A Teesside school’s silver jubilee celebrations have got off to the best possible start after it was handed a glowing report by Ofsted.

Inspectors say St Thérèse of Lisieux Catholic Primary School in Ingleby Barwick secures a “strong standard” status in all seven areas – achievement, attendance and behaviour, curriculum and teaching, early years, inclusion, leadership and governance and personal development and wellbeing.

The school, which has 230 pupils aged from three to 11, is part of Nicholas Postgate Catholic Academy Trust (NPCAT), which operates 38 schools across Teesside and North Yorkshire.

Delighted executive head of school Helen Lickess said everyone at St Thérèse is delighted with the report.

“We are incredibly proud to have achieved a ‘strong standard’ across every single area,” she said.

“While this is a wonderful achievement for all connected with the school, our true pride lies in our pupils, who the report describes as ‘excellent role models’ who ‘flourish’ in everything they do.

“We also feel so proud to have such a ‘broad and ambitious’ curriculum where every child is supported to reach their full potential.

“This success belongs to our whole school community, and we are more committed than ever to giving our children the very best opportunities and start in life that we possibly can.”

Executive headteacher Mark Ryan thanked everyone who he said worked so hard to make St Thérèse such a happy, thriving place to work and learn. He said:

“This report is a direct result of the incredible dedication of our entire school community. I am so proud of what we have achieved together.

“Our exceptional teaching staff are the cornerstone of our success, inspiring a love for learning every day. Equally vital are our invaluable non-teaching staff, whose professionalism and care create the nurturing environment that allows everyone to thrive.

“The trust and engagement of our supportive parish, parents and families are truly invaluable. We are so grateful for their partnership.

“My thanks also go to our dedicated governors for their strategic guidance and to NPCAT for their unwavering support and vision.

“Most importantly, I’d like to thank our wonderful children, who are the heart of our school. “You are a huge credit to your families and it’s a real joy and privilege to be with you every single day.”

Among the report’s findings, inspectors said:

• “Pupils flourish at this school. The school places pupils and their families at the heart of its work. This sense of community is woven through many aspects of school life.”
• “The school’s high expectations for behaviour are ever present. Pupils rise to these expectations with ease.”
• “[The curriculum] is expertly designed to help pupils build and connect their knowledge together.”
• “Highly effective adaptations to lessons and extra help enable pupils to access their learning. Pupils with barriers to learning receive highly consistent, effective support so that they can learn and achieve highly alongside their peers.”
• “Children make a super start in early years. A carefully planned curriculum enables children to develop the important early reading, writing and mathematical skills and knowledge they need to achieve well.”
• “Leaders and staff demonstrate a detailed understanding of the school’s context. This enables them to support pupils and remove any barriers to learning pupils may have in highly impactful ways.”
• “Leaders focus sharply on the right areas for school development. Leaders at all levels demonstrate the skills and knowledge needed to sustain the high-quality curriculum.”

A series of celebrations is being planned for later in the year to celebrate St Thérèse’s 25th birthday.

Built in response to the rapid expansion of Ingleby Barwick, the school was opened by the then Bishop of Middlesbrough the Rt Rev John Crowley.

It has previously been named among the top 200 primary schools in the country in the Sunday Times Parent Power survey.

Pupils from across Nicholas Postgate Catholic Academy Trust gathered in a spirit of faith and unity as they joined Bishop Marcus Stock for the Chrism Mass on Tuesday, 31st March 2026.

Celebrated during Holy Week, the Chrism Mass is one of the most important liturgies in the Catholic Church. It is a time when the Bishop blesses the holy oils used in sacraments such as Baptism, Confirmation and the Anointing of the Sick, while priests renew their promises of service. For the pupils in attendance, it was a meaningful opportunity to witness this powerful tradition firsthand.

Pupils representing schools within Nicholas Postgate Catholic Academy Trust played an active role in the celebration. They contributed to the liturgy through readings, offertory, singing and service, bringing a sense of energy and reverence to the occasion. Their participation reflected the Trust’s commitment to nurturing not only academic excellence but also spiritual growth.

For many pupils, attending the Chrism Mass was a memorable experience that deepened their understanding of the Church and its traditions. It also provided a valuable opportunity to gather with others from across the Trust, strengthening a shared sense of identity and belonging.

As pupils returned to their schools, they carried with them a renewed sense of purpose and inspiration, ready to continue living out the values of faith, service and unity in their daily lives.

