A petition calling for a 20 mph limit to be imposed on streets across the south of Harrogate has been delivered to North Yorkshire Council today.

Asking the council to consider the blanket limit across Rossett, Pannal Ash, Oatlands, Woodlands and Hookstone, the petition attracted more than 900 signatures.

It was set up by parents concerned about children’s safety when travelling to schools in the area, and gained the backing of groups including Harrogate District Cycle Action and Zero Carbon Harrogate.

Hazel Peacock, who delivered the petition this morning on behalf of the campaigning parents, said:

“We’re just delighted we’ve got this number of signatures. It shows the support for the proposal of this change, which could bring such positive benefits from a road safety perspective.

“Once you have that, it will change people’s attitudes in regard to comfort around walking, cycling and mobility users.”

She handed the petition to Elizabeth Jackson, democratic services manager for North Yorkshire Council.

After surpassing the required 500 signatures, it will now be debated by the council’s Harrogate and Knaresborough area constituency committee.

Councillors John Mann, Pat Marsh and Michael Schofield, whose divisions cover the area of the proposed speed restriction and supported the restriction, all sit on the committee and handed over the petition with Hazel this morning.

Cllr Mann, whose Oatlands and Pannal division includes three primary schools, Ashville College and several nurseries and pre-schools, said:

“There is an urgent need in particular for a 20 mph limit for Yew Tree Lane, Green Lane, Hookstone Road, and Beechwood Grove, all of which are used by large numbers of children going to and from local schools, and I have emphasised this to the highways team at the council.

“In relation to the A61 Leeds Road, I have also written to the head of highways, Cllr Keane Duncan, to request that the 50 mph speed limit on Almsford Bank be reduced to 40 mph to reduce competitive speeding, and to improve road safety for schoolchildren using the pavements along the A61 near to the neighbourhoods of Stone Rings, the Fulwiths, and the Firs.

“The current risks to pedestrians using the A61 in this area were highlighted in January when a driver managed to overturn his car and demolish a 30mph sign at the top of Almsford Bank in the morning rush hour. In the same month, another vehicle overturned due to speeding in the early morning rush hour on Hookstone Road close to the junction with Hornbeam Park Avenue.”

The demolished 30 mph sign on Leeds Road

Cllr Mann said he would prefer the A61 Leeds Road to maintain its 30 mph limit through Oatlands in order to ease traffic flow, but that a reduction in the limit elsewhere was “urgently needed”.

He referenced a collision on Yew Tree Lane in which two 15-year-old boys from Rossett School were seriously injured, and another collision on Beechwood Grove which left an Oatlands Junior School pupil requiring hospital treatment – both of which happened while the children were on the pavement.

He added:

“These shocking events, combined with evidence showing that more than 10 children are killed or seriously injured in road crashes every week travelling to school, demonstrate the case for immediate action.

“With thousands of pupils travelling to and from the schools and colleges of south and west Harrogate during the week, implementing a maximum speed of 20mph in these areas has the potential to increase safety significantly.

“I really hope that this petition is looked upon favourably by the North Yorkshire Council highways team.”

Read more:

• ‘Comprehensive’ road safety improvements announced for Harrogate schools
• Knaresborough councillor says male-dominated executive not tackling road safety concerns

Malcolm Margolis, a member of Harrogate District Cycle Action, said reducing the speed limit would also make cycling a safer option for many families travelling to and from schools.

He said:

“It’s a terrific initiative by Hazel and the others. It’s absolutely needed in this area of Harrogate and we hoe it will be the start of it becoming normalised.

“In other countries, it’s just normal. You see parents and grandparents picking up children on their bikes. There’s no reason why we should be different.

“In a calmer 20mph environment, it’s so much more pleasant for anyone who isn’t in a car. In an urban area, it actually makes very little difference to journey times.”

Cllr Marsh, who represents Stray, Woodlands and Hookstone for the Liberal Democrats, said she also backed the plan, and hoped it would be supported by North Yorkshire Police.

