Arjol, Jaquan and David at St Mark’s primary school in Upper Holloway

THERE were tears, cheers and balloons at school gates this week as all children were invited back into the classroom.

Pupils at St Mark’s Church of England Primary School, Upper Holloway, gave the thumbs-up as they returned from the virus lockdown.

Felix with his mum, Ali

Carly Johnson, who was dropping off her son Archie, told the Tribune: “It’s nerve-wracking seeing him go, but we need to try and get some normality back and this is a first step. And he was so excited to see his friends.”

Any and Ecrin

Blue and yellow balloons marked the exact day that the school in Sussex Way was founded 66 years ago.

Deputy head Matt Jones and headteacher Martha Braithwaite welcome back pupil Sebastian

Headteacher Martha Braithwaite told the Tribune: “Homeschooling has gone well but nothing compares to face-to-face working.”

Archie

Tia

Shiloh and Kya