A new academy has been officially opened in Elmbridge.
Rydens School, in Hersham Road, successfully converted to an academy during the summer months.
And it was officially opened as Rydens Enterprise School and Sixth Form College (RES) at a ceremony this week.
Esher & Walton MP Dominic Raab, Mayor and Mayoress of Elmbridge John and Sheldon, staff, students, parents and governers all attended the event.
As well as changing its name, the school has introduced a new logo and badge.
This features the four colours from its house system within a crest that is the same shape as the old school badge.
The sixth form college has chosen to use a purple version of the logo.
RES also has a new motto – “believe, achieve, succeed” – created by Year 9 student Spencer Miller.
As an academy, the school has freedom from Surrey County Council, the local education authority.
It has the ability to set its own pay and conditions for staff, as well as change the lengths of terms and school days.
The school will also receive funding directly from the Young People’s Learning Agency – an agency of the Department for Education – rather than the county council.
In a statement on the Rydens website, headteacher Nikki Knight said: “We are looking forward to making the best use of our independence as we continue to strive for the very best for our students and the local community.”
“We are also starting the new year with a new school logo, a new motto and a new name for the school. The motto “believe, achieve, succeed” was created by one of our students.
“The ability to believe in yourself and in others, as well as having an understanding of the wider belief systems contained in different religions and cultures within our society is really important for all young people.
“A strong belief and determination to do our very best leads to achievements both academically and socially, not just in our school lives but onwards into our adult lives in work and as part of a family and community.
“It is a very fitting motto to start the new era of the school.”