The curriculum came to life for Year 9 and 10 pupils across the trust’s four secondary schools when two very special visitors talked about events that shaped the world we live in. 

Our trust maths subject director invited Bletchley Park outreach officer Liz Mitchell, who told more than 1,000 pupils how Alan Turing and his team had saved thousands of lives by cracking the code used by Germany and its allies to direct its Second World War operations.

In an event organised by the history department, Anaïs Mutumba also visited to give her moving testimony of being a small child during the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.  

The two events illustrate the way the NPCAT secondary standards team are creating new and exciting learning opportunities for pupils across the trust, significantly enhancing their classroom learning experience.

The Enigma machine that was used in the film The Imitation Game

In an event that combined maths with learning about history, Liz spent a day in each of our four secondaries, St Patrick’s Catholic College, St Peter’s Catholic College, Trinity Catholic College and Sacred Heart Catholic Secondary, bringing the actual wartime Enigma machine that was used in the film The Imitation Game.

She told pupils how the Bletchley Park code-breakers shortened the war by around two years, saving thousands or perhaps millions of lives.

“The government brought together mathematicians, linguists and people who were good at puzzles to crack the codes used by the German, Italian and Japanese forces to encrypt messages,” explained trust director for secondary mathematics Emma Brooksbank. 

“Once they did this they could intercept thousands of messages without the enemy knowing. The pupils were able to look at the machine’s settings and see how it worked.

“The number of possible combinations was 103 followed by 21 zeros. It would take longer than the time since the universe has existed to check all of them for just one second! That shows just how difficult their work was.”

Small groups of pupils then had their own go at code-breaking, using the Caesar Cipher to work out the combination of a briefcase that contained Celebrations sweets. 

“They were unsure what to expect, but they thoroughly enjoyed the event, especially having a go at the code-breaking,” said Emma. “They showed great enthusiasm and the battle to be first to break the code was very competitive.” 

Liz added: “The pupils lived up to the high expectations of their schools and their behaviour was fantastic throughout the week.”

Anaïs Mutumba, from the Ishami Foundation, visited St Patrick’s Catholic College to give a talk that was live-streamed to the other three schools via Google Meet. 

Genocide Against the Tutsi Survivor – Anais Mutumba

Pupils sat in silence as she told about her horrifying experiences of being a child of just five years old during the infamous events that led to the murder of more than a million people in Rwanda.

“She told us how her mother had to go to hospital under armed guard to give birth to her sibling because of the danger of violence,” said trust director of secondary history, Phill Scarr. 

“Pupils from all four schools were stunned by what Anaïs had to say. “Genocide is part of their history curriculum and as well as learning about the Holocaust, they were also studying the events in Rwanda. 

“They engaged fully with the presentation and asked some excellent and sensitive questions about forgiveness and life in Rwanda today. They were a credit to their schools. 

“It’s so important to take pupils beyond the curriculum and have them actually see someone who’s lived through these experiences and bring them to life. 

“We can talk about events in class and read books, but hearing from someone’s own experiences and how they affected them really brings the events to life. 

“Anaïs spoke about how the country is healing today and how people no longer think in terms of Tusi and Hutu. She says it’s now a safe place.” 

After the success of both talks, Emma and Phill are planning further events to help pupils across all four secondary schools understand their subjects in more depth.

Rachel Heer and colleagues from New Zealand and Vietnam hosting the ImmerseMe global webinar

Meanwhile, Rachel Heer, trust director of modern foreign languages, has been taking part in an international webinar, presenting a case study of how she used the state-of-the-art VR suite at St Peter’s Catholic College to engage pupils with languages.

She also took part in a panel discussion about the use of technology to support language learning and what the future of language teaching might look like.

Headteacher Lindsay Phelps with St Gabriel’s Catholic Primary School pupils

St Gabriel’s Catholic Primary School, where “polite and respectful” pupils work hard and feel happy and safe has been rated Good in all areas by Ofsted. 