She added:

“I’ve been supporting this idea for a very long time. My late husband and I got a 20mph limit put outside Hookstone Chase Primary School and some of the residential streets close by well over 15 years ago.

“My only issue is I wish the police would monitor it, because if they don’t, motorists know it and will ignore it. We can’t put our children at risk.”

To celebrate Charles III’s coronation, the Stray Ferret and Ogden of Harrogate are holding a competition for children to design two crowns fit for the royal occasion.

The lucky winners will have their dazzling crowns displayed in Ogden of Harrogate’s shop window – showcased alongside Ogden’s very own Imperial State Crown.

We’re inviting school pupils of all ages to get creative. Two winners will be selected: one of primary school age and one of secondary school age.

We will be posting photos of entries regularly across on our social media channels during the competition – so, the more the merrier.

The Ogden Crown: 

Traditional luxury jeweller, Ogden of Harrogate, was founded in 1893 by James Ogden.

The company established its royal connections nearly a century ago, after Prince George, son of George V and Queen Mary, became a frequent customer of the St James’s store in London.

In celebration of George VI’s Coronation in 1937, Ogden of Harrogate’s team hand-crafted two replicas of the Imperial State Crown.

One of Ogden of Harrogate’s replica crowns.

The jewels on the crown mirror those in the Royal crown, including the Cullinan 2 diamond – a cut from the largest diamond ever discovered.

The Ogden crowns boast exact replicas of the diamonds, ruby’s, pearls, emeralds, and sapphires found in the Imperial State Crown.

Robert Ogden, director of Ogden of Harrogate, said:

“It is a treat to have the crown out.

“It is only on display during Royal occasions”.

How to Enter:

To enter: please submit a photo of your crown drawing, painting or creation to our website here.

The competition will run from March 27 until April 21.

The crowns will be on display in the Harrogate store from 28 April until 13 May.

Will you be crowned a winner…?

A petition calling for a blanket 20mph zone across an area on the south side of Harrogate has received more than 600 signatures in support.

The proposal would see all streets between York Place and the southern edge of Harrogate limited to 20mph.

The petition has been set up by parents Hazel Peacock and Vicki Evans, who founded the Oatlands Road Safety and Active Travel Campaign. They say it is vital to ensure children can travel to and from school in safety.

They wrote:

“We want safer streets for the children, young people and wider community when travelling to school and other locations in the area, from their home to their destination.

“Road safety has been of particular concern from school leaders, parents and carers of school children and local residents in Oatlands and the wider Harrogate area for many years.

“A maximum speed of 20mph is now urgently needed to reduce road collisions, improve safety, reduce air pollution and create a better environment for walking, wheeling, cycling and scooting to schools, shops, workplaces and local amenities.”

Dr Evans and Ms Peacock will present their proposal to a meeting of North Yorkshire County Council’s Harrogate and Knaresborough Area Constituency Committee on Thursday.

Their proposed 20mph zone covers as far east as Wetherby Road and extends west to West End Avenue and Green Lane.

There, it links with another existing petition for a 20mph zone and additional safety measures, including crossing points, proposed by campaigners Jenny Marks and Ruth Lily.

Dr Marks presented those plans to the Harrogate and Knaresborough Area Constituency Committee in November.

Read more:

• Pressure grows as politicians join calls for road safety outside Harrogate schools
• Accident reignites calls for safe routes to Harrogate schools

Since then, pressure on NYCC’s highways department to improve road safety has grown, particularly following a serious collision on Yew Tree Lane that left two 15-year-old boys from Rossett School with leg injuries.

In the wake of the incident at the beginning of February, headteachers from almost every primary and secondary school in the area met at Harrogate Grammar School to urge representatives of NYCC to take action.

