The appointment of a new leadership team is helping bring about “rapid improvement” at a North Yorkshire primary school, Ofsted says.

Inspectors judged Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School in Northallerton – one of 38 North Yorkshire and Teesside schools that make up Nicholas Postgate Catholic Academy Trust (NPCAT) – to be good in all areas and gave it a good overall rating.

“Sacred Heart Primary School has recently undergone significant change,” the report says. “Leaders have improved the quality of education for pupils. The curriculum is ambitious. The school has identified the important knowledge they want pupils to learn. There is also a strong focus on vocabulary.

“The school is now run by an executive team. They also have responsibility for another trust school in North Yorkshire (All Saints Catholic Primary in Thirsk).
“This leadership model has supported rapid improvement. Parents are overwhelmingly positive about the current provision in the school. Staff are proud to work at the school. “They appreciate how leaders listen to feedback. Governors and trustees know the school’s strengths and areas for development well.”

Ofsted said Sacred Heart pupils enjoy coming to school and are proud to live up to Sacred Heart’s vision of “being the best you can be”.

“The school has high expectations for the quality of education,” it said. “Pupils achieve well. They benefit from the well-designed curriculum the trust has helped to put in place. Pupils look forward to their lessons and enjoy positive relationships with staff.

“Pupils increasingly benefit from a curriculum that extends beyond the academic.”

Executive headteacher Paul Conway, who was appointed last September, welcomed the report and said the improvements were a real team effort.

“We are so proud of the significant improvements we are making and continue to make,” he said. “It is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team and the tremendous support of the central NPCAT team.

“It’s great that Ofsted has recognised the ambitious curriculum we have put in place and how prioritising vocabulary and a positive reading culture has truly made a difference in the quality of education for our pupils.

“It is also heartening to see such positive feedback from parents, staff, governors and trustees. We are grateful for their support and commitment to our school community.

“This recognition from Ofsted is a validation of our efforts, but we will continue to strive to make even more progress to ensure we offer the children of Northallerton the very best education possible.

“We would encourage families with young children to visit our thriving early years provision and see for themselves what we have to offer.”

Recently appointed chair of governors Graham McCartney added: “I would like to express my gratitude to school leaders and the committed and loyal staff for this judgement.
“Our strengths have been recognised and governors are confident that as a combined team, we are well placed to drive further developments, and continue the trajectory of our ambitious programme of continuous improvement.”

NPCAT’s CEO Hugh Hegarty said: “Northallerton children deserve quality education and parents have shared the journey as we continue to grow the very best provision in this wonderful community and parish.”

Sacred Heart, on Broomfield Avenue, currently has 99 pupils aged from three to 11.  

Inspectors have praised a North Yorkshire school that is “built on love” as they rated it “good” in all areas.

Ofsted says All Saints Catholic Primary School in Thirsk – which is part of Nicholas Postgate Catholic Academy Trust (NPCAT) – is a place where “everybody is made to feel welcome”.

“Highly effective leaders have led the school through a period of rapid change,” their report says. “The trust has provided training and support to improve every aspect of the school since it opened as part of the trust.

“The curriculum is ambitious and well thought through. Pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), learn well. Children in the early years get off to a strong start.”

Delighted executive headteacher Paul Conway said everyone at the school is “immensely proud” of the report.

“We are grateful to the knowledge and expertise from our trust team and governors for supporting us in our ambitions to build a faith school Thirsk can be proud of,” he said.

“We are also grateful to our loyal families for being a steadfast support to us throughout this period of change.

“Most importantly, we are proud of our staff and children for embracing our culture of love and high expectations. We are pleased our reputation is recognised locally and would continue to welcome new families of all faiths to our school family.”

Ofsted says All Saints offers lots of after-school clubs for all pupils, including those who are disadvantaged.

“Pupils particularly enjoy the different sporting competitions they can take part in,” it says.

“There are also opportunities to celebrate pupils’ achievements in music, for example, by singing at a local cathedral.

“The school makes sure pupils have wider experiences beyond the curriculum. Pupils learn about the world of work when visitors come in to talk about their jobs.

“They have opportunities to take on responsibilities, such as being helpers at lunchtime, or pupil ambassadors. Pupils are very proud to take on these responsibilities. They serve as good role models for other pupils.

“Governors and trustees know the school well. They provide excellent support and challenge to help leaders continually improve the school.”

Trust associate senior lead Amanda Hick said: “As a school family, we are extremely proud of all our children, our community and our staff.

