Diocese praise for St Bega’s

Published Thursday, 12th October 2017

THE Diocese for Hexham and Newcastle has praised the leadership, Catholic life and collective worship at a Hartlepool primary school.

Following an inspection during the summer, inspector Jane Weatherall described the quality of Catholic life at St Bega’s RC Primary School as “outstanding”, with leadership and management providing an “outstanding” level of support, ambition and understanding of Catholic education.
“Passionate and organised” Lauren Railton, St Bega’s Primary School’s RE Coordinator, with school pupils.

“Passionate and organised” Lauren Railton, St Bega’s Primary School’s RE Coordinator, with school pupils.

The overall effectiveness of the school has been described as “good” within the diocesan inspection report.

The report goes on to detail: “It is a very welcoming community, helping students to develop their faith.

“Behaviour of pupils is outstanding. They are fully aware they need to work together in a community. They know how to treat others and are aware that respect is earned through actions and is to be valued.

“Leaders and management are excellent role models. The staff demonstrate an outstanding level of commitment to the school community and work hard to ensure this is a Christ centred school.

“The school does not stay still; it is always seeking ways to further enhance the Catholic Life of the school and has identified key areas for future development improving links with parents and the parish.”

Jane Dolphin, Co-Headteacher at St Bega’s RC Primary School, said: “It is very re-assuring to receive such high praise from the Diocese.

“The outstanding leadership and management, active role of governors, exceptional behaviour of pupils and our unwavering commitment to Catholic life have all been strongly recognised because they are all central to the life of our school.”

Father Nick Jennings, Parish Priest said: “I am very pleased with the result of the inspection. The outstanding Catholic Life aspect is embodied by the pupils’ care for each other, for people in the local community and supporting worldwide projects.

“My thanks especially to RE coordinator Lauren Railton, who keeps governors informed and was described as “passionate and organised”, and also to teachers who “deliver outstanding teaching with creative ideas”. Thanks to parents who support their children to deliver collective worship. Congratulations to all concerned.”

Patricia Carroll, Chair of Governors, added, “I am so pleased with this report. The Diocese have captured the ethos of the school community accurately. Our mission statement 'Love one another as I have loved you’ is how the school's pupils, staff, support staff and governors live out every day.

“My thanks go to all the staff and pupils for all their hard work and for being recognised by the Diocese as Good with Outstanding features. I would also like to extend my thanks to all of the parents.”