A Romford school celebrated the end of term with a mini-Olympics, complete with an Olympics-style opening parade.

Romford Recorder: Frances Bardsley students, parade in house colours before the start of their mini OlympicsFrances Bardsley students, parade in house colours before the start of their mini Olympics (Image: Archant)

The pupils from Frances Bardsley School for Girls made banners and costumes in their house colours to mark the occasion before more than 900 students and teachers took part in the sports.

Romford Recorder: Frances Bardsley students, parade in house colours before the start of their mini OlympicsFrances Bardsley students, parade in house colours before the start of their mini Olympics (Image: Archant)

Headteacher Julian Dutnnall said the event was a success.

Romford Recorder: Frances Bardsley students, parade in house colours before the start of their mini OlympicsFrances Bardsley students, parade in house colours before the start of their mini Olympics (Image: Archant)

He said: “We felt it was one of the best sports days for many years. Huge numbers of the girls dressed in the colours of their houses and paraded with their banners so early in the morning from 8.45am.

“Staff and students enjoyed the track and field events and were enthusiastic, which really showed. And the atmosphere was very much a celebration.”

In September the school will be reverting from their current four houses to the original eight houses from when the school was formed.

The school, in Brentwood Road, was built on the site Heath Park School when it joined with Romford County High in the 1970s.

And despite Frances Bardsley School being awarded academy status this year, headteacher Julian Dutnall said it was a chance to move forward but also to remember its roots and go back to its original eight houses.

He said: “Traditional is very important to all staff, parents and governors of the school. We believe a combination of tradition and innovation is one of our values.

“The new school crest will also include a leaf from each of the trees for the new houses.”