The Diocese visited St Peter’s on October 21st. Its purpose was to assess the progress made since our last diocesan inspection, which took place in March 2020.

Please read their findings in the letter linked below

 

St Peter’s Catholic College – Monitor Visit Report

St Peter’s Catholic College in South Bank, Middlesbrough has achieved record-breaking results in the first set of exams since the pandemic!

English and Maths results have improved by 20% since the last published GCSE results in 2019. 78% of pupils achieved a grade 4 in English with 66.7% achieving a grade 5. 70.5% of pupils achieved a grade 4 in Maths and 56.2% achieved a grade 5.  

Pupils were awarded some of the highest grades including a significant number of 8s and 9s in History, English Language and Literature, Mathematics, Science, French, Religious Education and Design Technology. 

Stephanie Garthwaite, headteacher said: “I am beyond proud of every single one of our Year 11 pupils, they have shown great strength, resilience and determination in extremely challenging circumstances. 

“Our pupils have received some outstanding results and this is down to their commitment to the ethos of St Peter’s: ‘One faith, one family, one future’.

“I would like to thank parents and carers for their ongoing support and our staff for always going ‘above and beyond’ to achieve success with our Year 11 pupils.

“I wish them all the very best in their next steps and we look forward to welcoming them back one day to inspire the next generation of the St Peter’s family.”

If any Year 11 pupils are interested in continuing their post-16 education within the Nicholas Postgate Catholic Academy Trust family, there are limited places available for September at Trinity Sixth Form. Students can email [email protected] and someone will contact them to discuss their options.

 

Highlights

Megan T, a former pupil of St Margaret Clitherow’s Catholic Primary School, South Bank has been an outstanding and hard-working pupil with a fantastic attitude.

As a senior prefect with responsibility for chaplaincy, Megan led collective worship within school and has been a valued member of the choir. Today, she was rewarded with some outstanding grades which included 9s in French and Geography, Distinction* in Music, grade 8s in Biology, Chemistry, Maths, English Language and Religious Education, and 7s in English Literature and Physics. Megan now intends to study Environmental science, Geography and Sociology and go on to be an environmental scientist. Megan said: “I am proud of the results I was able to achieve. They would not have been possible without all the support I have received at St Peter’s. I am grateful for all the memories I have made here and excited to start college in September.”

 

Rugby-playing prefect Jay T has been a huge asset to St Peter’s.

His peers appreciate his positive, supportive attitude and younger pupils especially, have looked up to him as a positive role model. Jay received fantastic results this morning including grade 8s in English Language and History, a grade 7 in English Literature, Maths, Religious Education and Science, and a Distinction* in Music. He will go on to study Maths, Physics and PE A-levels and intends to become a pilot in the Royal Air Force. “I am ecstatic about my results. Well done to all pupils in Year 11 collecting their results today.” said Jay. 

 

 

Anisha B, who joined St Peter’s from St Margaret Clitherow’s Catholic Primary School in South Bank, has been a mature, conscientious and hard-working pupil throughout her secondary education.

In Year 11 she also contributed significantly to the school family as a senior prefect and librarian. Anisha celebrates some excellent grades today including a 9 in English Language, 8 in English Literature, 7s in Maths, Science and Religious Education, a 6 in Geography and a 5 in Art. Her next chapter will see her studying Biology, English and Health & Social Care with aspirations for a career in medicine. Anisha said: “I am buzzing with my grades! I’m really pleased and excited for my next steps.” 

 

Head Girl Megan D-M has been a key part of the St Peter’s family over the last five years. She has shown leadership qualities, dedication and commitment to both school life and her education. Megan has helped to interview new staff members, led tours of the school, represented the St Peter’s family in the media and at key events, as well as a big support for the younger pupils. Her steadfast work ethic has paid off with amazing results! A grade 9 in Design Technology and History, grade 8s in English Literature, Maths, Religious Education and Biology, grade 7s in English Language and French and Grade 6s in Chemistry and Physics. Megan now intends to go to college to study Maths, Physics and Design with a plan to study Engineering at university. “I am very pleased with my results and excited about building on this as I move on to study Engineering.” said Megan. 

