For any teacher, the first day of September is an exciting moment as children are bundled off buses and into their new classrooms to get learning.

But for Lucy Harrison, headteacher of the Archer Academy in Eagens Close, East Finchley, this year has brought extra excitement as finally, after five years, the school is full with all 750 pupils in place.

Having opened in 2013, the school only had 150 pupils in Year Seven, who have since moved up the ranks to become the inaugural class of each year group.

For Ms Harrison, her role has been incredibly rewarding.

"There is never a dull moment and you can feel this in the atmosphere – there is always something to look forward to and something to celebrate," she said.

"I honestly believe I have the best job in the world and I can’t wait to see what my students do next."

The team at the school dedicate themselves to creating a warm atmosphere that gives pupils the chance to grow and develop with children their own age, as the school has lower and upper schools.

Ms Harrison said the aim is also for children to enjoy their time at school, with twice weekly enrichment activities available from Muy Thai boxing to dance and basketball.

For the Head, the years have certainly sped on for the school: "For those of us who have been involved in the school since the very beginning, it’s hard to believe we’re here already; the last four years have gone by in a flash."

While there is no Sixth Form in place yet, pupils in Year 11 can benefit from partnerships with Woodhouse College and Barnet and Southgate College to ensure pupils are "front of the queue" to continue their studies.

While 2017 is an exciting year to see the school finally at full capacity, it will also bring with it some sadness as the first ever class will be moving onto new challenges.

Ms Harrison said: "It will be hard to say goodbye at the end of this year, but we’re already planning to invite them back as mentors to help our younger students with their own transition in the years ahead."