From Fulwell Infants to Plains Farm, pupils in brand new uniforms stepped through the doors to a brand new world.
And as the new school year beckons for another intake of wide-eyed youngsters, we delved into the Sunderland Echo archives to find photos of new starters in 2011.
Have a look at these 9 photos which our photographers took at schools including St Benet’s, Valley Road, Grangetown and Barnes Infants.
1. Barnes Infants School
What a great line-up at Barnes Infants School. Recognise anyone? Photo: Picture by Peter Berry
2. Valley Road Primary School
These new starters looked like they were having a great time at Valley Road Primary School in 2011. Photo: Picture by Angela Burn
3. Plains Farm Primary School
Teacher Louise Greenland and Nursery Nurse Lisa Walker with the smiling new starters at Plains Farm Primary. How many familiar faces can you spot? Photo: Picture by Peter Berry
4. Fulwell Infants School
Don't they look smart? It's the new starters at Fulwell Infants School in 2011. Photo: Picture by Kevin Brady