Inspectors who visited the school in March 2022 praised staff for organising memorable experiences linked to the curriculum, including trips to Boro’s Riverside Stadium.

The report said: “Staff make sure that everyone is included on visits. They make special arrangements for pupils who might find the trips, including residentials, difficult.

“Staff expect pupils to behave well, and they do. Pupils work hard and are proud of their work. Relationships between adults and pupils are highly positive.

“Pupils are excited by the new library and the wide range of books they can borrow. The librarians relish their role in helping others choose books.”

The school offers a breakfast club for anybody who would like to attend and there are after-school clubs on offer, including a SATs club to help Year 6 pupils with their maths studies.

Parents and carers are encouraged to come into school for special events and the school makes good use of social media to keep them informed and let them see how their children are enjoying school life.

“The curriculum is ambitious for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND),” the report says.

“Activities are chosen carefully to match pupils’ needs. Teachers check to make sure that pupils understand new learning. Any pupil who is struggling is spotted quickly. They then receive support such as a daily reading session or additional teaching.”

Senior leaders are “effective” and have built a team of staff who are “determined to provide a high-quality education”.

Reading is prioritised and a new phonics programme has recently been introduced to help pupils learn to read.

The report also praises the school for the quality of online teaching and communication on offer during the lockdown.

“The school kept in touch with all the families,” the report adds. “Considerable thought was given to pupils returning to school. Leaders focused on pupils’ mental health needs and catch-up in basic skills.

The local governing body provides challenge and support to the school and strengthens links with the church and wider community.

NPCAT is also praised for providing high-quality challenge and support, especially for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, while inspectors say the school has a strong culture of safeguarding.

Headteacher Lindsay Phelps said she was delighted with the report and how it reflects the inclusive environment she and her team had worked hard to create at St Gabriel’s.

“The inspectors talked about how we provide a rich, aspirational curriculum for our children, which is so important to us because we want them to achieve amazing things in their lives,” she said.

“I’m also pleased they recognised that children with special needs and disabilities are fully integrated into the school and how we work hard to ensure they also reach their potential.”

Lindsay said the leadership team, staff, governors and families have all played a role in St Gabriel’s success. 

“We’ve always had a team ethos and we’re all in this together – I always say we are Team St Gabriel’s!” she said.

“The report reflects how everyone plays a really important role and without all those parts, the school wouldn’t run as effectively as it does.

“The children are also a huge part of that team. It’s their voice that really comes through in this report, and that’s very important for me.”

To view the full report, click here.

The recent exam result days have reminded us of the huge sacrifices pupils, teachers and parents have made over the last two years.

We most definitely do not fully understand the impact the restrictions imposed because of Covid have had on our pupils, and every young person and teacher deserves every respect for their dedication and commitment.

We have a team of specialist careers advisors at the trust who have worked extremely hard to ensure every child in Year 11 and Year 13 has access to their preferred pathway.

We have invested significantly in all our secondary schools with some fantastic appointments and capital investments this summer exceeding £2m.

This demonstrates our commitment to ensuring we really do form lives ready to face the future.

Our fantastic A level results and growing sixth form provision further reinforces the message that every pupil can succeed and yet always remember their community, no matter where in this wonderful world they ultimately will study or work.

I hope all of the NPCAT family have a restful end to the summer. We look forward to seeing you all for the start of the new academic year in September.

God bless

Hugh Hegarty | CEO

Headteacher of Trinity Catholic College in Middlesbrough Louise Dwyer quoted the great physicist Albert Einstein as she paid tribute to her pupils’ impressive achievements. 

“Albert Einstein once said, ’In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity’,” said Mrs Dwyer. “This quotation sums up the journey of the class of 2021 here at Trinity Catholic College. Our Year 11s have spent much of their key stage 4 study working remotely from home. 

“However, they have remained focused and driven throughout their time here and we could not be more proud of their hard work and tenacity. We are delighted to see so many of our pupils living out our school mission statement and achieving their potential.”