After the meeting, Rossett School’s acting headteacher, Pete Saunders, told the Stray Ferret:

“Speaking to the family of one of the boys [who was injured], they said that was one of five incidents that has affected just their family since their children were small.

“It’s a very pervasive issue. We will do whatever we can to support changes being made.”

Next week, the group is due to meet again – this time at St Aidan’s school – and will be joined by a caseworker for Andrew Jones, MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, as well as NYCC’s transport lead, Cllr Keane Duncan, and local councillors whose divisions are affected by the concerns over safety.

The meeting of more than 30 people will follow a walk around the Pannal Ash area led by the parents, for councillors and school representatives to discuss the issues.

Teachers at schools across the Harrogate district will not be in the classrooms tomorrow in the first of a series of days of industrial action.

The strike has been called by the National Education Union (NEU) in a dispute over pay and conditions.

The union argues a 5% pay rise in 2022 was insufficient to combat the impact of inflation at 10%, leaving many teachers effectively facing a pay cut.

It argues low pay has been a significant factor in many teachers choosing to leave the profession, and has deterred others from joining it. The result, the NEU says, is more pressure on those who remain, particularly since the pandemic.

The union’s points were supported yesterday by Harrogate Grammar School headteacer Neil Renton, who appeared on BBC News to discuss the situation.

He said he was “torn between [his] head and heart”, seeing the difficulties faced by teachers while also wanting to keep the school gates open for pupils.

The issues the NEU raised, he said, affected schools directly too: a recent advert for an English teacher at HGS attracted just one applicant. He added:

“If this continues and we are not able to work with government and ministers to create an education for the future I would, as an educator, want to take steps to make sure we make a much brighter education for our children.”

Read more:

• Why are Harrogate district teachers going on strike?
• Harrogate train passengers braced for further strikes next week

The following schools across the Harrogate district have confirmed some of their teachers will be on strike and released details of how they will operate tomorrow.

Harrogate Grammar School

The school said it is prioritising students taking exams this summer, and those identified as vulnerable.

Years 11 and 13 will be in school, along with children from other year groups who have been contacted individually.

Remote learning from home will be offered to years 7, 8, 9, 10 and 12. Some live lessons will be led by teachers who are not on strike.

King James’s High School, Knaresborough

The school will be open to pupils in years 11, 12 and 13. Other year groups will be provided with online learning.

The school said it would liaise directly with parents of students with an EHCP about the possibility of provision in school.

Outwood Academy Ripon

The school will be open to year 11 and vulnerable students, while all other year groups learn from home.

Ripon Grammar School

Years 7 and 11 will be in school, but students are advised to bring additional work and reading material in case lessons cannot be taught by the subject teacher.

Students in years 8,9, 10 and 12 will learn from home, including some online lessons with teachers who are not on strike.

Year 13 students will be able to work in school if they wish, or revise and join live online lessons from home.

Any students with an EHCP, as well as boarders who can’t go home, can go into school as usual. There is also provision for students whose parents are critical workers.

Rossett School, Harrogate

The school is open to students in years 7, 11, 12 and 13.

Where usual subject teachers are on strike, younger students will have lessons covered by members of the school’s senior leadership team. Older students will carry out independent revision or private study in the sixth form centre.

Students in years 8,9 and 10 will have online lessons available to access from home.

St Aidan’s Church of England High School, Harrogate

Years 7 and 11 will be in school, with years 8, 9 and 10 asked to learn at home.

Sixth form students can work at home or use a supervised study area, if they tell the school they plan to do so.

Students in any year group with an EHCP can attend.

St John Fisher Catholic High School, Harrogate

Years 7 and 11 will be in school, with years 8, 9 and 10 asked to learn at home.

Sixth form students can work at home or use a supervised study area, if they tell the school they plan to do so.

Students in any year group with an EHCP can attend and will spend the day doing activities to develop their social skills, life skills and wellbeing. The school said there may not be sufficient staff available to have one-to-one provision for all students.

Details of how other secondary schools are affected will be posted as we get them.

