The school was buzzing with energy as prospective families joined us to explore our facilities, meet our dedicated staff, and experience firsthand what makes the Risedale Family so special. Visitors attended from primary schools right across our local and wider community, creating a wonderful atmosphere of community, ambition, and excitement for the transition to secondary school.

A Warm Risedale Welcome & Pupil Leadership

The Main School Hall was filled to capacity for the opening presentation by Headteacher Mrs Greenwood and members of the Senior Leadership Team, with standing room only as families gathered to hear about Risedale’s vision and core values. In survey feedback following the event, 96% of families who attended the presentation felt it was informative and well presented, noting that it "covered all aspects in a positive environment" and gave a platform for a variety of staff voices.

Our pupil ambassadors served as knowledgeable tour guides and activity leaders throughout the night, taking centre stage and leaving a great impression on visiting families. Parents highlighted their enthusiasm in feedback, sharing comments like, "It was nice to have the pupils leading the activities," and praising individual ambassadors: "Our tour guide, Paris, was great."

Interactive Departmental Highlights

Across every floor and department, staff and pupils hosted interactive, hands-on activities showcasing the breadth of Risedale’s curriculum:

• Science & Design Technology: Practical experiments and demonstrations in the labs and DT workshops drew great crowds, with visitors noting, "Science and DT, we loved them!"
• Mathematics: Practical tasks kept young minds sharp, with families sharing, "We really enjoyed the pyramid building in Maths."
  Creative Arts, Humanities & Library: Drama, History, and the Library received high praise for their engaging displays, welcoming staff, and lively environment.
• Dedicated Pastoral & SEND Support: Visitors spent time speaking with our specialist support teams, praising their "excellent knowledge in SEND" and calling the SEND Hub "a great addition to the school."

Reflecting on the night, 83% of surveyed visitors confirmed they saw everything they needed, describing Risedale as a "warm, lovely environment" where staff "put pupils at ease."

Headteacher Mrs Greenwood shared her thanks to everyone who made the evening such a success:

"It was an absolute pleasure to welcome so many prospective pupils and families to Risedale on Wednesday. Open Evening is always a highlight of our calendar because it showcases the dedication of our staff and the pride, warmth, and achievements of our pupils. We look forward to welcoming many of these young learners into the Risedale Family next September."

Mrs Greenwood's presentation is available to view here: Risedale Open Evening Presentation 2026.

Missed the Open Evening?

If you were unable to attend the Open Evening, we would still love to show you around! We welcome visits from prospective parents and carers during the school day so you can see Risedale in action. To schedule a personal tour or ask questions about Year 7 entry, please contact us:

• 📞 Phone: 01748 833501
• 📧 Email: enquiries@risedale.org.uk
• 🔗 Transition & Admissions: Visit our Transition to Year 7 webpage.

Key Admissions Dates for Year 6 Parents & Carers:

• 31st October: Closing date for secondary school applications
• 30th November: Last date to request changes to an application
• 1st March: National Offer Day

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