PARENTS and pupils were given a glimpse of life at a school which is on the brink of a new era in education.

Hundreds of prospective students from primary schools across Northallerton and the surrounding area descended on the Allertonshire School to hear about the prospects of learning in the town.

And current pupils played the perfect hosts, taking visitors on a grand tour of the site where they could witness first-hand the teaching and facilities.

As well as being guides, students showed off their talents in drama, music, cookery and art, staged scientific experiments and manned a host of displays offering pupils and parents an insight into life at the school.

The school joined the Northallerton and Catterick Federation last year becoming part of a family including Northallerton College and Risedale Sports and Community College at Cattterick Garrison.

Since then expertise has been shared across the federation, boosting learning opportunities for youngsters aged 11 to 18.

The community is currently considering plans to merge the Allertonshire and Northallerton College into a single school providing seamless education for students’ secondary years.

Associate headteacher Chris Byrne said: “This is a tremendously exciting time for the Allertonshire and education in Northallerton as a whole."

Anyone who missed the open evening but would like to see the school should contact Anna Wilson on 01609 772888.