The next strike date to affect the Harrogate district will be at the end of February.

Ripon Grammar School has been named Secondary School of the Year for academic performance in the north – for the tenth year running. 

The school claimed the top spot – again – in Parent Power, The Sunday Times Schools Guide 2023, published online today and in print on Sunday. 

Ripon Grammar School headmaster Jonathan Webb said:

“We were delighted with this year’s results, given the disruption our students faced to their education during the two years of intermittent lockdown. They coped superbly well with the blended demands of remote learning and face-to-face schooling.

“My congratulations go to the students who worked so well and the dedicated staff this school is so fortunate to have. 

“Our results at A-level actually strengthened on 2020’s and 2021’s results, while GCSE results were on a par with those years, despite the fact that grading was recalibrated nationally to a mid-point between 2019-21.  

Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate, at Thorpe Underwood, was named Independent Secondary School of the Year in the North for academic performance. 

The other northern winners in the ranking were: Prince Henry’s Grammar School, Otley (Comprehensive School of the Year); and Sheffield High School for Girls (Independent School of the Year). 

Nationally, schools in London and the south east outperformed the rest of the country. Wycombe High School in Buckinghamshire, St Peter’s Catholic School in Guildford and Francis Holland School in London were named Secondary School of the Year, Comprehensive School of the Year, and Independent School of the Year respectively. 

Henrietta Barnett School, a grammar school for girls in Hampstead, was named the overall top secondary school for academic performance, and St Paul’s Girls’ School took the equivalent title in the independent sector. 

Read more:

• Hot Seat: ‘We are a proud school, independent-minded’
• Harrogate council approves £650,000 refurbishment of ‘eyesore’ Ripon flats

Godolphin and Latymer, Hammersmith was named International Baccalaureate School of the Year. 

The Sunday Times Parent Power guide has been published annually since 1993 and has a searchable online database of 1,600 schools across the UK. 

Helen Davies, editor of The Sunday Times Parent Power guide, said:

“These have been a challenging few years for teachers, pupils and their parents, and the success of many in our league table is testament to the stamina and support shown by all concerned. 

“It is also clear that more attention is being placed on well-being and mental health – from meditation rooms to counselling support, even therapy dogs – and schools are being proactive to bring about positive changes. 

“League tables are not the only criteria a parent can use when choosing a school, but they are a good starting point. We want to celebrate excellence. We want to champion schools that are doing wonderful work.”

Local environmental group, Zero Carbon Harrogate, is set to hold its annual Walk to School Day for 2022.

The event will be held on Friday (October 7) with a focus on “building good transport habits”.

A further five walk to school days will be held in November, February, March, May and June.

This year, Zero Carbon Harrogate has changed the format of the walk to focus on taking part and building good transport habits, rather than calculating winners.

A spokesperson for the group said:

“This year, our strategy is slightly different. Instead of calculating winners and announcing our leaderboard, the event simply focuses on taking part, building good transport habits – ideally on a daily basis – and spreading the word.

“At the end of the 2022-2023 school year, we will present gold, silver and bronze certificate awards to all participating schools in the area, depending on the number of events they took part in over the academic year.”

The 28 schools taking part in the event on Friday are:

• Admiral Long Church of England Primary School
• Ashville College (Pre, Prep & Senior)
• Aspin Park Academy
• Bilton Grange Primary School
• Birstwith Church of England Primary School
• Coppice Valley Primary
• Follifoot Church of England Primary School
•  Green Hammerton Church of England Primary School
• Harrogate Grammar School
• Highfield Pre & Prep School
• Holy Trinity Church of England Infant & Junior School
• Killinghall Church of England Primary School
• Oatlands Community Junior School
• Oatlands Infant School
•  Outwood Primary Academy Greystone
• Pannal Primary School
• Richard Taylor Church of England Primary School
• Ripley Endowed (Church of England) School
• Rossett Acre Primary School
• Sharow Church of England School
• Skelton, Newby Hall Church of England Primary School
•  Spofforth Church of England VC Primary School
• St Mary’s Catholic Primary School
• St Peter’s Church of England Primary School
• St Robert’s Catholic Primary School
• Tockwith Church of England Primary Academy
• Western Primary School
• Willow Tree Community Primary School

