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.
5. St Benet's RC Primary School
New starters at St Benet's RC Primary School in Fulwell Road. Was it really 11 years ago? Photo: Picture by Angela Burn
6. Barnes Infants School
Class 10 at Barnes Infants School. We hope you can spot someone you know. Photo: Picture by Peter Berry
7. Albany Primary School
Plenty of happy faces in this look back at Albany Primary School, Washington in 2011. Photo: David Allan
8. Grangetown Primary School
Don't they look great as they enjoy their first days at Grangetown Primary School, in 2011? Photo: Picture by Angela Burn