A message from our Chair of the Board

“Serving at the Chrism Mass this year allowed me the privilege of witnessing our pupils’ faith in action from a uniquely close vantage point. Hearing their voices rise through the Cathedral – confident, prayerful and full of joy – was profoundly moving. Their reverence and their unity reflected the very heart of our Trust. I could not have been more proud of the way they carried themselves and enriched the liturgy. They reminded all of us present that the future of our Church is bright and hopeful.”

Mark J Dias, Chair of the Board, NPCAT

St Patrick’s Catholic College in Thornaby is celebrating a positive Ofsted report that recognises the strong progress made across the school and confirms that improvements seen in recent years are continuing.

Inspectors praised the school’s calm and respectful environment, high expectations for behaviour and the strong relationships between staff and pupils.

The report also highlights the school’s inclusive ethos and the strong sense of community that runs through daily life at St Patrick’s, which is part of Nicholas Postgate Catholic Academy Trust (NPCAT).

One of the first schools in the area to be inspected under the new Ofsted framework, St Patrick’s reached “expected standard” in four out of five areas, with attendance and behaviour highlighted as reaching a “strong standard”.

Ofsted found that pupils feel safe, supported and proud to be part of the school community. Attendance is above the national average and pupils have positive attitudes to learning, working hard in lessons and showing respect for their teachers and peers.

Inspectors also recognised the sustained improvements made by school leaders in recent years, particularly in strengthening behaviour systems, improving attendance and ensuring pupils achieve well.

Among the report’s findings, inspectors said:

• “St Patrick’s school motto, ‘Faith, family, future’, is at the heart of this school and lived out every day. Pupils feel a deep sense of belonging here. The school is a close community where pupils feel safe.”
• “There is a deeply respectful culture in school where pupils demonstrate very positive attitudes to learning. They work industriously in lessons and are committed to achieving well.”
• “The school is very calm and orderly. Leaders have embedded high expectations for behaviour and conduct. Pupils rise to these expectations consistently. They demonstrate excellent manners.”
• “Leaders have improved the school since the previous inspection. This is reflected notably in pupils’ behaviour, attendance and the improved rates of progress that pupils make relative to their starting points.”
• “Leaders have improved pupils’ achievement in recent years. Pupils, including disadvantaged pupils, achieve well.”
• “St Patrick’s is an inclusive school where there are high expectations for all pupils. With support from the trust, leaders have developed systems to ensure that, typically, pupils’ needs are accurately identified, especially for those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and those known to social care.”

Headteacher Deborah Law said the report reflects the dedication of the whole school community.

“I am incredibly proud that Ofsted has recognised the high expectations and deeply respectful culture that define St Patrick’s Catholic College,”

Miss Law said.

“Our pupils work hard, support one another and feel a real sense of belonging here. This report reflects the dedication of our staff, the strong partnership we have with families, and our commitment to ensuring every child — including those who face additional challenges — receives the support they need to succeed and prepare confidently for their future.

“While we are proud of this recognition, we remain focused on improving even further so that every child at St Patrick’s continues to flourish.”

Executive head Michael Burns said the report recognises the sustained progress of recent years.

“This report is a testament to the exceptional leadership of Miss Law, the dedication of our staff and the outstanding character of our pupils,”

he said.

“Since joining NPCAT and under the leadership of the trust, Miss Law and I, our school has undergone a remarkable transformation. We moved from Special Measures in 2019 to achieving a Good judgement in 2021, and this latest report confirms that the school continues to build on that progress.

“This improvement reflects the strength of the partnership between the trust, school leaders, governors, staff, pupils and families, all working together to provide the very best opportunities for young people in our community.”

NPCAT interim CEO Karen Siedle said:

“I am incredibly proud of our pupils, who demonstrate such excellent manners and a genuine commitment to their learning.

“To see our leaders described as tenacious in their support for families and to have our ‘robust’ attendance systems recognised is a testament to the hard work happening behind the scenes.

“This report celebrates a school that truly understands its community, and I want to personally thank executive headteacher Mr Burns, headteacher Ms Law and all our staff, parents and students for making St Patrick’s such a special place to belong.”

Mark Dias, chair of the NPCAT board, added:

“Ofsted’s recognition of the continued progress at St Patrick’s is a testament to the school’s strong Catholic life and mission.

“The calm, respectful and inclusive culture highlighted in the report reflects our shared commitment to forming young people in faith, dignity and aspiration.

“The board are immensely proud of the leadership, staff and pupils whose dedication ensures that the Gospel values at the heart of NPCAT are lived out each day.”

