Louise Dwyer, headteacher of Sacred Heart Catholic Secondary School, Redcar, was delighted with results that were yet again well above the national average.
She said: “At Sacred Heart, our mission is to make sure our young people fulfil their potential and find their future.
“The class of 2024 have truly fulfilled our mission by demonstrating hard work, grit and determination. As a result, they have secured some excellent GCSE results and secured their post-16 destinations.
“We are delighted our school has maintained an upward trajectory when compared to pre-pandemic results. This illustrates the continuous drive for improvement in our school ethos, culture and outcomes.
“We are particularly delighted that some of the most challenging academic subjects, such as English, Maths and French, continue to secure excellent outcomes, especially when compared with the national picture.

Sacred Heart Catholic Secondary School headteacher Louise Dwyer

“Nationally, the percentage of grades 4 and upwards in Maths was 59% and we achieved 82%. In English Language, the national average was 61% and we achieved 83%. In French, the national average was 71% and Sacred Heart pupils achieved 100%.
“Similarly, our extensive suite of vocational subjects has once again seen outstanding progress, particularly in Engineering and Health and Social Care.
“Overall, the class of 2024 have secured more than 200 of the top grades, 7 to 9.
“From the governors, teachers, support staff and I, we wish to extend a heartfelt well done to every one of our pupils as they begin their post-16 journey.
“We are confident that the Catholic values they have been taught at home and here at Sacred Heart, along with some excellent results, will help ensure they have a very bright future ahead.
“Finally, remember it is not too late to join our NPCAT Sixth Form if you wish to continue your education with us.”
For further information contact head of sixth form Phillip Scarr by emailing [email protected].

Ruby L has achieved an outstanding number of top grades with 3 grade 9s in French, Maths and Physics and 4 grade 8s.
Ruby attended St Benedict’s Catholic Primary School before joining Sacred Heart and is going on to study A levels in Maths, Further Maths, Chemistry and Physics.
She has worked incredibly hard throughout the year and has battled against illness in Year 11, which meant she missed an extended period of school, making her outstanding results even more remarkable. Ruby is highly ambitious and wants to go on to university and combine her academic ability with her passion for motor racing, with the ambition of pursuing a career as a Formula One engineer.

Tom M, a former pupil of St Paulinus Catholic Primary School, has achieved a grade 9 in Geography and 7 grade 8s.
He is going on to study A levels in Chemistry, Computer Science and Geography.  Tom has kept himself in good physical shape as well as applying himself to his academic studies.
“I found that going to the gym throughout Year 11 has really helped me get the balance right and look after my own mental health,” he said.
When he completes his A levels, Tom hopes to go to university.

Head girl Imogen S achieved two grade 9s and six grade 8s.
Imogen is a former pupil of Coatham Primary School and will go on to study Performing Arts at college.
Throughout her time at Sacred Heart, Imogen has attended weekly singing lessons and a performing arts school every weekend. She also performed in Elf the Musical at Middlesbrough Theatre.
Imogen hopes to achieve her burning ambition of becoming a professional actress.
“I have always wanted to be an actress and all of these grades should help me achieve my dream,” she said.

Jack, a former pupil of Newcomen Primary School, achieved a grade 9 in English Language and five grade 8s.
Jack is going on to a high level apprenticeship in Electrical and Mechanical Engineering with Caterpillar in September.
While studying for his GCSEs, Jack also qualified as a football referee and officiated matches throughout Year 11.
“I’m really pleased and proud of my GCSE results,” he said. “I’m excited to start my apprenticeship in September, which will begin on a college campus before going on day release at the Caterpillar site.”

