We recently published an article about Year 10 student Jacob Gray’s journey to his first solo glider flight. In the article, we mentioned how he had been inspired to try gliding by one of his fellow tutees, Sarah Nolan. Sarah had taken her first solo flight some time before Jacob and has been developing her skills and experience since then. Thank you to Sarah for providing us with this recent update, showing how far she has come since that first solo flight: 

Note: The heights and durations mentioned by Sarah describe standardised soaring milestones defined by the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI). 

“On 29th May, I achieved my Silver/Gold Duration by staying airborne for over five hours in a single flight. It was an unforgettable experience and showed me how much I’ve learned since my first flight back in 2024. 

Then, on 20th June, I achieved my Silver Height after climbing to 5,600ft above the ground. I had gained 4,100ft from my lowest point, which was 1,500ft. Looking down from that height was an amazing feeling and another achievement I’ve been working towards. 

Since I started gliding, I’ve now accumulated 75 hours of flying, with 27 hours of those hours flown solo. These achievements have taken patience, perseverance and a lot of learning. Gliding is so much more than flying; it’s about understanding the weather, making good decisions and constantly developing your skills. Looking back, it’s amazing to see how much experience I’ve gained in just over two years, and every flight continues to teach me something new. 

My next goals are to achieve my Silver Distance by completing a 50km flight and my Gold Height by gaining 10,000ft. Unfortunately, I’ll have to wait until I’m 16 years old before I can attempt these because I need to hold my Sailplane Pilot Licence (SPL) and to get my cross-country endorsement first. Although it’s a little frustrating to wait, it gives me plenty of time to keep building my skills and experience, so I’ll be ready when the time comes.” 

We look forward to hearing from Sarah as she, no doubt, hits these amazing targets as soon as she turns 16! 

Georgia was nominated by Mr Maddocks who said: “I would like to nominate Georgia Kirkbright for Creativity, Excellence, and Independence.

Georgia has worked amazingly hard all year in Drama and is both a brilliant actress and designer.

This term, Year 9 have been tasked with imagining that they have been asked to put on the next school pantomime, and to create a presentation and drama specialism to give an idea of what the pantomime could look like. Georgia decided to take it upon herself to create some fantastic design work for Rapunzel, including amazing illustrations of a set design for Rapunzel's tower and costume design for Mother Gothel. Alongside this, Georgia worked in her own time at home to create a model replica of Rapunzel's tower, which looks magnificent!

Georgia's work is a fantastic example of hard work, independence and creativity that we take pride in at Richmond School. Well done Georgia!” 

Thanks to Mr Swanwick for the following report: 

“Last week, our Year 10 cricket team progressed to the National Rounds of the Barclays Knight-Stokes (BKS) U15 Cup following their victory in the Yorkshire Finals. We were grouped with Queen Elizabeth High School (Hexham), Isle of Man and Altrincham Grammar Schools, with the winners going forward to the National Semi Finals. 

Our first match of the day was against Queen Elizabeth High School in what turned out to be a high scoring affair. On what was a very hot morning down at QEGS in Wakefield, skipper Bertie Morris lost the toss and was duly asked to field, with Queen Elizabeth looking to make use of brilliant batting deck and fast outfield. Despite an early wicket for Lewis Pybus, thanks to a magnificent diving catch at long off by Joe Brookes, Queen Elizabeth piled on the runs in the first 10 overs, reaching 103-3 at the halfway stage. Richmond was staring down the barrel of a monstrous chase. The second half of the innings was all about restricting the opponents and drying up the runs where possible. The spin twins Charlie Beadle and Jake Wright managed this to some extent with two wickets apiece with Max Dawson (Year 8) also chipping in with a wicket of his own, as Queen Elizabeth posted a very competitive 180-6. In truth we probably weren't at our best with the ball and in the field today, however we knew as tricky a chase as it was, we were more than capable of giving it a good shot. 