At our recent year 9 Vocations morning (4.3.26), students were given a powerful insight into the many ways faith can shape a life of purpose and service. We were delighted to welcome a range of visitors who shared personal stories of how their faith has guided their choices, influenced their careers and inspired their commitment to supporting others.

Speakers such as Canon Michael Loughlin, Fr Phil Cunnah and Sr Ann Stafford spoke about responding to a calling to ordained and religious life, including giving their lives to the priesthood and joining the Congregation of Jesus as a CJ Sister. Their stories highlighted courage, trust and a deep desire to serve God and community. Students were particularly inspired by hearing how this vocation is lived out in joyful, practical service each day.

Others shared how their faith has shaped different paths of service. We heard from those such as Bob Lavery whose commitment to Catholic education is significant having been a school governor for 30+ years and who has been a supports young people and pilgrims in Lourdes. He described how a highlight of his life of service was leading the St Bernadette Relic Tour in 2022. Deacon Tom and Mark Dias (who is the Chair of NPCAT Trust Board and who is training in deaconate) spoke of their ministry within the Church and the privilege of serving both parish and wider community.

We also welcomed professionals working in education and in the NHS, who reflected on how their faith underpins their commitment to dignity, compassion and justice in their daily work. Their examples showed that vocation is not only about religious life, but about living out Gospel values in every career. Others described their involvement with environmental charities, explaining how caring for creation is a vital expression of their faith in action.

Throughout the morning, students were encouraged to reflect on their own gifts and consider how they might use them in service of others. The message was clear: a vocation is not simply about what job you do, but about who you are called to be. Whether through ministry, healthcare, teaching, volunteering or caring for our common home, faith can be a powerful foundation for a life lived generously for others.

New provision for two-year-olds at St Bernadette’s Catholic Primary School in Nunthorpe is helping ensure children are up and running when the time comes to begin their full-time education.

St Bernadette’s children with Mrs Islam, Miss Haw and Mayor Cooke.

Thanks to generous funding from housing developers, ten toddlers came into a brand-new building on the school site at the start of the school year.

Middlesbrough Council added additional cash for outside play facilities, and the town’s Mayor Chris Cooke came along to meet the children and see the new set-up for himself.

Mayor Cooke with children.

Unfortunately, Storm Chandra decided to put in an appearance too, making playing in the new council-funded sandpit and mud kitchen impossible, but Mayor Cooke enjoyed a game of dinosaurs with the children instead.

“We set up our two-year-old provision at the end of September, so it’s only relatively new,” said headteacher Sarah Brady.

“We have places for 10 children and are almost full, but it’s quite a large space and we’d love to extend and offer more places.

“The funding from Middlesbrough Council has really helped improve our outdoor area, which we plan to build on over the next few years.

“We were delighted Chris was able to come in and see what we’re doing here, and the children certainly seemed to enjoy his visit.

“We’re planning to bid for more outdoor furniture and resources when the new funding becomes available in April.”

A BBC crew also came along to interview Mayor Cooke for its weekend politics programme.

Mayor Cooke said:

“It was great to visit the children at St Bernadette’s and see first hand how ambitious Miss Brady and her team are for the students.

“The school grants we introduced were designed to help teachers create better environments and experiences. I had great fun meeting the nursery class and seeing them learn as they played.

“With more grants, extra holiday clubs and youth clubs in every ward, we’re pushing hard to create more opportunities for our young people right across Middlesbrough.”

The new early years building was paid for by Section 106 funding, which developers contribute to improve communities they build housing in.
It opened its doors at the start of the school year and is proving hugely popular.

“The children have settled in so well and come in happy and smiling every day. We can see them improving their communication and personal and social development, which has a positive impact as they move into nursery and the rest of the school.

“We also run a toddler group for babies up to three-year-olds once a month, when we invite any who wants to to come along to sessions run by our teaching staff and music lead.

“It’s all about giving the children a strong starting point and welcoming them into the St Bernadette’s family as soon as possible.

“We’re delighted to be able to offer more to the community and to have so many happy children here at St Bernadette’s.”

After over three decades of dedication to some of York’s youngest learners, much-loved teaching assistant Sue Magson is taking her final bow.

Sue, 66, is retiring after spending exactly half of her life up to now working at St Wilfrid’s Catholic Primary School in Monkgate – a remarkable 33 years of service.

During that time she has won a place in the hearts of generations of pupils, who will especially remember Sue’s love of dressing up as colourful characters from Queen Elizabeth II to the giant from Jack and the Beanstalk.

Sue began helping out during dinner times when her own girls, Sarah and Andrea, were pupils at St Wilfrid’s.