The headteacher of St Gerard’s Catholic Primary School in Hemlington, Middlesbrough, has welcomed a report that praises her school as a “haven of calm”, in stark contrast to the negative headlines its estate sometimes attracts.
Joanne Coe was delighted with a “good” judgement from Ofsted, and especially with the warm words from the inspectors.
“I am absolutely delighted that St Gerard’s has been recognised as a haven of calm for our pupils,” Joanne said. “Hemlington has been at the forefront of lots of negative press in the last few years, but I can say that it’s a genuinely wonderful place to work.
“The children are an absolute delight to be around, and the support we receive from our families is truly incredible. To know that the children feel loved and cared for is simply amazing and everything we aim to achieve.”
The report highlights reading, maths and help for children with special educational needs and abilities as particular strengths, saying the teaching and learning model put in place by Nicholas Postgate Catholic Academy Trust (NPCAT) is implemented consistently across the school.
“Staff make the school a haven of calm for pupils,” it says. “The school’s Catholic values and clear behaviour policy help to teach pupils about the importance of behaving responsibly.
“Pupils understand the significance of the school’s nine virtues, such as respectfulness and decency. These virtues reinforce high expectations and make pupils feel loved and cared for at St Gerard’s.
“Pupil conduct in lessons and at playtime is impressive. Pupil sports leaders plan and support lunchtime activities. This develops their self-confidence and communication skills.
“Pupils reflect positively on the school’s programme to support their mental health. Pupil ‘happiness heroes’ support the well-being of their peers.
“The school proactively works with external agencies and the local authority to support pupils with SEND. The school has made vast improvements in adapting tasks for pupils with SEND.
“The local governing body holds leaders to account through a clear trust framework. The link governors visit the school termly to challenge and support leaders at all levels.
NPCAT CEO Hugh Hegarty shared his praise for this school and acknowledged the work undertaken by the leaders and staff.
“It’s wonderful to see St Gerard’s continue to offer a quality Catholic education and I am sure this will be welcomed by the entire St Mary’s Cathedral parish community,” he said. “There is a coherence and consistency to their reporting.”
Joanne said the inspectors’ positive comments also reflect her experiences of working with families on an estate that has its challenges.
“St Gerard’s is a special place to be part of and I feel incredibly lucky to be able to lead a team of dedicated and hardworking staff who go above and beyond for the pupils in our care,” she said.
“I would like to say a huge thanks to the team of leaders, teachers, support staff, including lunchtime supervisors, office staff, kitchen staff, cleaners and the site operative, who all work tirelessly to ensure our children are provided with the best care and education possible every day. Thanks must also go to NPCAT members for their support.
“We could not have achieved what we have without the support of the whole school community – our parents and carers, governors, parish, the diocese, our incredible staff and last but by no means least, our incredible children. We will continue to build on everything that we have achieved so far, and St Gerard’s will go from strength to strength.”
Chair of governors Don Lillistone added: “The Ofsted inspection report is a testimony both to the professional expertise of the staff and to their deep personal commitment to the education and wellbeing of every pupil.”
St Gerard’s, which is on Avalon Court, has 186 pupils aged from three to 11. NPCAT is a family of 38 Catholic schools throughout North Yorkshire and Teesside. All 32 of its primary schools are rated good or outstanding by Ofsted.

Howzat! A Middlesbrough school where pupils excel at cricket has hit the sweet spot with a striking Ofsted report that judged it to be good overall and outstanding in two fields.

Inspectors said St Alphonsus’ Catholic Primary School in North Ormesby is outstanding in the areas of Behaviour and Attitudes and Personal Development.

Ofsted said leaders work tirelessly to support families, as well as the pupils, through initiatives including an eco-shop opened during the financial crisis and engaging with a local charity that purchases sportswear for every pupil.

“Pupils at St Alphonsus’ are exceptionally polite, kind and caring,” the report states. “This is a very inclusive school. Pupils are tolerant and accepting of others. They enjoy coming to school and attend well. Pupils are very proud of their school. They are keen to show visitors the work they do and the trophies they have won.

“The school has very high expectations for all pupils. Staff help pupils to be successful in later life.

“Pupils’ behaviour is exemplary. Pupils have impeccable manners. The school is calm. There are warm relationships and high levels of respect between pupils and adults.

“Leaders are determined that pupils will leave St Alphonsus equipped for life in the world. The school welcomes the support offered by the wider trust network.

“Governors have different experiences and skills. They use these to support the school effectively.

“Staff are proud to work in this school and feel valued. Parents appreciate the support the school offers them.”

Headteacher Angela McCann said the glowing report is testament to all the hard work of pupils, staff and governors.

“Our mission of ‘Learning, serving, loving with Christ’, is at the centre of everything we do,” she said. “Our high expectations, relationships and learning are rooted in the teachings of Christ, and we encourage children to be the very best that they can be by learning with each other, serving each other and loving each other.

“In partnership with home, school, parish and community, we are dedicated to working together to develop children who achieve spiritually, academically, socially and emotionally.

