EIGHT students from Kingsley College have returned from a two week exchange visit to the United States, while super storm Sandy battered the east coast of America. 

The sixth formers were hosted by families in North Carolina and have spent the last six months getting to know their hosts using Skype before finally meeting them at the end of October. 

The students participated in lessons at Independence High School in the city of Charlotte, as well as having the opportunity to visit attractions.

The exchange programme, which is now in its third year, will continue in March 2013, when Kingsley will host the return visit of nine American students who will join the school for two weeks. 

Participating student Megan Randle said: “It was an absolutely amazing trip, we had a wonderful time and are so grateful to the host families. 

“We’re really looking forward to welcoming them to England.” 
Teacher Mark Atherton said: “The students were fantastic. They were not only great ambassadors for the school, but for the UK in general. 

“It was wonderful to see how they adjusted to US life and to see friendships being created that I hope will last a lifetime.”