(Image: Provided)
A YORK teacher has returned to her childhood school to inspire the next generation from the other side of the classroom.
Rachel Hyatt, who began her teaching career 15 years ago, has joined Carr Junior School in Acomb, York - where she once attended a pupil.
She said: "When the job opportunity at Carr came up, I couldn't say no. It feels like I've come full circle.
- Much-loved York city centre shop to open again this month
- 'Her warmth, kindness, and joyful spirit touched lives' - tributes to much-loved nun
"I've such fond memories of my time here as a pupil, and it's so nice coming back. I want to give back to the school that gave me so much and inspire the next generation."
Growing up, Rachel first attended Carr Infants before moving up to Carr Junior School - following in the footsteps of her father and siblings.
She added: "My daughter is a pupil at Woodthorpe Primary School, also part of the Excel Learning Trust, so it's lovely to be working within the same family of schools."
Laura Winston, head of school at Carr Junior, said: "There is something rather special about welcoming Rachel back to Carr, not as a pupil this time but as a colleague.
"She brings fifteen years of teaching experience and a real understanding of what makes this school the place it is, because she grew up here herself. Our staff and children are delighted to have her as part of the Carr family.
"Rachel's appointment is a reminder of just how long that community's roots run, with former pupils now returning to shape the next generation in the same classrooms where they once learned.