“We encourage our pupils to try new things, to be creative, resilient and to constantly strive to improve. 

“The school is often described as a ‘safe haven’ or an ‘oasis’ where we nurture and care for our pupils, with staff regularly going that extra mile, and we value the trust families place in us.”

St Alphonsus’ pupils swept the board in competitions run by Nicholas Postgate Catholic Academy Trust (NPCAT), winning all four NPCAT Sport cricket competitions for year 3/4 boys and year 5/6 boys’ and girls’ teams.

All went on to represent the trust at the North Yorkshire Cricket finals, where two of the teams won silver medals as runners-up.

Both year 5/6 teams then represented both NPCAT Sport and North Yorkshire Cricket at the Yorkshire finals in Leeds, with the girls’ team coming third in a competition that involved around 800 schools.

Cricket at St Alphonsus’ isn’t just for the summer months, the bats and stumps are set up all year round.

Every break time and lunchtime the children make for the wicket as soon as they go out onto the yard, with even reception children joining in the fun! 

“Two of our teaching assistants in particular give up their lunch and break times to help coach the children ready for competitions,” said Angela. “We also have some sports leaders who are now coaching younger children in sport.”

St Alphonsus’, which is on Cadogan Street, has 244 pupils aged from three to 11, including a nursery.

CEO Hugh Hegarty said: “A huge congratulations to the pupils and staff of St Alphonsus’ who continue to demonstrate our trust’s values.”

All 32 NPCAT primary schools are rated good or outstanding by Ofsted.

A Middlesbrough school praised by Ofsted for its commitment to careers teaching is encouraging pupils to “dream big” by holding a Careers and Jobs Fair.

Workplaces, colleges and agencies set up stalls at Corpus Christi Catholic Primary School in Thorntree and provided careers advice and experiences.

But the fair wasn’t just for the school’s 280 pupils – later in the afternoon parents were invited in to see what is available for them in the world of work, training, education and support.

The fair offered opportunities for pupils and parents to talk to employers and learn about the different roles available and the skills needed to be successful in today’s economy.

By engaging with a range of workplaces, colleges, agencies and services, children and adults gained advice and experiences related to the world of work, training, education and support.

Executive headteacher Carolyn Baker said: “The event was opened by our Reception children, who sang When I Grow Up, from the musical Matilda, dressed in uniforms depicting occupations including chefs, builders, doctors, nurses, police officers and firefighters.

“The Year 6 children also used the opportunity to sell items from their environmental enterprise projects, ‘Home from Home’ and ‘A Passion for Fashion.’

“Children from across the school visited the event class by class and had the opportunity to ask questions about each job, impressing the employers with their wide range of questions.

“Parents took the chance to enquire about college courses starting in September and several met the employability team from Thirteen Group, who are now giving them additional support.

“We hope to build on this event in the future and be able to invite a much larger group of employers.”

The Careers and Jobs Fair at Corpus Christi Catholic Primary School in Middlesbrough – Photo by Stuart Boulton

Children had been learning all about jobs and careers as part of their World of Work topic.
Year 6 enjoyed a visit from staff at Teesside Airport, who talked about careers in the aviation industry. And after a visit by Cleveland Police, the school’s own Mini Police Cadets have been learning about the skills and attributes required to be a real police officer.

They are now working hard to help their classmates solve problems and act as responsible citizens in school and within the local community.

Reiterating its judgement that Corpus Christi is a “good” school, Ofsted inspectors who visited recently emphasised the high expectations and aspirations and the strength of teaching and personal development.

The report says: “Staff encourage pupils to be aspirational for themselves. There are many opportunities for pupils to think about different careers. This gives them a purpose for their learning.”

“Children in early years thrive. Staff have high expectations for all pupils academically and socially. Pupils respond well to these, showing keenness in lessons to succeed. Behaviour in school is calm. Pupils are respectful of one another and of staff.”

Teaching of reading and maths both came in for special praise.

“The teaching of reading is a school priority. There is a well-considered approach to developing reading fluency to build up confidence in reading.

“The teaching of mathematics is a strength of the school. Teachers ensure that pupils have a firm understanding of taught mathematical concepts. Pupils accurately recall number facts and apply their knowledge to problem-solving. Pupils are, rightly, proud of their work in mathematics.”

Mrs Baker said she was particularly pleased that the school’s commitment to raising expectations for the children’s future had been highlighted.

