This term will see the start of an extensive rebuilding project at this 1,400-pupil, 11-18 comprehensive, funded by a pound;35 miilion private finance initiative to bring Roundhay and five other Leeds schools up to date. A popular, over-subscribed school, Roundhay is set in 24 acres of parkland surrounding a mansion built in 1856 by the grandfather of cancer charity founder Sue Ryder. It became a boys’ grammar in 1926 and added a girls’ school later. Builders’ plans include knocking down later additions to the mansion and putting up more integrated classrooms - the present ones are too spread out. Work starts next month and will take two years. The school prides itself on its links with the community - pupils regularly go out to garden for the elderly, to share books and read to them. At te other end of the age range, Roundhay runs football and netball competitions among its feeder primaries. Last year was a record year for A-level results, with 47.8 per cent of entrants gaining A or B grades. And, at GCSE, 54 per cent gained five or more A-Cs. Former pupils include thriller writer Jack Higgins, author of The Eagle Has Landed.

Snaps by the staff

Action pack: new Year 7s’ first experience with a rugby ball

Breaking the sound barrier: learning about rhythm with a visiting French rap band.

Hot tips: Leon James creates Caribbean cuisine in food technology.

Above: creative use of paper plates to make masks for a key stage 3 project.

Work all cut out: Year 8 embarks on an art project.

Sure ting: more work with the French rappers.

On the up: a mass balloon release on the school’s open day.