As 1961 progressed several changes took place. John Ridger was appointed Headmaster to suceed Frank Forrest, and in March the school numbers increased to forty-eight. It is recorded that four boys were Bell Ringers at Ripon Cathedral on the occasion of the Royal Wedding. John Ridger with his wife Poppy took up duties and residence during the year, and Eileen Everett, long time member of the office staff, left at the end of the year.

During 1962 Kelvin Gott first put in an appearance to teach Art and Music, staying until 1964. He was to return to the teaching staff in 1966, later to be appointed Deputy Head in 1971. In 1963 Poppy Ridger was appointed Caterer on the resignation of Miss Woods, in addition to being overeall Domestic Supervisor. The school fees rose from £555 to £660 per annum in 1963. 1964 appears to have been a tranquil year. In 1965 the fees rose again to £766 per annum.

Staff were constantly encouraged to apply for places on study courses in advancement either of their own subjects or in the study of the maladjusted child. They were usually given time away from school for this, and also some financial assistance towards fees and expenses. In October 1965 the psychiatrist who visited the school had a useful internal conference with some of the members of the Board of Management and the Headmaster. Although no conclusions were reached the exercise proved useful to all concerned in clarifying the role of the individual psychiatrists.

The 1966 report of H.M. Inspectors and the Medical Officer concluded:- "Breckenbrough School is a very pleasant place with an atmosphere of goodwill and endeavours to meet the needs of the pupils. Attitudes are firm and well founded and provide a basis for further experiment. The Managers are to be congratulated on the vigorous action and the informed interest which they bring to bear in the running of this school".

In 1967 came the first suggestion of a new house to be built for the Headmaster, but owing to more pressing commitments this was to be delayed and was not completed until 1980. 1968 brought a £885 per annum fee and in 1969 it was £1050 per annum.

In 1970 John and Poppy Ridger were persuaded to take a sabbatical term and John Scott the Deputy Headmaster and his wife took over the management of the school. The roll of boys was 47 in September 1970. In October of that year the Board recorded profound appreciation of the service of Frank Forrest following his recent death. In a review of policy in 1970 it was stated that the need for a special school catering for boys of higher intelligence had been clearly confirmed and the Board agreed to continue to attempt to meet this need. The size of the school should remain the same and the therapeutic as far as resources allowed. Members of the Board would make strenuous efforts to keep in direct and personal touch with the boys and staff, and various members of the staff would be invited to report on their work from time to time.

Staff changes always have a profound effect on the atmosphere of the school. Matrons, especially if young and inexperienced, can make or mar the entry of the younger boys. A warmth of personality, common sense, forbearance and gentleness are of great benefit to give them a better start in their attitude to the teaching programme and classroom staff. Individual coaching often helps to forge personal relationships and aids stability.

John Ridger, sometimes accompanied by his wife, regularly attempted to visit the parents and clinics of boys attending the school, thereby gaining depth of understanding of their backgrounds and so being able to discuss the boys' feelings more satisfactorily. In this way did John Ridger feel his work was more therapeutic. Other teachers were encouraged to make brief tours of this nature and it was found that the confidence of parents' in the school staff was enormously boosted by these visits.

In the years 1961 to 1971, 124 boys passed through the school; 12 teachers moved on, 4 directly to Headships; 6 part-time teachers, 4 secretaries, 3 maintenance officers, 5 matrons and 16 domestic workers all served the school, and one trusts that they have some happy memories of their experiences. March 1971 brought the resignation of John Ridger and the end of an era.