BACK to school is a phrase which usually evokes mixed feelings among youngsters, for it is generally associated with the end of the summer holidays.

But there is nothing but excitement at Haydon Bridge High School, where staff and pupils will step inside a newly-refurbished site.

They are celebrating the completion of a major refurbishment programme, which caps a remarkable turnaround in the schools fortunes over the past five years.

From the outside, the 1960s-built school looks completely transformed, with a welcoming new entrance, and brilliant blue walls featuring an eye-catching logo.

Vast improvements have been made to the main buildings and sports hall, with the introduction of a completely new vocational centre, and the creation of a multi-use games area.

The vocational centre offers dedicated areas for catering, construction and engineering, as well as hair and beauty, which have all been designed to a high professional standard to help students work towards their future careers.

There has also been a major redesign outside, with the old tennis courts making way for a new car park which enables vehicles to drive in and depart in an orderly manner.

There’s new fencing and key access areas, with a better functioning coach park for school drop off and pick ups.

Northumberland County Council said the investment has proved beneficial to the school having seen a rise in numbers over the last couple of years.

Tennis enthusiasts needn’t worry, for the sport can now be played within the new multi-use games area.

Despite the transitional period at Haydon Bridge High, the school remained open throughout the lockdown period for the children of key workers, and vulnerable pupils.

While all schools faced difficulty delivering teaching during lockdown, Haydon Bridge High School’s problems were compounded by the enormous catchment area of the school – the largest of any high school in England.

After a damning Ofsted report over five years ago, and a failed takeover by the Stockport-based Bright Tribe Trust, the school has bounced back from the threat of closure in recent years.

The refurbishment brings back memories of the school’s halcyon days, including the 1990s when famous international footballers took to the playing fields.

During Euro 96, the French team used Haydon Bridge High as their training base, leading to much excitement in the community.