“It has been a real team effort to achieve such a positive Ofsted outcome. It’s thanks to the dedication and support of all our stakeholders that we are where we are today.”

NPCAT CEO Hugh Hegarty said: “We have taken this once failing school and turned it around. Today, the entire community can celebrate, but most importantly, our wonderful pupils are experiencing such a rich and nurturing learning environment with high expectations on a daily basis.

“This vision being realised is the result of a significant deployment of resources and the work of our fantastic team at All Saints, the governors and the entire NPCAT team.”

The school, which is on Green Lane East, Sowerby, has 86 pupils aged from three to 11, including a nursery.

NPCAT is a family of 38 Catholic schools throughout North Yorkshire – including the city of York – and Teesside.

Two elite youth football teams based at T6 Trinity Catholic College in Middlesbrough pipped rivals from top pro clubs to win two coveted league titles at just the second attempt.

Middlesbrough FC/T6 Academy under-19s clinched the National Football Youth League North-East Premier Division with a game to spare.

Meanwhile, T6’s under-17 team, comprising first-year players aged 16 and 17, secured the National Football Youth League North East Championship, beating rivals Sheffield United into second place.

What makes the achievement even more remarkable is that the team – run by Middlesbrough-based T6 Trinity Catholic Sixth Form in an exclusive partnership with Middlesbrough Football Club – was only formed two years ago.

Head of T6 football academy Dave McTiernan – who was a trainee in Boro’s acclaimed academy before enjoying a career in non-league football – said: “Winning the league titles in such a competitive environment is a testament to the talent and commitment of our players and staff.

“To see our players rise to this level within a short period is truly remarkable. It has been a fantastic journey for us.

“We didn’t realise quite how much talent there is in Teesside and North Yorkshire, but we’re proving we’re up among the best in the country.”

Backed by Nicholas Postgate Catholic Academy Trust (NPCAT), the T6 Academy boasts impressive facilities at its Phoenix Park home on Lacy Road, including high-quality grass and 4G pitches, a strength and conditioning suite including weights and cardiovascular areas and a video analysis room.

“Our facilities are excellent and are still being upgraded and that’s helped us,” said Mr McTiernan. “Families and fellow students and staff come along to game and it’s starting to really grow within NPCAT, not just within the academy.”

Some T6 Football students also represent semi-professional football clubs, while others have secured scholarships in the United States.

Notable individual achievements include striker Kayden winning the golden boot with an impressive tally of 29 goals so far.

“Last year Alfie Steele won it and went on to sign for Hartlepool United, so we’re hoping this will encourage professional clubs to come and look at Kayden,” said Mr McTiernan.

“Getting to the level we have within a couple of years is brilliant. Together with Alfie joining Hartlepool and making his debut, the title win has capped off a thoroughly successful year.”

“Our success results from the dedication and expertise of our staff, who have played a crucial role in shaping the players’ careers.

“The partnership with Middlesbrough Football Club is invaluable and I can’t praise them enough. We’ve been able to use their training facilities, we play in Boro kits and they’re always there to offer support. None of our players have progressed into their system yet, but who knows what the future holds?”

As well as their football training, T6 students also study for qualifications including A-levels and BTECs.

Recruits all have outstanding youth football pedigrees, with most having narrowly missed out on scholarships with professional clubs. 

Most of the T6 students come from secondary schools in the NPCAT family, but there are also trainees from as far away as York and Northallerton. 

CEO Hugh Hegarty paid tribute to all the staff and thanked parents for embracing the programme.

“NPCAT continues to be system-leading and this is a further example of our determination to have a positive impact on our communities. Congratulations to the players!”

Inspectors have praised a Redcar school where an “exciting” range of library books inspires a love of reading in its pupils.
The Ofsted inspection of St Benedict’s Catholic Primary School in Redcar was not graded, but the report said “the evidence gathered suggests the grade might be outstanding if a graded inspection were carried out now”.
The school’s efforts to ensure children benefit from a lifelong love of reading earn especially warm approval.
“The school inspires a love of reading for pupils,” the report says. “They are excited about the wide range of books in the school library.
“Leaders have embedded an excellent reading culture in the school. Pupils learn to read quickly and confidently. Pupils’ progress is checked diligently. The school provides effective support for pupils who struggle with reading. As a result, they catch up quickly.”
Trust CEO Hugh Hegarty praised the school leaders and governors, whose hard work he said had laid down the foundations for Ofsted’s glowing report.
“Their total commitment has ensured that Redcar children continue to be offered fantastic Catholic education, where everyone is welcome,” he said.
“I would also like to thank the trust’s Primary Standards team for supporting the continued development of excellent provision.”
Acting headteacher Suzanne Dickinson said she was extremely proud of everyone at the school and delighted that Ofsted acknowledged their efforts.
“This report is a testament to the hard work, perseverance and unwavering determination of our pupils, staff and parents alike,” she said.
“The report acknowledges an ambitious curriculum, which was demonstrated through the deep dives in reading, maths and history.
“The work over the last three years to further develop our curriculum highlights the quality of leadership and education St Benedict’s provides for every child. We are committed to ensuring we deliver a curriculum that challenges and inspires all pupils to reach their full potential.”