Deputy head girl Phoebe Teasdale achieved excellent grades against all the odds, having been forced to shield for the whole of Year 11. The former St Edward’s Catholic Primary pupil achieved four grade 9s and a distinction*.

“To do this despite studying from home is a remarkable achievement and a real inspiration to others,” said Mrs Dwyer

“Phoebe has been a fantastic ambassador for Trinity. As well as her involvement in pupil leadership, she has also contributed to the arts through her singing and performances in school productions and liturgies.”

Phoebe added: “I’m elated and relieved. It’s been a challenging year and the support from school has been amazing. I’m coming back to Trinity Sixth Form to study English literature, RE and history.”

Phoebe hopes to go to Oxford University and eventually become a politician.

Former St Bernadette’s Catholic Primary pupil Noah Brooks achieved fantastic results, with eight grade 9s – including English and maths – and one grade 8.

Noah, who is a keen sportsman and was a key member of the school football team, fully deserves his success after five years of dedication and determination. He would like to be a stockbroker or own his own business and is going on to study maths, physics and business.

“Thanks for all the support from my teachers for helping me get where I am,” he said.

James Chadwick achieved grade 9s in English, science, maths, geography and RE, plus two grade 8s.

Former St Augustine’s Catholic Primary pupil James has shown a terrific work ethic and dedication to school life throughout his five years at Trinity.

“Next year I am attending Trinity Sixth form to study maths, physics and geography,” he said. “I am ecstatic for my results and cannot thank my teachers enough.”

Ella Mae Spearing achieved excellent results, with grade 9s in five subjects, including English and maths. Next year she is going to study maths, chemistry and biology at Trinity Sixth Form. 

“I really would like to be a surgeon, so my results have enabled me to follow this pathway. When I opened the results I was over the moon. I am completely overjoyed.

“I cannot thank my teachers enough, especially Mr Stockton and Mr Legg and the maths department.”

Libby Springthorpe, one of Trinity’s Year 11 student leaders, was delighted with her impressive results. Libby received four grade 9s, including English language, RE and history. Next year she will begin studying maths, chemistry and biology at Trinity Sixth Form before hopefully studying medicine at university.

“I’m really happy with the results and I cried with joy when I opened them,” she said.

Libby has always shown a wonderful attitude to her studies and her teachers wish her every success in the future.

St Patrick’s Catholic College, Thornaby, head of school Deborah Law praised pupils for focusing on their studies and showing such resilience and maturity in difficult times.

“We are delighted with our pupils’ individual achievements throughout the last two GCSE years,” said Miss Law. “They have been on a unique journey and without doubt have faced a variety of significant challenges along the way.

“We are incredibly proud of how the pupils faced each hurdle with strength and determination in order to achieve the results they have received today.

“The pupils remained focused throughout their studies and adapted to online learning with sheer resilience, commitment and maturity.”

Executive head Michael Burns added: “Every individual pupil has developed skills and knowledge that will remain with them for life.

“We will continue to offer them support as they move on to their new destinations and we thank parents and carers for their support throughout these unprecedented times.

“All the staff of St Patrick’s Catholic College and the Nicholas Postgate Catholic Academy Trust wish our pupils the very best as they embark on their exciting futures.”

Former St Patrick’s Catholic Primary School pupil Matthew Lees has been a high performer throughout his time at St Patrick’s, always showing a mature attitude and articulating his views with confidence. Matthew has achieved results to be proud of in his GCSEs, with grades 8 and 9 in his science and Maths. He has also been awarded the English Baccalaureate (EBacc) qualification. 

“I look forward to using my GCSE success to continue with further education in the sciences field,” said Matthew, who has his sights set on a career in physics. Massive thanks to all the teachers – I couldn’t have achieved these grades without their continued help and support.”

Francesca O’Kane, another former St Patrick’s Catholic Primary pupil, is elated after achieving grade 9s in RE and geography, and a Level 2 distinction in sport science, as well as the EBacc. 

Francesca has been an outstanding role model for younger pupils and is also a keen sportswoman, who has represented the school in many events. 

