Thanks to Mr Oliver, Teaching Assistant at Richmond as well as coach and manager of the Year 9 football team, for this report about two recent fixtures:  

“This half term the Year 9 boys team played two games against some very tricky opposition, the first against Our Lady & St Bede and the second against Tadcaster Grammar School.   

We hosted Our Lady & St Bede at the Dave Clark Arena in November in an ESFA Cup tie.  

It was a close game against some very talented players. The visitors got in front early, going into half time 2-0 up. The discussions at the break were about showing confidence and belief that we could still win the game.  

Everyone went into the second half with brilliant determination and effort to turn the game around. Harry Coyle was fouled in the box and then converted the resulting penalty to bring the score to 2-1. There were plenty of chances for both sides. Owain Hyatt put in a great performance to keep the game close, as well as help from Junior Latcham in goal with some top saves. Kai Morfoot worked hard on the wing and managed to create some good chances, unfortunately we couldn't find the finishing touch. The full-time whistle blew with the game finishing 2-1 to Our Lady & St Bede. Player of the match for this game went to Owain.   

Later in the half term we travelled to Tadcaster Grammar School for the U14 boys County Cup quarter final.  

The game started very evenly with both teams finding their way into the game. Due to absences, a few players had to play in unfamiliar positions, particularly Seth Bell, who moved out to the right wing and featured as the striker at times during the game - a big change from his usual central midfield position. He didn't let this get him down and gave a solid performance in both positions.  

Both teams created chances, but Tadcaster were the more clinical, winning the game 3-0. Oliver Pickles picked up the player of the match for an impressive defensive performance and a good physical battle with the Tadcaster striker. Junior Latcham also put in a very impressive performance in goal making plenty of saves. It was a hard fought and close game, with the Tadcaster coach saying that Richmond were one of the best teams they have ever played against, something all the team should be proud of, despite the result.   

Photo taken at the Tadcaster fixture.  

Back row - Gabe d'Silva, Owain Hyatt, Seth Bell, Archie King, Junior Latcham, Oliver Pickles, Olly Middlemiss, Freddie Curtis, Connell Lacey  

Front row - George Reed, Harry Coyle, Ralphie Parker, Zach Aylett  

Player of the match photos: Oliver Pickles and Owain Hyatt. 

Nishi and Trinity were nominated by Mrs Fox and Miss Pemberton who said: “Nishi and Trinty have been working hard throughout this half term to choreograph and teach a dance performance to a group of 18 Year 7 Evolution dancers in preparation for a performance at the Service Children's Community Choir Christmas Cracker Event on Wednesday 17th December at Tennants, Leyburn.  

The girls have planned and facilitated the rehearsals for this independently every Tuesday after school and have supported and prepared the younger students for their first live community performance, which is a huge responsibility. Their calm and creative approach to this has been really inspiring for the younger students and we have been so impressed with how reliable and mature they have been throughout the process. Genuinely a joy to work alongside!” 

We were recently contacted by Sarah, mum of Harry Willis, Year 9 student at Richmond School. She told us about Harry’s recent business venture into the seasonal turkey market – over to Sarah for a bit more detail!  

“Harry has a flock of laying hens and has been selling their eggs to the residents of the village of Barningham all year, gathering pocket money.  

With his sharp eye for business, this year he used that money to buy 15 turkey chicks, also investing in their bedding and feed. He has worked hard to hand rear them, getting up at the crack of dawn every day to feed and care for them.  

Today was the day we had to pluck them. It's been a long 8-hour day but we have done it! 15 turkeys ready for the butcher to process.  

Harry has sold the turkeys to friends and family, and we hope they’ll make a fitting local, free-range centerpiece for their dining tables this Christmas! 

Alongside his egg business and breeding Silkie hens, Harry has also been running a stall at local Christmas markets selling the handicraft he makes. An entrepreneur in the making!”  

Well done to Harry – I'm sure this won’t be the last we hear from him as his business ventures expand in the future! 

Thanks to Miss Jeans, PE teacher and coach of the Year 7 and 8 netball team, for this report about a recent game against Northallerton: 

“On Monday night our mixed Year 7 and 8 netball team delivered an outstanding performance in their recent fixture against Northallerton. They secured a 14–9 victory through exceptional teamwork, control, and support on the court. From the first whistle, the players demonstrated great communication and movement, ensuring the ball flowed smoothly through the thirds. 

The team’s ability to maintain composure under pressure and work together was evident throughout the match. Defensive players applied strong marking and interceptions, while the mid-court provided excellent linking play to set up scoring opportunities. The shooters showed confidence and accuracy, converting chances into points that kept us ahead. The girls have improved significantly over recent weeks and they really brought their best performance! 

Player of the Match was awarded to Delia Barnham, whose incredible shooting skills were a highlight of the game. Her precision and calmness in the circle made a huge difference to the final score. 

A fantastic effort from everyone involved – well done team!” 

We were delighted to welcome Mark Woolley, founder and creative director of Electric Hair – and proud Richmond School and Sixth Form College alumnus – back to school today! 

Mark began the day with an inspiring assembly for our Year 7 students, sharing his journey from Richmond School to building a world-renowned brand. He spoke passionately about the importance of setting goals, staying focused, and working hard to achieve your dreams. 

Our A Level Business Studies students in Years 12 and 13 then had the privilege of hearing first-hand what it takes to launch and grow a successful business. Mark discussed branding, entrepreneurship, and the many different areas of business he has mastered along the way. 

Finally, Mark spent time with a group of Year 10 and 11 students who are interested in careers in hair or fashion, offering practical advice and encouragement for their future paths. 

Ruth Hamer, Careers Adviser, said: 
“We are always so grateful to Mark for coming back into school and sharing his experiences. It’s invaluable for students to hear from someone who once sat where they are now and has gone on to achieve amazing things. We want our Year 7s to feel supported and inspired throughout their time here and to understand that it’s never too early to start thinking about life after school.” 

A huge thank you to Mark for giving his time and inspiring the next generation of innovators and creatives. We are so proud to see our alumni achieving incredible success and returning to share their knowledge with our students! 

#RichmondSchool #CareersInspiration #ElectricHair #AlumniSuccess #FutureReady