Richmond opened with the ever-reliable Joe Brookes and Bertie Morris, looking to seize the initiative from the start and get ahead of the rate.  A sumptuous 6 off the second ball of the innings from Bertie set the tone. The second over then saw Joe bludgeon 18 runs of his own as we sat at 32-0 off two overs, ahead of the rate and starting off with real intent. However, the 3rd over saw our momentum take a hit as both Joe and Berti were removed in the space of 5 balls. Not deterred, some fine hitting from Justin McGregor and Sam Fudali kept Richmond up with the required rate, and once they had perished, Lewis Pybus and Jack Sykes continued to keep the runs flowing with a partnership of 38. However, as the overs began to close out, in our desire to keep up the rate, wickets began to fall. Some late resistance from Tomas Pybus saw a flurry of boundaries however, we ended up 30 runs short on 150-9. A valiant effort from the boys, but a sense of what could have been, with an acknowledgement that we probably didn't start the match as well as we could have. 

As a result, we moved to play the 3rd place play off against the Isle of Man in our second game of the day. This time Bertie managed to win the toss and given the searing heat, he opted to bat first on a wicket that looked like it offered a little more help for the bowlers. The game had a more relaxed feel about it, with both sides knowing they were unable to progress, but still we applied ourselves well with the bat. Bertie and Joe both played magnificently, putting on 94 for the first wicket, a partnership that saw them plunder 9 fours and 2 sixes as Bertie eventually fell for 45 and Joe 40. Jake Wright came in at 3 at continued the hitting, seeing him amass 43* which saw Richmond post a competitive 167-5. 

In a change to the norm, skipper Morris decided he would help the bowling attack with Joe taking the gloves for the second innings. A move that paid dividends as Bertie claimed 2 scalps in a fabulous spell of 4 overs: 2 for 18. The heat was really starting to get to everyone, with fielding errors creeping in, bowlers lines not quite on it and umpires becoming slightly irritated by tardiness on the field. However, as the overs ticked down it was Richmond that came out on top, as the Isle of Man finished on 144-8. 

A fine effort from the Year 10 boys this year. They have been exceptional in the National Cup, putting in some fantastic performances against some fierce opponents. Well done, boys!"

Thanks to Miss Bates, leader of the Richmond School Art Club, for the following information: 

“Richmond School’s Art Club students recently completed their latest project; exploring sustainability through creative design by transforming plain, old lampshades into vibrant, one-of-a-kind pieces. 

Using fabric paints, they brought their ideas to life with bold, colourful patterns, ranging from intricate floral designs to detailed animal illustrations. 

The project not only showcased our students' impressive artistic talent, but also highlighted the value of upcycling, demonstrating how creativity and imagination can give discarded items a new lease of life.” 

This week, we were delighted to welcome Ben Noble and Angela Campbell, leaders of the incredibly successful Service Children's Community Choir, for a fantastic day of singing and music-making at Richmond School. 

Angela began the day with an engaging assembly for our Year 7 students, sharing the choir’s inspiring journey and achievements. This was followed by a two-hour workshop led by Ben for 40 Year 7 and 8 Service pupils and their friends. Throughout the session, students explored a range of techniques for learning music, developing confidence, and performing as part of a choir. They also had the opportunity to learn and perform songs that the choir has sung at previous events. 

We are so fortunate to have such exceptional local talent willing to share their expertise and passion with our students. The workshop was truly inspiring, and it was wonderful to see so many pupils fully embracing the opportunity. Several students have already expressed an interest in joining the choir next year, and we can't wait to see where their musical journeys take them. 

With performances at Britain’s Got Talent and the Royal Albert Hall already under their belts, we have to ask – what’s next?  

Mrs Cheesbrough would like to thank all the students who took part for throwing themselves wholeheartedly into the session. They sounded fantastic, and both Angela and Ben commented on the students’ enthusiasm, effort and talent throughout the workshop. 

If any students would like to find out more about joining the Service Children's Community Choir, the choir meets every Wednesday at 7.30pm at Le Cateau School. Please contact Mrs Cheesbrough for more information. 

Six of Richmond Sixth Form College’s Year 12 students recently enjoyed an inspiring visit to Oxford University.  

Georgina Braidley, Teddy Warren, Abi Collier, Sophie Tarran, Mikolaj Koltek and Mollie Thirwell spent two days exploring the University, visiting a range of academic departments and colleges while gaining a real insight into undergraduate life in one of the world's most prestigious university cities. 