Soon Sister Teresa – the first of five headteachers Sue has worked under – spotted her way with the younger pupils and asked her to take a classroom role.

After that her passion blossomed and she became a constant presence, bringing lots of fun and laughter along the way and never missing a chance to put on a costume.

“I’ve always loved dressing up with the kids,”

Sue said.

“One time I pretended to be the giant at the top of the beanstalk with a beard, a long coat and scruffy hat.

“Nobody recognised me and afterwards the kids wouldn’t believe it had been me. I had to get the clothes out at the end of the day to prove it!”

She says former pupils often stop her in the street and say,

“‘Didn’t you work at St Wilfrid’s? I remember when you wore that gorilla outfit!’”

Over the years, Sue has witnessed many changes at St Wilfrid’s, with each headteacher having their own way of doing things.

After Sister Teresa retired Betty McDougal took over as headteacher, followed by Colm Flanagan, Jane Conway and current head Helen Keith.

“Technology has also changed and it’s a faster pace of life than it was then. Children had less, so they appreciated things more.”

But what kept Sue motivated throughout the decades was the close bonds she formed with the children as they began their school lives.

She said:

“It’s so important to get those foundations right. If we can get it right at the beginning, it’s just going to build on top of that.

“You can see when they’re struggling and doing something daft can bring them out of it, as long as they feel safe and comfortable with you. I always treat the children how I would want people to treat my grandchildren.

“I’ve never been somebody who wanted to chase wealth or big houses, which is good job really! Those things to me don’t really matter. People matter more.

“It’s been lovely, and I just hope I’ve got lots of healthy years ahead of me.”

Sue’s advice to new teaching assistants reflects her caring philosophy:

“Just try to think on their level. Think as a child would. And being kind and respectful to whoever you meet in life should be everybody’s ethos, in my view.”

When asked what she will miss most, Sue’s answer was simple:

“The kids.”

But she’s also looking forward to spending more time with her family, especially her six grandchildren.

Current headteacher Helen Keith says Sue will be a big loss to the school community and she is always welcome to come back and see the St Wilfrid’s family.

She said:

“It’s been a great pleasure and joy to work with Sue during my time at St Wilfrid’s. Every day, she has been a welcoming, happy and reassuring person as she greets our pupils and families arriving in the morning.

“She has always gone above and beyond to make sure our pupils are happy, cared for and achieve their very best in her care.

“She’s been an instrumental member of the team. She always looks after the staff and shows great care and love to them. There aren’t enough words of gratitude I can say to thank Sue for her exceptional dedication to the pupils, staff and the St Wilfrid’s community over the last 33 years.

“Her wonderful sense of humour, numerous jokes and outfits on dressing up days will certainly be missed by us all.”

A North Yorkshire primary school has been praised by inspectors as a happy place where friendships and learning flourish, all the way from nursery to the top class.

Ofsted has rated St Mary’s Catholic Primary School in Malton as Outstanding for both Personal Development and Early Years provision and Good for Quality of Education, Behaviour and Attitudes and Leadership and Management.

“St Mary’s is a caring, nurturing school, where happy children enjoy learning,” its report says. “Pupils’ attitudes towards learning are very positive. Their behaviour in class and during social times is calm and sensible. As a result, friendships and learning flourish.

“The school makes sure all pupils can access a wide and balanced curriculum. Staff and families have high ambitions for pupils, including for them to do well in school and to be caring, well-rounded members of the local community.”

Delighted headteacher Helen Davenport said the judgements are a huge achievement that reflects the dedication, care and hard work of every member of the St Mary’s staff team.
She said: “The inspectors saw what we all know and feel about St Mary’s – that it is a special place where children are happy, nurtured and excited to learn.

“At St Mary’s, we pride ourselves on putting the children at the heart of everything we do. Visitors often leave with a strong impression of both the children’s and staff’s enthusiasm, happiness, supportiveness and kindness.

“They recognise that the children truly enjoy being part of the St Mary’s community and we’re so pleased the report reflects this.”

Inspectors say children care about their community and enjoy supporting local causes, including collecting donations for Ryedale Food Bank and influencing traffic management near the school.

They said:

“Pupils are encouraged to express themselves in speech. They thoughtfully use words to share how they feel, talk about their work and discuss opinions.”

The school recently introduced a book vending machine to further encourage a love of reading, which the report says is “an integral part of everyday life”.

“The two school libraries are places that draw the pupils in and allow them to access a wide variety of high-quality fiction and non-fiction texts,” it says.

