THE Skipton Academy has welcomed the biggest intake of year seven pupils for many years after what has been a very turbulent time due to the coronavirus.

Principal, Richard McManus said pupils had adapted well and to the ongoing £3.2 million renovations at the school, which are taking place in stages and are expected to be completed next year.

He said: “It was really exciting to see the students back in school. They have very quickly adapted to the new systems and way of working. The building work is progressing nicely and the pupils will benefit hugely from the changes once they are completed next year”.

The government awarded £3.2 million towards the cost of renovating the building. The work will take place in stages, to minimise disruption, and is expected to be completed next summer, providing modern classrooms for the next 30 years.

Last year’s year 11 students received the best GCSE results in the history of the academy with significant increases in achievement in some subjects.

In a letter to parents, Mr McManus said: “Overall our students have done fantastically well and it is a testament to their hard work over the last five years at The Skipton Academy.

“ It is also one of the first tangible benefits of joining Moorlands Learning Trust as we have been able to support our staff and students this year with outstanding support from Ilkley Grammar School which has been wonderful.”