The end of an era and the beginning of a new one: New Harrogate High School opens as district says goodbye Granby

Diana Rusel(11), Patrick Chudzik(12), Isabel Sherwin(12), Josh Pidd(12), Kayla Taggart(12) and Harrison Watson(12) (1702272AM7)

After decades of memories, it was time to say farewell to Granby and hello to a new educational era.

Students arrived to school early, desperate to have a first glimpse of their new classrooms and facilities. After months of waiting, walking through the doors was an unforgettable moment for many of them

Martha Bayne said: "It was really exciting going into the new building for the first time, I didn't know what was going to happen, it was really unexpected not knowing what was round each corner.

Academy Head Ann Francis with Executive Principal of Harrogate High School Andrew Bayston. Picture Adrian Murray.

"This is what we need, we are going to a much better school. The new sports hall is really great, it's absolutely massive. It is just so light and airy. I just think this is a pleasant place to learn. The toilets and new changing rooms are also really clean and smart."

Finlay Rankin said: "It was different, it was weird because I'd never been through those doors before. It is a big change. I walked through and saw people telling us where to go, and making sure that we don't get lost.

"It was strange because I knew everybody, but it is a different place. I also love the new sports hall."

Amy Beardmore added: "My first impressions were, 'wow this is big'. I just thought, here we go, this is going to be fun. The seating in the hall is great. It's all been really exciting."

For the staff, it was a proud moment and the smiles on the faces of students felt like the culmination of all their hard work in making the build happen.

Academy Head Ann Francis said: "It has all just fallen into place, thanks to the super human efforts of our staff. moving 2,500 crates over from the old building for the move.

"Entering the school today, it was a mixture of sheer excitement, and a slight anxiety, The students have been desperate to get into the school, some of them came in very early, they were very enthusiastic and excited to see it all."

Andrew Bayston, Executive Principal of Harrogate High School, said: "The students were very excited about coming into school, which is a great thing for us to see. It was great to see how happy they were to go in for the first time."