David Burt, the Premier, welcomed students at Northlands Primary and the Berkeley Institute on their first day of class.

Mr Burt and Kalmar Richards, the Acting Commissioner of Education, met with students at both schools and encouraged them to achieve their goals.

He told students at Berkeley Institute: “A lot will be expected of you this year. Inevitably, you’ll start feeling the pressure of managing those expectations.

“There will be pressure from your assignments, exams, extracurriculum requirements, social activities — and the pressure of figuring out your career goals.

“All of this is normal, and my advice to you is to embrace it. Embrace it with a clear head and composure.”

He added: “I encourage you to take in all that this moment in time has to offer.

“You will have some challenges, but through hard work and persistence and commitment, you will also have milestones to celebrate.”