Read More: 

• ‘Welcoming’ Spofforth school rated ‘good’ by Ofsted
• Harrogate to host £3,000 pro padel tennis tournament

A major consultation will ask people across North Yorkshire to give their views on public services this month.

North Yorkshire County Council is carrying out the project, titled Let’s Talk, to provide the foundations for decision-making and policy when the new unitary authority comes into effect in April next year.

It will see the existing NYCC and seven district councils, including Harrogate Borough Council, abolished in favour of the single authority for the whole of North Yorkshire, excluding York.

NYCC’s leader, Cllr Carl Les, said the results will deliver a vision for the new council, showing people’s priorities for spending on everything from social care and education to waste collection, recycling and highways maintenance.

He said:

“Having one new council will save millions of pounds by streamlining services and preventing duplication, creating the most efficient and cost-effective way of delivering them that we can.

“This money will help support services to ensure they are stronger and fit for the future and will fund decision-making on the most local level possible.

“It is vital we engage with the public to help shape exactly how the new council will operate, and this biggest ever conversation in North Yorkshire will be the way in which we can glean people’s views.

“I would urge everyone who lives and works in North Yorkshire to take time to put forward their opinions, and we will listen carefully to those views.”

The Let’s Talk campaign begins on Monday, September 19, running until Friday, December 23.

The first topic in the consultation will be on local communities, looking at education, job opportunities, parks and open spaces, and more.

Read more:

• Council explores move to protect Harrogate Convention Centre with limited company status
• North Yorkshire County Council hits back at ‘dilution of democracy’ criticisms

Future discussions will include public transport, roads and pavements, and access to libraries and museums. Housing provision, climate change and mobile phone and broadband coverage will also form part of the project.

The responses will help to shape policy for North Yorkshire Council over the first three years of its existence.

NYCC has pledged to ensure all communities have the opportunity to engage with the consultations through local events, which are yet to be announced, and online.

Cllr Les added:

“The new council will be the largest geographically in the country as it will cover England’s largest county, but it is being built with local at the heart of everything it will do.

“There will be local staff providing local services, based on local priorities and decision-making taking into account the views of the public.”

To take part in the consultation from September 19, click here. Details of events will also be posted on the same website.

Hookstone Chase Primary School in Harrogate is set to welcome a new headteacher this term.

Joe Cooper joins from All Saints’ Primary School in Ilkley where he spent three years as deputy headteacher.

Mr Cooper settled in Harrogate in 2005 from London. He has since developed his career in North Yorkshire, with short periods teaching in New Zealand and as a music specialist.

Mr Cooper said:

“It is a great privilege to have been asked to lead Hookstone Chase Primary School.  We have a proud history as an inclusive school for all children – with space for everyone to grow and develop their knowledge, skills and abilities.

“Straight away this term we will be opening a brand new outdoor play and learning area for our youngest children who are just joining us. We are a school that is investing in the future.”

Mr Cooper shares a ukulele lesson with pupils. Pic: John Furlong

Hookstone Chase is part of the Northern Star Academies Trust, which includes four other Harrogate schools, as well as schools in Skipton and Keighley.

Its other Harrogate schools are Harrogate High School, New Park Primary Academy School, Starbeck Primary Academy and Willow Tree Community Primary School.

Read more:

• Free school meals children will not face stigma, says North Yorkshire County Council
• Harrogate support group launched for pupils moving up from primary to secondary school

Craig Goold, chair of Hookstone Chase’s local governing body, said:

“Joe has hit the ground running.  It’s going to be a busy year ahead.  Joe has a huge amount of energy and drive. We are definitely a school that is going places in 2023.”