St Peter’s Catholic College in South Bank is looking forward to educating generations of pupils for years to come after a memorable celebration marked its 80th birthday.

The iconic school, famed for turning out a production line of young footballers that included Boro and England Golden Boy Wilf Mannion, has been at the heart of the community since it was built during World War 2.

Hitler’s Luftwaffe did its best to raze the school to the ground soon after its doors were opened, and a decade ago it was threatened with closure before a last-minute change in government policy.

But St Peter’s has stood the test of time and, after a significant recent investment programme from Nicholas Postgate Catholic Academy Trust, its future now looks brighter than ever.

“St Peter’s has always been the rock for this part of the community,” said head of school Stephanie Garthwaite. 

“We still have some photos of the German planes flying over St Peter’s during the war and 1,000 people turned out to support the school when it was going to be bulldozed in 2010.

“But we’re still here and we hope St Peter’s will continue to be the foundation of this community and provide an outstanding Catholic education for many more generations of young people.” 

As well as Boro legend Mannion, Formula One engineer Rob Smedley and legendary folk singer Vin Garbutt also attended the Normanby Road school.

“It’s an honour and a privilege to be head of a school with such a rich tradition,” said Mrs Garthwaite. “Lots of pupils have gone on to do well in a wide range of professions and we’re very proud of every one of them.” 

Pupils took part in a variety of activities on a packed day of celebrations, including a cake sale, a careers convention attended by year 10 and 11 and a three-mile sponsored walk for CAFOD, while each tutor group buried a time capsule in the school’s gardens.

Bishop Terry was joined by hundreds of former pupils and members of the community attended two special events including three Masses to mark the momentous occasion.

They included Wilf Mannion’s son and daughter, former deputy headteacher Kevin O’Connor, 79, and 92-year-old Patrick Webster, who was a pupil when St Peter’s first opened. 

Former pupil Canon John Lumley, whose mother, Amy, was also in that very first intake, was among many clergy who attended the celebrations.

“It really has been a very special day and has left me with a very positive feeling,” he said. 

Bishop Terry celebrated Mass and guests took a trip down Memory Lane as they viewed an exhibition featuring photographs from St Peter’s rich history. You can view a collection of the photos from across the decades by clicking the image below.

The school looked absolutely resplendent from its recent facelift, which included the provision of purpose-built changing rooms, a brand-new fitness suite, an exhibition centre and a VR suite.

Head girl Megan Donaghy-Marshall said: “The improvement is massive since the trust has joined – not only the building, but the standard of learning is better.”

 

Local Media Coverage

The event was covered by both the Evening Gazette and BBC Radio Tees (available until 9 April 2022). The Gazette also created a photo gallery. Click the links to read and listen.

 

Event Feedback

05 – St Peter’s Catholic College Newsletter Feb 2022

3^rd February 2022

 

Dear Parent/Carer

To celebrate World Book Day on Thursday 3^rd March, students are invited to dress up as a character from their favourite book. Staff will also be joining in!

World Book Day celebrates the joy and value of books and reading, especially for students. To encourage and help them on their reading journey, every student will receive a £1 book token which can be exchanged for one free World Book Day 2022 book or £1 off a book costing £2.99 or more. You can find out more information about this on the token given or the World Book Day website.

We are also holding a ‘Great Literature Bake-Off’ competition, where students can bake their favourite story into a tasty treat which represents this. We have had some amazing entries for this in the past and cannot wait to see what this year’s entries look (and taste) like!

Prizes will be awarded for the best costumes and the best baking entries.

Yours sincerely

Miss J Lyons

Click here to see the November issue of our newsletter

“In my first year as St Peter’s head of school, I have been blown away by the resilience, adaptability and strength of character shown by all St Peter’s pupils, but particularly those in Year 11.