“I’m lost for words – hard work pays off!” she said. “These results have really made me happy, as I can now continue and complete my A levels in further education. I enjoyed school and miss it so much. I appreciate all the help and support from my teachers and want to thank them all a lot.” 

Former St Patrick’s Primary pupil Eden Trotter was delighted after achieving a grade 9 in English and History and a grade 8 in RE and art.

“I am really proud of my results and want to continue studying English literature and history at A-level,” she said. “I don’t know what I want to do in my future but I am overjoyed that these results can drive me on further to achieving more.”

Conscientious and hardworking pupil Amina Mazhar is on course to achieve her ambition of becoming a paediatrician after achieving a grade 7 in maths and a grade 8 in science. 

“I have achieved higher than I ever imagined and am overjoyed,” she said. “I’m grateful for all the hard work and support the teachers have put in to help me achieve these grades and set me up for the future.”

Jack Humphreys, a former Christ the King Catholic Primary pupil, was delighted after passing all his subjects. Jack has been a huge asset to the St Patrick’s community, taking a lead role in charity events and attending the annual Lourdes pilgrimage.

“I am buzzing with my grades and wasn’t expecting to achieve all that I have,” said Jack, who would like to be an electrical engineer. “I am so happy that these results will open more career doors for me. “Thanks to all the staff who have supported and guided me through the journey.”

“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.” 

Sacred Heart Catholic Secondary School, Redcar, headteacher Dr Patrick Caldwell said today’s GCSE results underline the “resilience and tenacity” of the school’s pupils.

“Our pupils have faced significant challenges over the successive lockdowns they have experienced in the past 18 months and have shown their resilience and tenacity to succeed,” he said.

“We are so very proud of all the results awarded today – they represent a clear indication that our pupils were able to overcome the uncertainty and difficulty they faced and produce work to show their skills and knowledge.

“While the qualifications they receive today do them enormous credit, the qualities of resilience, determination and motivation they have gained will help them for a lifetime in the changing workplace they will enter in the next few years.

“We are immensely proud of everything they have achieved and I also pass my thanks to the staff who have also shown great determination in helping our pupils achieve so much.

“In this challenging year, the support of parents has been crucial as well. I am very grateful to them and to our governors for their unwavering support of the school and our pupils.”

Among the success stories is Lauren Hinton, who secured eight grade 9s, an incredible achievement and testament to her hard work throughout her five years at Sacred Heart.

Lauren, a former student of St Paulinus Catholic Primary in Guisborough, showed impressive knowledge across all her subjects, including French, art and history. Lauren will now continue her studies at A-level.

“I really appreciate the time and effort all the teachers have put into helping and guiding me through this difficult year,” she said. “Without them, I don’t think I would’ve had the confidence to get the grades I did. I am forever grateful.”

Another former St Paulinus pupil, Grace Hinton, secured an impressive nine grade 9s, including geography, art and RE. 

“Coming into Sacred Heart, I have always felt comfortable and loved my time here,” she said.

“Thank you to the brilliant teachers and my amazing friends who have supported me. I cannot quite comprehend the results I have achieved. I am shocked, but most of all proud of myself and how much I have grown.”

Libby Ramsey, a former pupil at St Gabriel’s Catholic Primary in Ormesby, can be very proud of her results, which include a grade 9 in RE, grade 8 in English language and an 8-7 in combined science. She is excited to be going on to study A-levels.

“The last five years at Sacred Heart have been fantastic,” she said. “I was able to succeed academically and achieve all of my goals.”

George McCormick secured a fantastic set of results, gaining grade 9s in PE, RE English language, English literature and maths.

The former pupil of St Benedict’s Catholic Primary in Redcar is an excellent role model for others, having juggled his sporting ambitions and his studies so well.

George has now started a two-year sporting excellence apprenticeship with Middlesbrough Football Club.

George said: “ I have really enjoyed myself at Sacred Heart. I am extremely grateful for all the staff who helped me along my journey and the support they gave me has paid off.”