Jenn Plews, chief executive at Northern Star Academies Trust, said:

“It is great to have Joe on board. Joe has really embraced our trust’s deep commitment to sustainability, the environment and outdoor learning. He is just the kind of creative leader that schools need to bring education to life”.

Schools, care homes and public services across the Harrogate district are putting in place measures to protect vulnerable people from the extreme temperatures expected today and tomorrow.

With the Met Office forecasting highs of 38C and red warnings in place, there is a risk to health, especially for the elderly, very young and people with existing medical conditions.

Ice creams for hospital patients

Measures are being put in place to help patients and staff keep cool at Harrogate District Hospital and Ripon Community Hospital.

On the wards and in outpatient areas, temperatures will be monitored and air conditioning units are available if needed. High risk patients will be watched closely and ice creams and lollies will be available to help people cool down.

A spokesperson for Harrogate District NHS Foundation Trust said staff have been given advice on ways to keep cool while working during the heatwave, including wearing light-weight scrubs.

Some appointments where physical exertion is needed, such as physio appointments, may be postponed until the weather is cooler.

The spokesperson said:

“Our emergency department is always busy and under pressure during severe weather due to an increased number of people visiting our hospital – some with heat related illnesses such as heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

“Waiting times to be seen during these times can be longer than usual due to demand.”

Anyone considering going to the emergency department is asked to call NHS 111 first or visit the 111 service online, unless it is a severe or life-threatening situation.

The service can offer advice and even book people in to be seen quickly on arrival if a hospital visit is needed.

Anyone arriving without an appointment will still be seen, with the most urgent cases being dealt with first.

Council bin collections to start earlier

Harrogate Borough Council has made some adjustments to its services in order to keep staff safe.

A spokesperson said:

“Waste and recycling collection rounds will be starting earlier in the morning to enable rounds to be completed earlier and limit work time in the hottest part of the day.

“In relation to our Brimhams Active health and wellbeing services, all staff cover heat exhaustion as part of their staff training, they will be reminded of what to look for and how to treat any incidences.

“At our community wellbeing hubs we have plans in place to increase breaks and water at all sessions.

“We are using the government guidance for vulnerable adults and will err on the side of caution and cancel when/if appropriate.”

Risk assessments have been completed for extreme heat and adjustments made, including for staff working outdoors. The spokesperson said there may be some changes to services if required to protect staff and vulnerable residents.

Read more:

• Harrogate district prepares for heatwave as red weather warning issued
• Social care pilot scheme in Harrogate district ‘could bankrupt council’ without more funding

Extra checks on vulnerable residents

As the public health authority for the Harrogate district, North Yorkshire County Council has issued advice about keeping homes cool, including:

• closing curtains and windows in rooms facing the sun
• turning off unneeded electrical appliances
• finding shade outside, which may be cooler than indoors
• not leaving anyone, including children, the elderly and animals, inside a closed, parked vehicle
• storing medication according to packet instructions
• ensuring fridges, freezers and fans are working properly

The council’s director of public health, Louise Wallace, said:

“Those in our communities who may be more vulnerable will be receiving increased checks on them throughout hot spells.

“However, we would appeal to those who are able to take the time to check whether friends, relatives and neighbours need help and to call for assistance if necessary.

“Public buildings operated by the county council will also be kept as cool as possible while temperatures remain high, but we would advise people to avoid making unnecessary journeys while the weather remains hot.

Care homes focus on hydration

Jill Young, operations director at Vida Healthcare, said its homes have plans in place ready to be activated in the event of a heatwave and some measures began to be introduced last week.

She said hydration was a particular focus, as well as adapted menus with cold foods to reduce use of ovens in the kitchen, adding:

“During hot weather, we also introduce extra fluid measures. Our chefs make jelly sweets that contain 20ml of water per sweet – our residents love them and it can be a straightforward way of giving them a little extra fluid.