During the visit, our students worked alongside peers from other schools, including Thirsk and Stokesley, taking part in a variety of academic activities and experiencing first-hand what it is like to study at Oxford. The trip provided a valuable opportunity to develop confidence, ask questions, and discover more about university life and the application process.  In addition, we are proud to say that our group from Richmond won the quiz that took place during the first night! 

Miss Whibberley, who led and organised the trip, said “Our Year 12 pupils had a fantastic time visiting the University of Oxford, where they enjoyed an inspiring introduction to university life. They took part in engaging taster lectures, mock interviews and explored the beautiful city of Oxford and all its wonderful colleges!  It was a memorable experience that built confidence and helped our students to see that the University of Oxford could be the place for them in the future". 

Mollie Thirwell also said, “The best part of the trip was winning the quiz with our team, ‘The Richmond Ruffians'! I also really enjoyed looking around the colleges and finding out about all the different societies. It made Oxford seem like somewhere I could actually see myself living and studying”. 

The students have benefited from the ongoing support of Joe Organ and the team from Brasenose College, who will return to our Sixt Form during Year 13 to help students develop their personal statements and prepare for formal interviews should they choose to apply to Oxford or Cambridge. 

The visit was an excellent experience for all involved and has provided our students with valuable knowledge and inspiration as they begin to consider their future university aspirations. 

Thanks to Mr Haye for the following report:  

“The Year 12 biology students recently completed their two-day ecology field trip to the North York Moors and coast. In the blazing heatwave we were happy to be at the cooler coastline studying the ecological succession of species on the dunes at Redcar. Marram grass, rest harrow and hawkweed were found, amongst many others. We also visited Runswick Bay where, despite the awkward tide times, we were successful with our sampling of limpets but failed in our quest to capture a crab.  

Finally, we visited the high moors at Danby to study the ecological impact of land management there. The bird song was excellent, and we were captivated by lizards soaking up the heat. Multiple ice creams were consumed across both days, and a smug feeling of having avoided sitting in classrooms for two of the hottest days in recent memory was enjoyed by all.” 

Year 8 students recently took part in an exciting Neon Futures Pipe Bridge Challenge, competing against other schools across our trust in a day filled with creativity, problem-solving and teamwork. 

Each school entered four teams, with students tasked with designing and building both bridges and rockets using KNEX construction materials. The challenge encouraged participants to think like engineers, applying their knowledge of design, structure and mechanics to create models that could withstand testing and meet specific design criteria. 

Throughout the competition, students worked collaboratively to plan, build and refine their creations. All students demonstrated impressive resilience and determination as they adapted their designs, overcame setbacks and found innovative solutions to engineering problems. 

The rocket challenge tested their creativity and understanding of construction techniques as well as looking at the logistical challenges of ordering parts overcoming challenges such as the parts they needed no longer being available. The bridge-building element of the challenge required students to consider strength as well as stability in the construction of their bridges. It was amazing to see the different designs they came up with, with staff commenting: “They are not just engineers but also architects!” due to their fabulous designs. The atmosphere was competitive yet supportive, with students enjoying the opportunity to meet and compete against their peers from across the trust. 

Mrs Harrison said, “I am incredibly proud of all our students who represented the school so enthusiastically. Their excellent teamwork, communication skills and positive attitude were on display throughout the event, and they proved to be fantastic ambassadors for our school” 

The winners for Richmond School were Annie Martinson, Lydia Matrinson, Ellen Ford and Alice Cane, who received an LED torch kit each. 

Events such as the Pipe Bridge Challenge provide valuable opportunities for students to develop STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) skills in a practical and engaging way. The experience not only allowed students to put their learning into practice but also inspired them to think about future careers in engineering, design and technology. 

Congratulations to all who took part as well as special thanks to Abbie Hope for organising the day, Catherine Scott and Josh Allen for getting teams together from Northallerton and Nunthorpe, and to Dave Bennett from Hartlepool Power Station for running the day (and providing his unbelievable volume of KNEX!) We look forward to participating again next year and taking on even more exciting engineering challenges.  