“Pupils benefit from an exceptional programme to enhance their personal development. The school develops pupils’ moral awareness and social skills through a carefully chosen range of activities, trips and clubs.

“Well-considered displays and carefully chosen texts encourage pupils to reflect upon important themes. The curriculum helps pupils to understand many of the important issues they will face in modern Britain.”

The inspectors also praised the contribution of governors and positive relationships with Nicholas Postgate Catholic Academy Trust (NPCAT), a family of 38 schools throughout North Yorkshire and Teesside.

They said:

“The governors, trustees and trust leaders work well together. They support and challenge each other, always putting the pupils’ interests first.”

Recent activities at St Mary’s include rock and pop lessons, den building, football sessions with a York City coach and even forming a mini police team.

Last month the school welcomed younger children into the newly expanded nursery for the first time and Mrs Davenport said she was especially pleased to see Early Years provision recognised for the outstanding opportunities it provides.

The report says:

“Children in the early years benefit from superb provision. Staff use the environment and resources very well to help children learn and develop. Children love to perform. For example, they enjoy playing outside on a stage and designing and building spaces for role play.”

Mrs Davenport said:

“It’s wonderful to see the inspectors recognise how our priority is to equip pupils in their personal development.

“This reflects our ongoing commitment to shaping confident, ambitious, caring members of our community, and how the school goes above and beyond in supporting our children’s wellbeing and character development.

“We’re incredibly proud of this outcome – and especially proud of our children, who shone so brightly during the inspection.

“Thank you to every member of the St Mary’s community staff, governors, trust colleagues and to our parents and carers for their continued support, encouragement and belief in our school.”

NPCAT assistant CEO Nicky Jamalizadeh said:

“We are so pleased for everyone at St Mary’s and warmly congratulate the entire school community on their outstanding achievements.”

St Mary’s, which is on Highfield Road, Malton, has 219 pupils aged from three to 11.

World-renowned artist Mackenzie Thorpe returned to his beloved Teesside to unveil a stunning new art display.

Middlesbrough-born Mackenzie has been collaborating with talented pupils from St Paulinus Catholic Primary School in Guisborough, giving bespoke tutorials to inspire their efforts.

The vibrant art, which features local scenes such as Roseberry Topping and Gisborough Priory together with Mackenzie’s signature love heart motif, now brightens the school’s entrance and playground for all to enjoy.

During his visit, Mackenzie praised the special “vibe” at St Paulinus, adding:

“Some schools I’ve been to don’t touch this one. I just wanted to say that for all your staff and for you. You’re so privileged and so lucky to be here.”

He told the children he began drawing in the fireplace ashes in the family’s Cannon Park home and he still draws every day of his life.

“There’s only one person who draws like me and there’s only one person who draws like you,” he said.

And he told them they can do whatever they want to if they work hard and put their heart and soul into it.

Speaking about his love for Teesside, he said:

“I can only talk about it as a spirit. It’s the men I grew up with in the shipyards or the foundries and what I always taught as a kid – you don’t let anybody down, you respect everybody and you don’t get too big for your boots or forget who you are.”

As part of the project, art subject lead Mrs Rathbone took pupils to the art department at Redcar’s Sacred Heart Secondary School, which like St Paulinus is part of Nicholas Postgate Catholic Academy Trust (NPCAT).

St Paulinus head of school Rachel Bircham said the new display reflects the school’s mission and values and its commitment to the community.

“Celebrating our school community has always been central to the vision we had for this project,”

“Our PACE values – perseverance, ambition, community and empathy – are woven into everything, from our curriculum to relationships to fundraising events.

“We aim to offer the very best education so that all our pupils go on to achieve great success throughout their lives. We recognise that every person has their own God-given talents, and we are all God’s work of art.

“This project also fits perfectly with our mission statement of ‘Love one another as I have loved you’, which is the beating heart of all we do.

“The idea of displaying local scenes with the theme of ‘love’ led us to Mackenzie and we were so thrilled when he agreed to work with us. The children loved learning about the artist himself, as well as developing new skills.

“Mackenzie is passionate about our area and the pieces he has created are inspirational. We love his style of art and how it celebrates Teesside.

“Seeing the smiles on people’s faces as they go by our school is a true blessing. Our children should be incredibly proud of themselves and of our school.

“We couldn’t be happier with this project and want to thank everyone who has worked tirelessly to make it possible.”

One of the proud St Paulinus pupils, Albee, said:

“I was happy to meet Mackenzie Thorpe as I’d never had the chance to meet anyone like that before this project happened.”