This year’s annual Form 5 tour to Edinburgh marked a special milestone in a long-standing Aysgarth tradition. For the first time, the tour included girls’ participation and competitive hockey fixtures alongside rugby, reflecting our commitment to providing inclusive sporting opportunities for all pupils.

Across two days of matches against our friends at Fettes College and Cargilfield School, every fixture was played with determination, teamwork and great spirit. The pupils were superbly supported throughout, with many parents travelling north to cheer from the touchline and share in the sense of occasion.

The tour even made its mark on the national stage. At the Scotland v Argentina match at Murrayfield, our enthusiastic supporters, faces painted and fully in theme, caught the attention of BBC Sport and press, appearing widely online over the weekend.

Yet the greatest highlight came not from the scorelines or the spotlight, but from the remarkable conduct of our pupils. Staff at the hotel, restaurants, museum, and even the service station took the time to comment on their impeccable manners, kindness and exemplary behaviour. Time and again, our pupils were praised as polite, thoughtful, and an absolute credit to our school community.