures I can remember really making the switch from Tanzania to the UK easier for me were, of course, Mrs Potter & Mr Speakman, who helped me massively. 

RS: What did you do straight after school?  

NP: I achieved three A Levels – all Bs, so straight after Sixth Form I had a serious decision to make: go to university or take my time and figure out my own path. I chose the latter. I went straight into hospitality, working as a bartender, to save up some money to go travelling. I got lucky enough to have a chance to work in the kitchen and really took it - loved it! I trained up at the Tan Hill Inn, Britain’s highest pub, and after that led multiple local restaurants, becoming a Head Chef at only 19 - one of my biggest achievements! 

RS: What did you do next? 

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Not long ago we heard that Abi Booth and Violet Land, both Year 8 students at Richmond, had recently taken part in the Worsall Amateur Dramatic Society’s charity production of Sleeping Beauty. We have already published stories about Richmond students’ involvement in the Georgian Theatre Royal’s production of Cinderella and the Hudswell Village Players’ production of The Wizard of Oz, so to have a third panto story was excellent news! We caught up with Abi and Violet to find out more: 

RS: So, tell us a bit about the panto – what was it and who put it on? 

VL: It was Sleeping Beauty and it was put on by Wamdram – the Worsall Amateur Dramatic Society. They’re a local group based at the village hall in Low Worsall, near Yarm. 

AB: Wamdram started in 2011 and they put on a panto every year in February. This is the sixth time I’ve been in it – I was only five the first time! 

VL: ... and it’s the third time I’ve done it. 

RS: You’re both old hands! How did you get the parts – did you have to audition? 

AB: If you want to be in it, you can be, especially the young people. I watched Rapunzel when I was little and I’ve been in it since then. The more you’ve been in it, the more likely you are to get bigger parts – they do audition for the main parts, though. 

RS: And what parts did you play this year? 

VL: I played Mayhem – the wicked fairy’s servant – she was called Carabosse. It was a speaking part, and I was on stage quite a bit – mostly with Carabosse. 

AB: I was one of the three narrators. I was on stage a lot – we had our lines in front of us in a book, and we helped the story along. 

RS: So, Abi, you mentioned lines – I guess you didn’t have to learn any because they were in front of you! What about you, Violet – did you have many to learn? 

VL: I had 11 lines, but some of them were quite long. I found them reasonably easy to learn because I’ve done quite a lot of acting before. 

RS: Tell us about the rehearsals and the performances. 

AB: Rehearsals started at the start of the school year, then we had four performances at the end of January – Thursday and Friday evening, then a matinee and an evening performance on the Saturday. It was in the village hall and lots of people bought tickets – it raises money for charity – Yarm Wellness this year. 

RS: And, looking back, what were some of the highlights? 

VL: It was all brilliant, but it was the last one for some of our friends before they go off to university, so being there with them was a real highlight – we've known them for ages! One of them played Princess Aurora and the other one was one of the other Narrators with Abi. 

I also really like being onstage, but backstage is fun too – if there’s a song on stage, you can sing along backstage! 

AB: I love the dress rehearsal weekend, the weekend before the performances. We go through the whole performance four times and it’s amazing to see everyone in their costumes and makeup and the lights and everything – it's lovely just seeing it all come together at the last minute. 

RS: Ok – those are some highlights, but not everything always goes perfectly – tell us about a time where things could have gone better! 

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Jorge and Sophie were nominated by Mr Swanwick who said: “Last week we were hosting the U13 and U15 Indoor Cricket Competitions which saw 4 schools competing to progress to the Yorkshire Finals. On the day of the event, we had two pitches that required umpires, and at the very last minute due to unforeseen circumstances both Jorge and Sophie stepped in to run the U13's competition showing great independence. Both Jorge and Sophie had just completed a full morning of GCSE PE moderation, without a break, and were thrust straight into umpiring and scoring duties. Jorge led the way umpiring all six matches with Sophie scoring from square leg.  

On top of this, Jorge showed her motivational skills when talking to our school U13 team. The girls had lost their first two matches, but Jorge was on hand to gee them up and offer her words of wisdom. The respect shown by Jorge and Sophie to the competing teams throughout was a pleasure to see and feedback received from the competing schools also showed high praise for our magnificent cricket leaders.  

