THE answer is always yes when a newcomer at Barnwell School in Stevenage asks: Buddy, can you spare some time? In preparation for the bigger-than-usual new intake joining the school in September, it has recruited and trained 63 current Year 9 students

THE answer is always 'yes' when a newcomer at Barnwell School in Stevenage asks: "Buddy, can you spare some time?"

In preparation for the bigger-than-usual new intake joining the school in September, it has recruited and trained 63 current Year 9 students to be Barnwell Buddies.

They have gone through a training programme to help them support new Year 7 students, including those who would have gone to Collenswood School had it not closed this month.

The Buddies have visited Year 6 children in their primary schools and helped them on their two visits to Barnwell.

The Buddies' role includes being around at lunch and break times to help sort out any problems the new intake may have. Students who would like extra support and reassurance are allocated their own personal Buddy.

Next year's Buddies are pictured having received their certificates of achievement from Stevenage mayor Cllr Simon Speller