Pupils at St Benedict’s Catholic Primary School in Redcar celebrate their Ofsted visit

Ofsted said pupils are proud to attend the school, where they “thrive”. Their behaviour is exemplary at all times of the school day and “an exceptional variety of activities” are on offer at lunchtimes.
“Pupils benefit from an ambitious curriculum. Leaders are passionate and experts in their subjects,” it says.
“Pupils with SEND (Special educational needs and disabilities) follow the same ambitious curriculum as their peers. Pupils with SEND are identified early. They receive the help they need. They achieve well and are fully involved in the life of the school.
“Passionate and knowledgeable teachers make learning exciting. Pupils are attentive and enthusiastic in lessons. Pupils talk about their learning with confidence and accuracy.”
Mrs Dickinson added: “We have a team approach, based upon the generous sharing of individual gifts by all pupils, staff, parents, governors and parish.
“Our strength comes from the whole St Benedict’s community – home, school and parish – working together and appreciating and encouraging everyone’s contribution.
“This community is a shining example of how working together can lead to remarkable achievements. Together we have built an environment that nurtures our students, instils in them a love for learning, and empowers them to become competent and independent individuals.”
Executive headteacher Kendra Sill added: “This report reflects the commitment of all leaders and staff. We have been relentless in our ambition to provide the very best for the children.
“St Benedict’s is a truly outstanding place to be, and although no areas of improvement were identified, the leadership team will continue to strive to offer the very best education. Pupils are proud to attend this school as are the staff who we are indebted to for their unwavering dedication.”
St Benedict’s, which has 388 pupils, is one of 38 schools throughout Teesside and North Yorkshire, including the city of York, that make up Nicholas Postgate Catholic Academy Trust (NPCAT).
Ofsted said governors provide effective support and challenge to school leaders and that St Benedict’s benefits from the development and support of the trust.
St Benedict’s was also rated outstanding in its latest Diocese of Middlesbrough inspection.

Taking part in the Eskdale Festival of the Arts has sparked a love of performing that now extends throughout the year at a North Yorkshire school.
Gifted pupils from St Hedda’s Catholic Primary School in Egton Bridge came away with an impressive haul of prizes after showcasing their talents for the second consecutive year, having sampled the spotlight at the 2023 event.
School governor Leanne Coates, who helped prepare the children for their performances, said taking part in the festival has sparked a passion for the performing arts at St Hedda’s.
“What started off as a drama club just so we could enter the Eskdale Festival soon ignited into something much bigger,” she said.
“We’ve enjoyed seeing the children take on the challenge of learning their parts. Some children who wouldn’t always speak up in class suddenly wanted to be on stage.
“The transformation in those children was astounding. Their confidence flourished and it made me realise we couldn’t just do the festival then stop and we have since put on performances of Matilda and The Grinch.
“The children have learnt so much, working as a team, developing listening skills and building their confidence even more. Seeing their personalities coming out on stage is a delight.
“The staff have all played a huge part in getting the children and school ready. St Hedda’s feels like one big, happy family!”

Pupils from Year 1 to Year 6 scooped first, second and third prizes in the verse-speaking category after reading poems by AA Milne and Wes Magee.
Delighted judges praised them for speaking out well, expressing their feelings and recreating the atmosphere of the poem.
Four children came first in the choral speaking category, with one judge saying: “You all had energy and really enjoyed expressing the script – well done!”
Two girls won first prize for a duologue poetry recitation and a Year 4 pupil took first prize for her piano solo performance of two songs.
Executive headteacher Kendra Sill was delighted with the children’s confidence and how well they performed and thanked parents and carers for all their support.
“Oracy and performance are so important to us at St Hedda’s, and the judges’ notes mention the wonderful promise our pupils show,” she said.