“Our freezers are kept stocked with ice creams and ice lollies for both staff and residents which are available at all times, and our residents also have access to jugs of juice and water in their rooms and the communal areas.

“We’re very lucky that all three of our homes have access to secure outdoor spaces with shaded areas that our residents can enjoy.

“If a resident is keen to go outside, our staff will make sure they’re wearing a hat and suncream, and will encourage them to sit in the shade to keep safe from the sun.”

At Emmaus House, opposite Harrogate’s Valley Gardens, manager Chrissie Steel said extra jugs of cold squash will be placed around the home.

“For people with dementia, they may not be able to recognise they are thirsty, or to tell us they need a drink, but they can often point to a jug if they see one.

“We’re very fortunate to be close to the Valley Gardens to get outside when it’s cool enough – and many of our residents who have spent time in Africa earlier in life absolutely love this heat!”

Schools relax uniform policy

Some schools have relaxed uniform policies for Monday and Tuesday, allowing students to attend in light-weight clothing.

Many have said they will keep children indoors during the hottest part of the day and will be ensuring they drink more water than usual.

NYCC public health director Louise Wallace said:

“Staff in schools are aware of the potential risks created by a heatwave and school children should aim to have sun cream applied before attending school next week, and ensure they have a refillable water bottle with them.”

Warning over power supplies

Northern Powergrid has warned the high temperatures could cause disruption to power supplies.

It has asked people to report power cuts via its website or by calling 105.

Anyone who could need more assistance in a power cut, such as people with medical conditions or disabilities, or families with very young children, can sign up for priority services membership and will be kept updated during any disruption.

A spokesperson for Northern Powergrid said:

“Our customer support vehicles are also prepped and ready to go out into local communities, where possible.

“We have also taken action to remind our people of the importance of staying hydrated and protected so they can continue to work safely during the hot weather.”

Schools in the Harrogate district are celebrating the Queen’s platinum jubilee ahead of next week’s half-term holidays.

Pupils have been making crafts, performing re-enactments and putting on performances to commemorate the Queen’s 70th year on the throne.

If you have images of jubilee activities at your school, send them to contact@thestrayferret.co.uk and we will add them to this article.

Harrogate Ladies’ College 

The Harrogate Ladies’ College held a special jubilee dinner and finished it off with a ceilidh.

Springwater School 

The sixth form students at the Harrogate school put on a opened their own jubilee bakery with home-made scones, cakes and jam.

The students also decorated the school in red, white and blue and had their own version of the Queen sat in the school.

St Peter’s Church of England Primary School

Pupils at St Peter’s have had a busy week celebrating the platinum jubilee.

This week Owl class held a tea party with a specially choreographed dance to perform alongside ‘Dancing for Wellbeing’ a local group of elderly residents who dance for their health and enjoyment.

The school had a full church service followed by an afternoon of craft making flags, keyrings and painting canvases and stones.

Years 3 and 4

Starbeck Primary Academy

Children dressed up in red, white, blue, purple and silver. They had a day making craft and artwork that was all dedicated to Her Majesty.

Scotton Lingerfield Primary School

Children at Scotton Lingerfield dressed up in red, white and blue and took part in craft activities this week.

Fountains Church of England Primary School

Fountains Church School has held a week of jubilee activities for its students.

The children danced and sang whilst decorating plates to keep as a momento of the platinum jubilee.

An afternoon tea was also held for all the parents with the children spending much of the morning preparing sandwiches and cakes for the adults to enjoy.

Upper Nidderdale Primary Federation – Glasshouses Community Primary, St Cuthbert’s C of E and Fountains Earth C of E Primary Schools

This week the three schools have been learning about the Queen’s reign and commemorated the event by burying a time capsule and planting a rose tree.

The children also performed a song, made crowns and painted portraits of the Queen.