Year 11 is known to be a highly challenging academic year, but none more so than for the Class of 2021. This has been a year of considerable disruption, change and uncertainty, which has been most acute for those in their exam year.

I am extremely proud of the results our pupils have worked so hard for, but also of the personal qualities they have developed.

This year is reminiscent of a passage from Romans (5:3-5) “We also celebrate in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; 4 and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; 5 and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.”

Stephanie Garthwaite, head of school

“It’s a great honour to be celebrating these excellent results with our Year 11 pupils. We look forward to seeing the exciting paths the class of 2021 take as they move onwards, knowing they will remain forever a part of the St Peter’s family.”

Michael Burns, executive head

 

Essie Croce, a former pupil of St Margaret Clitherow’s Primary School, has been an outstanding achiever throughout her time at St Peter’s.

She is celebrating grade 9s in English literature, English language and RE, grade 8s in art, history and maths and an 8-7 in combined science. She also achieved the EBacc qualification.

Along with her twin, Tilly, Essie has been a key member of St Peter’s highly successful netball team, playing with key stage 4 pupils from Year 8 and showing tremendous skill and talent. She has represented the school in many ways, most recently as head girl.

Essie now intends to study A-Levels in English literature, psychology and PE before going on to a career in sports psychology 

“I am over the moon with my results and so surprised,” Essie said. “It hasn’t been easy over the last five years, but I have loved every minute of it. Thank you for everything and getting me to where I am today.” 

 

Franklin Jay Northridge joined St Peter’s from St Gabriel’s Catholic Primary School.
Since then he has represented the school football team and has been head boy throughout Year 11.

Franklin’s grades include grade 8s in English literature, English language and RE, grades 8-7 in combined science, grade 7 in maths and history and a Level 2 distinction in BTEC Sport.

He now intends to study A-Levels in biology, history and English literature and would love to become a barrister. 

“I want to thank St Peter’s for everything they have done for me,” he said. “I wish my classmates the best of luck for the future.” 

 

Isabel Willet joined St Peter’s from St Margaret Clitherow’s Catholic Primary and has been an outstanding pupil throughout her time at the school.

She achieved grade 9s in art, geography, RE and English language and grade 8s in biology, chemistry, French, maths and English literature, as well as the EBacc qualification.
Isabel intends to study A-Levels in art, biology and psychology.

“I am really happy with my results,” said Isabel. “I have enjoyed my time at St Peter’s and want to say thank you to the staff for being so helpful.

“Well done to my classmates who have all worked really hard and deserve good results.” 

 

Zainab Zahid has represented the school at netball as well as being a prefect in her final year. She has been an outstanding pupil throughout her time at St Peter’s and this is reflected in her results.

These include grade 9s in RE, biology, chemistry, physics, geography, English language and English literature, grade 8s in maths and French and an Level 2 distinction* in BTEC Sport.

Zainab will go on to study A-Levels in chemistry, biology, physics and maths as she looks towards a career in medicine or dentistry.

“My time at St Peter’s has flown by, but every moment was special and I will never forget it,” she said.

“Hard work is the key to success but without the staff I would only be halfway to where I am now. Thank you and good luck to everyone for the future.” 

Download letter here – Full School Letter 2021

14^th July 2021

Dear Parents/Carers

As we approach the end of the academic year, we begin to set our sights on the new academic year with the removal of all restrictions. Over the last two academic years, the whole school community has faced challenges that we could never have imagined. Yet we have faced them. Our pupils have faced them and you, as parents and carers, have also faced them. You have shown determination and resilience. For this we thank you. We also thank our pupils. Many have needed to adapt to home learning and have needed to display new skills of resilience and independence.

 

Mixing and ‘bubbles’

Thankfully, we are delighted to confirm the Government is removing the majority of restrictions from Monday 19th July which means that only those pupils who test positive will need to self isolate and whole bubbles will be able to remain in school which means less disruption to learning.

From Step 4, we will no longer need to group children in consistent groups (‘bubbles’) or to keep groups apart. This means that collective worship and larger group activities can resume.