St Hedda’s School in Egton Bridge is celebrating successes in the Eskdale Festival 2024

“It was lovely to hear positive comments from people attending the festival about the high standards of behaviour and performance from the children.
“We are so proud of you for all of your hard work letting your lights shine so brightly.”
Some of the children were invited to perform at the Best of the Festival concert on Saturday (March 16).
Established in 1903, the festival takes place in Whitby every March to help inspire and create opportunities for young people in music, drama, dance, art and speech.
St Hedda’s is part of the Nicholas Postgate Catholic Academy Trust, which runs 38 schools across Teesside and North Yorkshire, including the city of York.

A York school where classrooms are “calm and focused places to learn” has been handed a glowing report by Ofsted.
St Aelred’s Primary – part of the Nicholas Postgate Catholic Academy Trust family of 38 schools throughout North Yorkshire and Teesside – was rated as good in all areas and good overall.
Inspectors said: “St Aelred’s is a welcoming school. Pupils are proud to attend. They know and understand the school values of friendship, courage and respect. Pupils demonstrate these values in their attitudes to learning and relationships with each other and with staff. “Pupils show maturity and confidence when talking about a range of issues. Equality and fairness are a key part of school life.
“School leadership roles such as school councillors and anti-bullying ambassadors are celebrated.
“Rapid progress is evident in the pace of change to strengthen the curriculum and improve behaviour in school. Classrooms are calm and focused places to learn. Pupils benefit from clear school rules. Their positive attitudes and hard work are rewarded in different ways.”
Delighted headteacher Claire Hughes, who took over at St Aelred’s last April, said a real team effort was the secret of the Fifth Avenue school’s success.
“It’s wonderful to celebrate this positive outcome, which recognises the many strengths of our school,” she said.
“The report is testament to the hard work and commitment of our dedicated staff team who go above and beyond in their daily roles to support the children at St Aelred’s.
“Partnership working and links with the community are a critical aspect of school life and this is far reaching, with involvement from stakeholders including governors, parents and carers and the parish, who are all committed to and invested in helping our children flourish and grow.
“We have worked hard to drive forward several key improvements this year, including changes to our curriculum, more extracurricular activities and a new behaviour strategy, and we are delighted to have this work positively recognised.”
Inspectors said school trips help pupils learn beyond the classroom and praised after-school activities such as dance and art clubs.
They added: “Stakeholders, such as governors, trustees and trust leaders, are proactive in holding leaders to account. They have the same high expectations as leaders.
“The school has high expectations for pupils’ behaviour and positive attitudes to learning. Pupils know and understand the clear and effective school rules. Pupils can see how recent changes to behaviour have improved the school. Children in early years are well supported to work in familiar routines and structures. They play and learn together well.
“The school has a rigorous and well-planned curriculum for all pupils, including pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Pupils benefit from teaching that helps them to build the small steps of knowledge that they need to be successful.”
Mrs Hughes thanked her dedicated team, including teachers, support staff and leaders who had worked so hard to secure this outcome.
She said: “They bring such dedication and commitment to our children through their various roles in school and their work within the wider community.
“The school has also benefited significantly from the support of NPCAT in moving forward key aspects of school improvement this year, and leaders and governors are extremely grateful for the support that has been afforded to the school through this partnership.
“We look forward to building on the many strengths identified within the report in our next stages of school improvement at St Aelred’s.”
CEO of NPCAT Hugh Hegarty said: “Mrs Hughes has had a significant impact since her appointment in April and the capacity of the trust to support leaders and staff at all levels has also been hugely important.
“The support from St Aelred’s governors has been and continues to be so highly valued by both the trust and the school.
“We look forward to continuing to work in partnership with St Aelred’s and to the impact of NPCAT reaping benefits for all the school’s pupils in the years ahead.”

A Catholic primary school where behaviour and attitudes to learning are “exceptional” might be rated as outstanding if a full inspection was held today, Ofsted says.

Inspectors who visited for an ungraded inspection described Christ the King Catholic Primary School in Thornaby as “positive and welcoming” and that pupils feel “happy and safe”.

They said: “The evidence gathered suggests that the inspection grade might be outstanding if a graded (section 5) inspection were carried out now.

“Behaviour and attitudes to learning are exceptional. Pupils take care of one another and their school community with pride.

“Pupil groups, such as sports leaders and eco-warriors, plan purposeful opportunities to help and enhance the whole school community.