Noah was nominated by Miss Merckx who said: “Noah is one of those students who quietly gets on with things. He doesn't draw attention to himself, but he has consistently demonstrated almost all the values throughout the year. He is always pleasant, polite and respectful to all. He is punctual and well organised. He makes a brilliant contribution to every lesson by participating fully and doing his very best in all activities. He always completes independent learning. 

Noah is in a large, mixed ability group. He shows excellent teamwork, working brilliantly with other students in the group and supporting and motivating others to do well. 

In a recent test, Noah achieved above his target, and this reflects his excellent work and determination throughout Year 9. 

He thoroughly deserves to be recognised for everything he does.” 

Thank you to Mr Maddocks, coach and manager of the Year 7 boys football team, for this report about the recent Area Cup Final against Outwood Academy Easingwold: 

“In the first half of the cup final, the boys really showed what Richmond is all about: fluid football, going for every challenge, and running for every loose ball. Plenty of shots on goal saved by their keeper, and Harry Adams hitting both the post and the crossbar unfortunately meant our efforts went unrewarded. Easingwold grew into the game, and for the last few minutes of the first half some strong defending from the Richmond back line, led by Owen Mundell, meant they couldn't break the deadlock either. 0-0 at half-time. 

A quick summary of the half-time team talk: “More of the same please lads!” 

Now playing towards the goal in front of a brilliantly supportive crowd, that's exactly what the lads did. Harry Adams on the left wing played a beautiful cross-field pass to Jaxon Tarrant on the other side, who finished the goal with aplomb. 1-0 Richmond.  

Continuing our relentless pressure, team captain Archie Porter fired in a second following in from a corner and put Richmond 2 in front. Following the celebrations, the referee controversially decided to allow Easingwold to take the kick off with none of our players in our half. Charlie Davies, the Richmond goalkeeper, sprinted from one half of the pitch to the other to make a miraculous save. The following corner for Easingwold was turned in as the Richmond players refocused following the decision. 2-1.  

Easingwold kept up the pressure, and even though a great challenge was made to stop their attack, the referee gave them a penalty. At this point, it felt as though the world was against Richmond, with the ref’s decisions taking the game away from us. However, once again super keeper Charlie Davies came to the rescue and stopped the penalty - justice prevailed! Continuing to play brilliant football, we finished the game with yet another goal, a great finish from Oscar Anderson. The full-time whistle blew, and Richmond's Y7s were Area Cup CHAMPIONS! 

I'd like to take a moment to thank everyone for all their support and help with the team this year. Myself and the lads could not have done it without you. I'd like to give special thanks to all the PE staff at Richmond School, Mr Potter, Mrs Potter, Mr Sandell, Sandra Johnson, and all parents and carers of the boys, particularly Toni Mundell and Neil Tarrant, for all their extra support!  

Finally, of course, a massive shoutout to all the boys. They have worked hard as a full squad this season, both the boys who have come to the first-team games and the boys who attend training each week - Archie Porter, Charlie Davies, Owen Mundell, Harry Cowperthwaite, George McKevitt, Finlay Hayward, Tom Pickles, Noah Atkinson, Harry Adams, Jake Kirkbright, Rhys Vinton, Jaxon Tarrant, Oscar Anderson, Max Read, Billy Kenealy, Cameron Pick, Jack Austin, Henry Bielby, Max Bell, Logan Rose, Rafferty Willmore, Dan Chapel, Seth Chapel, Teddy Beattie, Elijah Dunn, Marcus Kirby, Riley McLurg, Rowan Pearce, Aaryun Singh, Arthur Young, Thomas Wise. 

Thank you!" 

Team photo from left to right, back row: Harry Adams, Jake Kirkbright, Max Read, Owen Mundell, Charlie Davies, Harry Cowperthwaite, Tom Pickles  

Front row: Rhys Vinton, George McKevitt, Oscar Anderson, Jaxon Tarrant, Noah Atkinson, Archie Porter  

To see a short video of the team celebrating, go to the link below: 

https://youtu.be/56N8E2FEORU