Without Jorge and Sophie, we would not have been able to run such a smooth event, and we are extremely grateful to both of them for stepping in at the last minute. With the event finishing at 3pm both girls also missed their lunch, but thankfully a tray bake and cheese sandwich apiece from the restaurant prevented them from becoming hangry. Well done girls!” 

Thanks to Mr Oliver, coach and manager of the U14 boys football squad, for the following:   

"Before half term the U14 Boys team welcomed Wensleydale School to the Dave Clark Arena for an Area Cup fixture. The game started with a sustained spell of possession and control for Richmond but we struggled to create any clear chances. Our breakthrough came from a corner where Oliver Pickles had a great attempt which hit the post, then rather fortunately bounced straight back to his feet for him to place into the net: 1-0 Richmond.   

The goal settled some early nerves, and everyone started to play some good football, keeping control of the game with some solid defensive performances when called upon. Connell Lacey added a second goal for Richmond before Archie King gave us a 3-0 lead just before half time.   

The talk at half time showed how competitive the game had been - everyone was still fully focused and realised the game was absolutely still in the balance. Half time brought the introduction of four new Richmond players: Gabe d'Silva, Lincoln Sykes, Tobyn Gardner and William Littler. Lincoln managed to race free from his defenders to slot home a great finish in a 1 on 1 opportunity with the opponent's goalkeeper. He then turned creator after beating his defensive marker to slot a great ball through for Olly Middlemiss, who calmly finished with his right foot in what is now becoming his trademark goal. Gabe then showed a nice piece of skill and a good pass to Connell who expertly placed the ball into the back of the net for a 6-0 lead to Richmond.   

As the game was approaching the final stages, a corner was whipped in for Lincoln to attempt an audacious overhead kick which narrowly missed by hitting the crossbar but very kindly dropped straight back to him for him to blast home his second goal of the game. The whole defence then played a great final few minutes to protect the clean sheet, particularly Curtis Haughton-Wilson who made some top saves as well as some brilliant sweeping actions. Full time, 7-0 to Richmond.  

A fantastic performance by everyone involved in what has become a regular and tricky fixture against a good Wensleydale School team. Richmond now progress onto the next round of the Area Cup and are awaiting news on who is up next. Player of the match went to Lincoln for his 2 goals and 1 assist - well done!

Photo (left to right): Lincoln Sykes, Gabe d'Silva, Freddie Curtis, Olly Middlemiss, William Littler, Owain Hyatt, Connell Lacey, George Reed, Harry Coyle, Curtis Haughton-Wilson, Archie King, Seth Bell, Zach Aylett, Oliver Pickles, Tobyn Gardner.  

Player of the match photo: Lincoln Sykes." 

Thank you to Mr Swanwick, PE teacher and cricket coach at Richmond, for the following report:  

“Our U13 and U15 girls cricket teams recently participated in the North Yorkshire Indoor Cricket competition, hosted here at Richmond School.  

For our U13 team it was a very exciting first taste of competitive cricket, with the team consisting of 11 Year 7 students, all playing effectively against teams one school year above them. On the day the girls showed great togetherness and teamwork, encouraging one and other throughout. The team was supported throughout the day by our stand in Coach Miss Hamer and our Year 11 Cricket Leaders Jorge Lumley and Sophie White. The girls thoroughly enjoyed their day of cricket and will no doubt return in the summer months when the hard ball season begins after Easter.  

Our U15 team managed to make it through to Finals Day, winning two of their five matches to finish a respectable 4th. What really stood out for me on the day was the togetherness and support that the girls have for one another. Every wicket was celebrated as a team, with high fives aplenty. The bowling and fielding from all the team was exceptional. When batting, the girls were fully supportive of one another, with some big hitting by Annabel Hodges and Freya Atkinson. The team was led by Freya throughout the day and she did brilliantly, making sure everyone got to play a part, be it with the ball, bat or being placed in prominent fielding positions. Even when errors were made, there was no arguing or shouting - the girls stuck together and were an absolute joy to work with. The highlight of the day had to be the magnificent hat-trick by Ellie Buchanan against Kings Academy that completely turned the game on its head - her bowling all day was outstanding.  

Well done to all the girls that competed, I look forward to seeing what the outdoor hard ball season brings this summer term.”