If there is an outbreak in school we may have to consider the reintroduction of bubbles or to keep groups apart for a temporary period to reduce mixing between groups but we will keep you informed as the term progresses.

 

Face coverings

From Step 4, face coverings will no longer be advised for pupils, staff and visitors either in classrooms or in communal areas.

 

Attendance 

In September, school attendance will be mandatory.  This means that the legal duty on parents of children of compulsory school age will apply. It is vital that children return to school as quickly as possible for their educational progress, wellbeing and wider development.  Those pupils who do not attend school will see that our Attendance Policy will be employed and parents will be issued with legal proceedings should their children be persistently absent.

It is the expectation that parents will avoid a holiday in term-time as this will cause further disruption to their child’s education. Holidays in term-time must be in writing to the Head of School using the appropriate form and providing details of the destination to be visited.   A request will only be agreed where it is satisfied there is an exceptional circumstance that is in accordance with the Nicholas Postgate Catholic Academy Trust policy. Legal powers to enforce attendance will be used where a child misses school without a valid reason and the absence is unauthorised.

 

Transport

From September 2021, face coverings are also no longer recommended to be worn on dedicated transport to school or college and are no longer legally required on public transport.  If however, there is a local outbreak Public Health England may advise that face coverings should be worn temporarily.

 

Examinations Y11 

The Department for Education have announced that they expect examinations for Year 11 to take place in summer 2022.  Gavin Williamson has announced that more definitive advice and information will be published in the autumn term 2021.  As a school we will keep both pupils and parents up to date with all relevant announcements.  For more information please see the link below:

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/proposals-set-out-for-exams-and-assessments-in-2022?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=govuk-notifications&utm_source=67ad6f98-9053-49d9-927c-5cbe16e8a250&utm_content=immediately

 

Term dates and Mass Testing 

The Government has issued guidance on mass testing ready for the beginning of the new term.  “As pupils will potentially mix with lots of other people during the summer holidays, all secondary school pupils should receive 2 on-site lateral flow device tests, 3 to 5 days apart, on their return in the autumn term. Settings may commence testing from 3 working days before the start of term and can stagger return of pupils across the first week to manage this. Pupils should then continue to test twice weekly at home until the end of September, when this will be reviewed.”    At St Peter’s Catholic College pupils are to be offered two tests in school before resuming the new academic year.  It is vital that pupils attend their test to ensure we can start the term with COVID free disruption.  Therefore, we will be operating a staggered start to term as per the DFE guidance.  This means all year groups will be back in the building from Monday 6th September 2021.  It is crucial that your child attends school on the days allocated below.  Year 8 to 11, if you have already consented to testing and we have a record of this you are eligible for an on site test.  If you have not consented to testing and would like to receive on site tests please go to the Arbor APP or website to consent for COVID-19 testing.  This will automatically update your consent.  Year 7 will need to bring with them their consent forms that are enclosed in this pack, without consent we will be unable to offer your child a test.   

 

Tuesday 31st August 2021

Date	Year groups to be tested	Time	Venue	Transport
Tuesday 31st August	Year 7	9.00- 9.30am Surname A – L 9.30 – 10am  Surname M – Z	Sports Hall via Main reception	Make own way to school and return home once tested
	Year 8	10 – 10.30am Surname A – L 10.30 – 11.00am  Surname M – Z	Sports Hall via main reception	Make own way to school and return home once tested
	Year 9	11.15– 11.45am Surname A – L 11.45 – 12.15  Surname M – Z	Sports Hall via main reception	Make own way to and return home once tested school
	Year 10	12.15 – 12.45 Surname A – L 1.15 – 1.45  Surname M – Z	Sports Hall via main reception	Make own way to school and return home once tested
	Year 11	1.45 – 2.15 Surname A – L 2.15 – 2.45  Surname M – Z	Sports Hall via main reception	Make own way to school and return home once tested

 

Pupils do not need to wear uniform for testing on Tuesday 31st August 2021

 

Wednesday 1st September 2021 will be a PD day for staff only.

