Nicholas Postgate Catholic Academy Trust’s school, St Wilfrid’s is celebrating a very special double milestone – 150 years of dedicated service to the community and outstanding results in a recent inspection.
A week of anniversary events at St Wilfrid’s Catholic Primary School in Monkgate was capped by the publication of a glowing Catholic Schools Inspection report.
The school received the top grade in every category – overall effectiveness, Catholic life and mission, religious education and collective worship.
Inspectors observed worship and RE lessons, examined pupils’ work and performance data and talked to stakeholders.
“The leaders of the school, especially the headteacher, demonstrate exceptional commitment and effectiveness in fostering a thriving Catholic community centred on Christ,”
the report says.
“The behaviour and attitudes of pupils at St Wilfrid’s is outstanding, reflecting a deep commitment to the values of respect, responsibility and care for others.
“Pupils demonstrate high levels of attainment, and the work in their books is presented exceptionally well.“The school’s environment and its welcoming, inclusive community ethos, proudly proclaim and celebrate its Catholic identity.
“Links with the diocese, parish and other schools are strong. Pupils send Christmas cards to senior parishioners, and some vulnerable families receive generous support from the parish SVP.”
One parent told the inspectors:
“The teachers feel like members of our family.” Another added: “It feels like this is our second home.”
Pupils were also asked for their views, with one commenting:
“Teachers help us. They enjoy being with us, and we listen and behave.”
Headteacher Helen Keith said the report reflects the hard work and expertise of staff and the volunteers who support the school. She said:
“The most pleasing part of our inspection was our wonderful children. They engaged with inspectors in such a positive and eloquent manner, took part in prayerful moments and showed their individuality and creativity, as well as trying their very best.
“They are very proud to be part of our school and we are very proud to be part of their school life and journey.
“We have just planted a lovely apple tree in a beautiful planter to commemorate our 150th anniversary. The tree will stand proud for another 150 years of excellent education at St Wilfrid’s Primary – thank you to AGH Engineering for the very generous donation of both tree and planter.”
Miss Keith described St Wilfrid’s – which is part of Nicholas Postgate Catholic Academy Trust – as a place that stays in your heart. She said:
“What makes St Wilfrid’s so special is the love and friendships that begin and grow here in our Christ-centered school.
“I look at our wonderful children who are making friends that will last a lifetime. I frequently hear how staff who have left school continue to meet up and continue their friendships.
“People often comment about our excellent academic achievements and exemplary behaviour and I always refer to our hard-working and outstanding team who work so well as a team to make it possible.
“They really do look after each other and care about one another.”
Inspectors especially praised the school’s Mini Vinnies, who help pupils put their concern for the world around them into action. The group led fundraising for causes such as York Against Cancer, CAFOD, Martin House, Mary’s Meals, Carecent, Refugee Action, Get Cycling, Zoe’s Place and Snappy. Kath Campbell, who was St Wilfrid’s school administrator for 32 years, serving under five headteachers, now volunteers to help run the Mini Vinnies, despite having retired 15 years ago. She said:
“If you were to ask me what makes St Wilfrid’s continue to be a special place after 150 years, my answer would be that it is not only a good school but also a community of faith, love and care, where everyone is treated with dignity and supported in good times and bad.
“Over the years there have been many memorable events and occasions, but one I recall distinctly was the refurbishment of the school, which was completed in 1994.
“The headteacher then was Sister Teresa, a member of the Sisters of Charity of St Paul the Apostle, who founded the school 150 years ago.
“During the ten arduous months of building work, pupils were taken care of by a hard-working and caring staff and continued to be educated on the site.”
The week of celebrations began with Mass at St Wilfrid’s Church and continued with a special celebratory lunch. There was more fun later in the week with a dressing up day, featuring colourful fashions through the 15 decades since the school opened.
