THE head teacher of an Eden secondary school told staff, students, parents and governors at presentation day that learning is more than what happens inside the classroom.

Ruth Houston, head at Kirkby Stephen Grammar School, which this year entered its 448th year as a school, said the ceremony was an important part of the year.

The day was opened by Simon Bennett, Chair of Governors, before a performance by Tom Bennett, Fiona Lambert and Megan Buckler, of Madonna Lilies from ‘Flutes in the Garden’.

Mrs Houston then spoke about the academic year and praised the success of pupils.

She highlighted a 100 per cent pass rate at A2 for all KSGS led courses and that all students wanting to go to university gained a place while the vast majority of those got their first choice.

At GCSE the school made improved progress in both Maths and English with both above national averages, said Mrs Houston.

"I thought one way of summing up this last school year for you would be to give a quick overview of the huge range of trips and visits that students have been involved in," she added.

"Learning is much more than simply that which happens in the classroom and we are justifiably proud of our reputation for extending learning beyond the classroom with over 60 different trips, visits and learning activities taking place last year.

"These have included; all members of year 7 visiting local places of worship in Kirkby Stephen, a yr 8 Geography trip to Malham, a yr 9 Outward Bound residential, a ski trip to France, a whole range of Duke of Edinburgh activities including walking and cycling expeditions, a very moving and poignant visit to The Western Front for members of yr 11,12 & 13, and an extreme physics residential.

"These are just a few examples of the broad education that we are proud to offer and we are very grateful to the members of staff who give of their own time to make such a huge range of visits and experiences happen. We are also indebted to the members of our local community who support us with these activities."

Other musical performances throughout the day included Still Water by Amy Davis and Jenna Buckler, Aint Misbehavin’ by Jess Robinson and Ethan Wallington, ‘Voi Che Sapete’ from ‘The Marriage of Figaro’, performed by Hannah Andrew, and ‘I can’t give you anything but love' by the school choir.

Sarah Dunning, the award-winning Chief Executive of Westmorland, a hospitality, catering and retail business, was guest speaker.