Charlotte went back to her old school today. She spent the afternoon chatting to some former teachers and had a lovely time looking round the school. Charlotte will be back for Speech Day in December.

Credit to TeesideHigh for the photos!

Star of stage and screen, Charlotte Riley, delighted her former teachers last week when she paid a surprise visit to her old school, Teesside High School.

Charlotte was overjoyed to meet up with some of her old subject teachers and enjoyed a tour, in preparation for a return visit for the school’s annual Speech Day in December. Charlotte said: “I am amazed at how much I remember about being here. I really liked my time at the school – they really were the best days of my life! I was in a lovely year group. We are still in touch and see each other all the time.”

While touring the school, Charlotte visited the main school hall, which brought back lots of memories. She said: “It almost gives me heart palpitations walking in here. It reminds me of going to do my GCSEs and A Levels. I remember doing my first ever play here as well. I must have only been nine or ten and we did Oliver.”

Whilst attending Teesside High, talented pupil Charlotte was awarded the Senior Drama Trophy in 1999, the Allison Art and Design Trophy in 2000 and was also Games Captain from 1999 to 2000. She was an exceptional student and gained top marks in both her GCSE and A Level examinations.

She left school after Sixth Form in 2000 and went on to attend Durham University, where she graduated with a degree in English and Linguistics. During her time at university she performed in various plays with the Durham Revue. Charlotte wrote comedy play ‘Shaking Cecilia’ with a fellow student, winning them the Sunday Times Play Writing Award in 2004.

Charlotte then attended a two year acting course at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art and was offered the role in the ITV production of Wuthering Heights soon after leaving. She has since appeared in television dramas including The Take and DCI Banks, plays and a film adaptation of the Noel Coward’s Easy Virtue.

Teesside High School Headmaster Thomas Packer said: “We are so proud of all that Charlotte has achieved since her very successful time at Teesside High School. We were delighted that she was able to visit the school and that she clearly had such an enjoyable time when she was a pupil here. We are now looking forward to Charlotte returning to celebrate our current pupil’s achievements and deliver an inspirational speech in December.”

Charlotte will be the principal guest at the school’s Speech Day in December.

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- Public Appearances > Appearances from 2010 > Charlotte Riley Pays A Visit To Her Old School