ADVENTUROUS students from Frensham Heights School are back in the classroom after a challenging expedition to Everest Base Camp.

Nine students aged 15 to 17 from the school near Farnham spent 18 months training for the ascent.

Accompanied by sherpas and yaks carrying their supplies, the students trekked at high altitude and through heavy snowstorms for up to nine hours a day.

They completed the trek in 11 days instead of the planned 12 after their flight to Lukla, in the Himalayas, was redirected to another airport by high winds.

By day, they had to cope with the challenge of breathing at high altitude, as well as strong winds and undulating terrain.

At night, the students slept in ‘tea houses’, which provide very basic accommodation.

They eventually reached Everest Base Camp at 5,346 metres above sea level and enjoyed spectacular views of the world’s highest mountain.

Linn Kathenes, head of outdoor education, said: “I am so proud of our team’s incredible effort. The students showed real resilience in sometimes very challenging conditions.”

The students also spent a day at a children’s refugee and rehabilitation centre in Kathmandu, which supports Nepal’s displaced children. The Frensham Heights group raised almost £1,000 for Chora Chori, the charity which runs the centre.

Headteacher Rick Clarke said: “Students have told me what a wonderful experience it was, from the beauty and majesty of the surroundings to the warmth and hospitality of the Nepalese people.

“They were certainly all taken out of their comfort zones on what, I am sure, will remain a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”