Pupils switched places with school staff when they took the helm at Radipole Primary School recently.

‘Run the School Day’ was organised by Radipole Primary School teacher Natalie Hilton, who worked in conjunction with the school’s student council.

Children from years two to six took on a range of jobs from head teacher, teacher and librarian to caretaker, office and kitchen staff.

They even had to apply for jobs created by the student council, sending in application letters and reading through job descriptions.

Year three pupil Thomas became headteacher for the day and said: “I was surprised how much there was to do, it was really busy.”

Mrs Hilton said the day was a good opportunity for students to experience roles and responsibilities different to the everyday ones they typically encounter.

She said: “The day was a huge success. It opened the childrens’ eyes in terms of what goes on behind the scenes while they're busy in their classrooms.

“Lots of them remarked that they were surprised at how busy office staff were, how many meetings the head teacher had and how much marking there was for teachers.”

“It was great for their confidence too, particularly in terms of interacting with children and adults across the school and picking up some new skills.”

Students that took part said how much they enjoyed the day and have already expressed an interest in a similar event in the future.

Ayesha, a year four pupil who took on the role of a teacher, said: “I loved taking the register and seeing children do work I had set. The marking took me a long time.”

Livie, in year two, was a lunchtime supervisor and said: “I really liked setting up the hall and helping the little ones with their food and would love to do it again.”