 

Thursday 2^nd September 2021

Y7 and Y11 pupils will return to school at 8.25 if they have had a negative covid test for transition and progress meetings. Pupils must be in full school uniform with full equipment ready to learn.

 

Friday 3rd September 2021

Date	Year groups to be tested	Time	Venue	Transport
Friday 3rd September	Year 7	Tested throughout the morning	Sports Hall via pupil entrance	Make own way to school for 8.25 and remain in school for transition
	Year 8	10 – 10.30am Surname A – L 10.30 – 11.00am  Surname M – Z	Sports Hall via main reception	Make own way to school and return home once tested
	Year 9	11.15– 11.45am Surname A – L 11.45 – 12.15  Surname M – Z	Sports Hall via main reception	Make own way to and return home once tested school
	Year 10	12.15 – 12.45 Surname A – L 1.15 – 1.45  Surname M – Z	Sports Hall via main reception	Make own way to school and return home once tested
	Year 11	Tested throughout the afternoon	Sports Hall via main reception	Make own way to school for 8.25 and remain in school for progress meetings

 

Monday 6th September 2021

All pupils must return to school in full uniform, with all equipment ready to begin the new academic year.  The School bus will be available from Monday 6th September 2021.

 

Uniform

High standards and compliance with school rules will be a basic expectation of all St Peter’s pupils.  I would therefore like to remind parents that all advice about school uniform and rules are on the St Peter’s Catholic College website. Can I please ask you to ensure that you buy your son/daughter the correct shoes (not trainers) and trousers during the summer holiday. Moreover, pupils are not allowed to wear jewellery, make-up or have haircuts that I deem extreme.  Any pupils arriving to school in non-compliant uniform will be given 24 hours to rectify and if the changes are not made in line with our school policy they will be placed in our curriculum support centre until 2.35pm and a parent meeting will follow. For those pupils who have ordered a new PE Kit from St Peter’s, this can be collected from school week commencing 23^rd August 2021. The preferred payment is via Parent Pay before collection.

 

Mobile Phones

In school mobile phones often detract from learning and as a result I have decided that the use of mobile phones in school is no longer allowed.  However, I do agree with many parents that mobiles are a source of safety when travelling to and from school.  Therefore, please can you remind your son/daughter that pupils must not use mobile phones in school, mobile phones are to remain in bags and switched off. Any mobile phone seen in use will be confiscated and parents/ carers will be able to collect it at the end of the day from the main reception.

 

Chewing gum

St Peter’s is fortunate to have had a huge capital investment from the trust and over the summer holidays we will be demolishing the PE changing rooms and offices to allow for a state of the art media centre and fitness suite. In addition to this, we will have new purpose built changing rooms outside and a state of the art virtual reality careers facility. To ensure our new facilities remain beautiful, please could you reiterate to your son/daughter that chewing gum is prohibited in St Peter’s Catholic College.

Parent Questionnaire

As we come to the end of year it is important we get your feedback as we continue to evaluate and develop. If you have a spare 5 minutes over the summer holidays please can you complete the parent questionnaire included with this letter and return it to school from 31^st August.

After an unprecedented time, I am delighted with the progress we have made this year and continue to make to ensure our pupils get the very best education. Throughout the year we have been fortunate to recruit a high calibre of staff from good and outstanding schools to add further capacity and leadership.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mr McNicholas for all the hard work and contribution he has made over the last couple of years and wish him good luck for the future. I would also like to wish Miss Allonby the best of luck in her next adventure. Miss Brooksbank will be remaining at St Peter’s Catholic College but  I am delighted to announce she will now be the NPCAT Trust Director of Mathematics.

This just leaves me, on behalf of all the staff here at St Peter’s Catholic College, to wish all pupils and their families a happy, relaxing and safe summer holiday and I very much look forward to welcoming you back in September.

 

Yours Sincerely

Mrs S Garthwaite

Head of School