“We are pleased with the report, which is a clear reflection of the hard work and dedication of our whole school team,” she said.

“The report recognises the strength of provision at our vibrant and innovative school, where all are committed to providing the highest quality of education.

“The pupils’ positive attitudes to learning and the successes achieved in lessons are testament to the skills and expertise of our school team and the quality of our enriching curriculum.

“Our pupils are a credit to their families and the wider community who join with us in our endeavours to offer life-changing, affirming opportunities in a safe, caring and inspiring environment.”

Check our the latest edition of our Governance Update newsletter below…

Governance Update – July 2023

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Children at a Middlesbrough primary school gave mayor Chris Cooke a tough grilling when he visited to talk about his role and open their new play area.
Mr Cooke was one of people from a wide range of jobs and careers who were invited to talk to pupils at St Thomas More Catholic Primary in Easterside about what they do.
They asked him how he got into politics, why he felt he had the right qualities for the role and even how much he earned!
“They were very well-informed, and I think they got a lot from it, which is good to see,” said Mr Cooke.
“It’s great to be invited and important to see what the challenges are and find out what’s happening in the local community and if there are any worries or anything we can help with.”
Later Mr Cooke opened a new play area, with the help of some of the school’s younger pupils.
The equipment is part of a multi-million-pound capital investment programme this summer by Nicholas Postgate Catholic Academy Trust, which runs 38 schools across Teesside and North Yorkshire.
Work will continue during the summer holidays to create new allotments and an outdoor relaxation area at St Thomas More.
Ofsted inspectors who visited recently judged the school to be good overall and good in all areas, saying children are proud to be part of the community.
“This is a welcoming and inclusive school,” the report said. “Pupils celebrate the kind and caring attitudes pupils and staff have towards each other.
“The care they receive from staff is key to the warm relationships shared across the school community. There is a strong sense of belonging here shared by pupils, staff and leaders. Leaders are tenacious in supporting pupils and their families.
“Leaders and staff have high expectations and ambitions for all pupils here. The curriculum matches these aims. The aims and ambitions are also shared by those responsible for governance. Pupils rise to the expectations set by leaders.”
Executive headteacher Liz King is delighted with the report and said the new facilities will help the school offer children even more opportunities.
“Ofsted said one of our strengths is the personal development element of the opportunities we provide for our children,” she said. “We are in the top five per cent most deprived areas in the country, so we try to ensure that our children get every opportunity they can.
“Ofsted commented on how inclusive we are, that everybody is included. No matter what their background is, everyone here is valued for their individual talents.
“The inspectors picked up the school’s family feel straight away and said the children are proud to come to St Thomas More and proud of Easterside.
“We’re also proud to be part of  the community of Easterside and proud of the children and the families we serve. We just want the very best for them.”

New play facilities at St Thomas More Catholic Primary School in Middlesbrough – Photo by Michael McGeary

NCPAT CEO Hugh Hegarty said: “The ongoing enhancement in our schools is a powerful illustration of the multiple benefits of being part of NPCAT.
“Part of that mission involves raising aspirations by bringing in visitors from similar backgrounds who have been successful in a wide range of fields to meet the children.”
Head of school Ciara Smith asked the mayor to come and speak and was delighted when he agreed.
“We want the children to know there’s a whole range of careers out there, they don’t all have to be footballers, which is what they all seem to want to be,” she said.
“They need to know that just because they’re from Easterside doesn’t mean that they can achieve whatever they want to.
“Raising aspirations is important because poverty is the biggest issue here and one way of breaking that cycle is through education.
“We’re fortunate to have the grounds we have here and we’re really grateful to the trust for the investment they’re making.”
During his visit, Mr Cooke revealed details of a new initiative that he says will make a big difference for schools such as St Thomas More.
“We’re going to make a decision on auto-enrollment of free school meals in Middlesbrough, which will be a massive change and will help schools like this one,” he said.
“It would mean Middlesbrough seeking approval to do free school meals centrally. They’ve done this in Sheffield and it meant 5,000 children got meals who previously weren’t getting them, and about £3.8m went to local schools in additional pupil premium money from the government.
“That’s exactly what we need in Middlesbrough, to make sure every child who’s eligible gets those meals, regardless of whether they’ve filled in forms or not, and that the schools get the pupil premium money they’re entitled to.”