Over the week, the schools invited parents in to enjoy tea and cakes.

Today, children across all three schools will come together to enjoy an afternoon tea at lunchtime.

Kirkby Malzeard Church of England Primary School

Children at Kirkby Malzeard School made crowns and decorated cakes to celebrate the jubilee.

Dacre Braithwaite Church of England Primary School

Pupils at Dacre Braithwaite Primary enjoyed a jubilee themed day yesterday with a variety of activities.

The children learnt about the significance of the Union Jack flag and to sing the National Anthem. They also made and decorated 96 jubilee buns and made their own crowns.

They did plan to have an outdoor street party but unfortunately the weather meant it had to be inside but headteacher, Jo Dobbs said it was still a “brilliant day”.

Western Primary School

Children from Western Primary School had their faces painted and got to dress up for the day today as they learnt about the Queen’s 70-year reign.

The students spent the morning learning about the jubilee and what the Queen has done during her reign.

Angelique Coatesworth, year 3 and four phase leader, said:

“We watched a clip of the original coronation and marvelled at the pomp and ceremony, especially the golden coach.  All the children were fascinated with our discussions on what life was like back when the queen was coronated at just 25 years old.

“We made some commemorative art of the queen’s face. The children worked very carefully on these. Our dress up winners each received a royal themed book. This was organised by our wonderful family and friends.”

Killinghall Church of England Primary School

Pupils at Killinghall Primary School held a coronation with a garden party and a musical concert.

Grewelthorpe Church of England Primary School

Students at the school held a coronation re-enactment using props and costumes they made themselves.

Andrew Breckon, year 5 and 6 teacher, said:

“We held it in the village church and then had a tea party back at school with our new ‘Elizabeth sponge’ which the children made too.”

Students from Grewelthorpe made their own costumes for the re-enactment.

St Robert’s Catholic Primary School 

The year 2 Starlings class at St Robert’s got their very own visit from the Queen.

Read more:

• Knaresborough to host history festival for jubilee weekend
• Harrogate youngster watches Leeds drama from bench…before sitting GCSEs today

Brackenfield School 

Brackenfield School is preparing for a jubilee showcase tomorrow with readings, music and performances by the children.

The first half will be led by the infants performing two original songs written by the school’s music director, Helen Leaf, and classic London-based songs such as Lambeth Walk.

The second half of the showcase will begin with a montage from the school’s junior choir, including musical numbers and readings, guiding the audience through the life of the Queen up to the present day.

Headteacher Joe Masterson said:

“The jubilee is a fantastic opportunity for us to hold an afternoon filled with delicious cakes and impressive entertainment, highlighting the wonderful and wide-ranging talents of our children. They have been rehearsing tirelessly, all eagerly anticipating their performances, and can’t wait to host our special guests.”

Moorside Primary School

Children at Moorside Primary School in Ripon were gifted special, wooden pennies from the Rotary Club of Ripon Rowels to commemorate the jubilee.

The pennies have been made by a team of workers at Jennyruth Workshops and have been gifted to every pupil at the 17 primary schools in the city and surrounding villages.

The school held a garden party, attended by a woman looking very much like Her Majesty, organised a Royal Bake Off and dressed in red, white and blue.

Headteacher Claire Rowett said:

“We’ve had a week of celebrations involving our children and staff and everybody was in a joyous jubilee mood, as we look forward to the the events being held in the city centre and residential streets.”

“As a prelude to the extended Bank Holiday weekend, we created a portrait gallery with pictures of the Queen drawn by pupils.”

The children, with Union Jacks in hand, prepare for ‘The Queen’s’ arrival

The Queen’ meets one of the pupils at Moorside Primary

Follifoot Church of England Primary School

St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School

St Joseph’s school celebrated on earlier this week with all the children dressing in red, white and blue and enjoying a street party on the playground and playing field.

Children and their families were invited to join the event. Children sang, shared foods, played party games and took part in a royal quiz.