“Leaders have developed an ambitious and well-connected curriculum. It carefully sets out what pupils need to know and remember over time. Well-chosen and purposeful learning activities bring the curriculum to life.

“Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are well supported to work alongside their peers. Careful adaptations and resources help pupils with SEND learn in the classroom. The school makes sure these pupils get additional support from other professionals when needed.

“High expectations for behaviour start in early years. Routines are clear. Children access their learning with sustained focus in this part of the school. This continues for older pupils. Pupils in Key Stage 1 and 2 behave impeccably well.”

Executive headteacher Mark Ryan said the report reflects the school’s many strengths and how well we prepare children for their next stages in life, both academically and socially.

“This is wonderful news for the school community and is a clear reflection of all the hard work from the pupils, parents, carers, staff and governors,” he said.

“Christ the King is a hidden jewel in Thornaby and there are many comments in the inspection report that parents and carers will be rightly proud and pleased to read.

“We are very grateful for the benefits that come with being part of Nicholas Postgate Catholic Academy Trust and the support we receive.”

Head of school Helen Lickess added: “There are no recommendations or areas for improvement from Ofsted. However, we want to continue to improve and we will work hard collectively with our parents, carers and pupils to do so.

“This report clearly identifies how well behaved our pupils are, how well they do in lessons and the work we carry out within our community.

“We are delighted for the pupils, parents, carers, teachers and governors. They have every right to be proud of their school.”

Christ the King is one of 38 schools throughout Teesside and North Yorkshire, including the city of York, that make up Nicholas Postgate Catholic Academy Trust.

CEO Hugh Hegarty said: “I’m so pleased for the leadership team, staff and governors of Christ the King, who I know work so hard every day to make the school such a special place.

“The report is yet more evidence of the high standards we set across all our schools. We are all determined to continue raising standards even further to make sure all our children benefit from the very best in Catholic education.”

The school retains its overall judgement as good and its next visit from Ofsted will be a graded inspection.

Inspectors have described a school as a “beacon of hope for so many in the community” in a glowing report written on behalf of Bishop Terry.

The Catholic Schools Inspectorate (CSI) rated St Peter’s Catholic College in South Bank as outstanding for Catholic life and mission and good for both Religious Education and collective worship.

The report said: “There is a true family feel within the school community. Leaders are inspirational role models for staff, students and families, having created a genuine, authentic vision for Catholic education.

“Catholic life and mission is the beating heart of the school, which has led to substantive, transformative change across all aspects of school life.

“There is strong evidence of a highly effective collaboration and supportive relationship with the Nicholas Postgate Catholic Academy Trust (NPCAT), which has led to a positive impact upon the culture of St Peter’s.

“Students are proud to attend St Peter’s; they feel valued, loved and unique; they know they matter.”

The report follows an Ofsted inspection in November 2022 in which St Peter’s was judged to be good in every category.

Headteacher Stephanie Garthwaite was delighted with this latest validation.

“I am incredibly proud of all of our wonderful pupils and staff and the journey they have been on over the last four years,” she said.

“It was inspiring to see our tenacity, drive and commitment to Catholic education was finally recognised as our pupils and staff shone throughout the two days.

“The three inspectors were able to live and breathe the mission statement of St Peter’s, as we all do every day, and they were blown away by their interactions with pupils.”

In a joint letter to parents and carers, Mrs Garthwaite and executive head Michael Burns spoke of being “filled with pride”.

They said: “At St Peter’s, we take pride and work hard to create a family atmosphere in school, where all children are known and loved by God. Catholic inspectors acknowledged the strong commitment to Catholic Social Teaching.

“We feel proud of the work from all our staff, leaders and governors. Equally, the work of the trust is vital to our school community, working as one family.

“The school can only be recognised for these achievements through the support and dedication of parents, carers, pupils and the wider community.

“We would like to thank you all for ensuring your children live out our school mission and contribute fully to the Catholic life of our school.”

St Peter’s, which celebrated its 80th birthday in 2022, has benefitted from a major investment programme, including new sport and arts facilities, an external facelift and a Virtual Reality suite, which inspectors mentioned in their report.

They also praise the school’s contribution to the CAUSE Christmas hamper campaign and participation in the Flame Catholic youth event, the visit of St Bernadette’s relics and a growing involvement in the annual Lourdes pilgrimage.

“Students are exceptionally proud to attend St Peter’s,” the inspectors said. “They feel a part of the school’s long, rich history and have the desire to be a part of the school’s future.”