Pupils and staff at Saint Benedict Catholic Voluntary Academy in Derby are celebrating after receiving a prestigious platinum Artsmark Award.
Artsmark is the only creative quality standard for schools, accredited by Arts Council England. It transforms teaching through creativity, empowering teachers with the skills they need to embed arts, culture and creativity across the whole curriculum, and is proven to support pupil outcomes and wellbeing.
To achieve their Artsmark Award, Saint Benedict had to develop their arts and cultural provision to embed a broad and ambitious curriculum. This was achieved by creating an overall plan that was committed to and delivered across the whole school.
During their two-year journey, Saint Benedict received professional support through an immersive learning programme from Artsmark’s delivery partner, Goldsmiths, University of London, who are world-renowned leaders in creative pedagogy and cultural placemaking.
The Artsmark Assessor commended Saint Benedict and said: “Saint Benedict CVA has delivered a confident and purposeful Artsmark journey that places creativity and cultural learning at the heart of its ethos, pedagogy and strategic vision. The arts are used not simply to enrich school life, but to advance core educational aims around equity, identity, wellbeing and academic progress.”
On receiving the award, Anna West, Director of Performance and Creative Arts at Saint Benedict, the everyone was extremely proud to have achieved Artsmark Platinum Award.
She said: “We are committed to delivering a high-quality arts and cultural education because we believe every child deserves the chance to be inspired, to discover who they are and to find something that helps them shine. Our Artsmark journey has transformed our school by placing creativity and culture at the heart of school life, not as an extra, but as something every young person is entitled to experience.
“Having worked at the school for 18 years, I have had the privilege of seeing the extraordinary impact that the arts can have on generations of children who have come through our doors. I have seen children find their confidence, discover talents they did not know they had, and experience moments of real pride and belonging through music, drama, art and performance. Those experiences stay with them. They shape how young people see themselves and what they believe is possible.
“Just as importantly, this journey has also had a powerful impact on our staff and wider school community. It has given colleagues the confidence to be creative, to work in partnership, and to see the arts not as an add-on, but as a vital part of how we engage, inspire and connect with young people. That shared belief has helped build a culture in which creativity is valued, championed and lived across the school.
“More recently, we have been able to deepen that impact even further, reaching beyond our own school through meaningful partnerships with organisations such as Derby Theatre and our feeder primary schools. Through this work, the arts have become more than something enriching or enjoyable; they are now recognised as an essential part of every child’s entitlement. We want all young people to leave school not only with knowledge, but with the creativity, confidence, communication skills, resilience, empathy and collaboration they need to flourish in an ever-changing world.
“I am immensely proud of this journey and the difference it continues to make. What has been most powerful is seeing the arts move from being valued by some, to being embraced by all as part of the very identity of our school and our hopes for the children and community we serve. At its heart, this is about making sure that every child, whatever their background, can experience beauty, wonder, self-expression and success, and leave school believing that their voice, their ideas and their creativity matter, and that they can step forward into the world with confidence.”
Dr Darren Henley OBE, Chief Executive of Arts Council England, said:
“I would like to congratulate Saint Benedict on their Artsmark Award. Creative activities and cultural experiences enrich our lives, open our minds to new possibilities and help us make sense of the world around us. As an awarded Artsmark school, you’re demonstrating that by offering a broad, ambitious and creative curriculum, your young people will develop character and resilience, increasing their knowledge, curiosity and skills that will remain with them through to adult life.”
A woodland area at St Mary’s Catholic Voluntary Academy in Marple Bridge has been transformed into an inspiring outdoor learning space to help children connect with nature.
The ‘Dingley Dell’ has been officially opened at the school, thanks to the generous support and fundraising efforts of the school’s PTA.
The woodland has been developed to enrich the educational experience of every child at the school, with the addition of a new gateway providing direct access from the school field.
There are also newly created steps leading into the woodland, encouraging children to explore the area.
Sarah Bradbury, the school’s EYFS and wellbeing lead, said that St Mary’s believes in a holistic education that nurtures the whole child.
She said: “The development of the Dingley Dell reflects our core values of exploration, creativity, and hands-on learning within our natural environment.
“Through regular access to the Dingley Dell, children will build practical skills, deepen their understanding of the world around them, and develop a lifelong connection with nature.
“From Nursery through to Year 6, all pupils will now benefit from this dedicated woodland provision. Whether it is storytelling under the trees, scientific investigation, creative arts, or reflective quiet moments in nature, the Dingley Dell will serve as a vibrant extension of our classrooms.”
Pupil Amelie said: “I am going to love playing in the Dingley Dell, the steps are exciting.”
Pupil Rose said: “It will be an amazing adventure and exciting experience to learn about the wilderness.”
Mrs Bradbury thanked the PTA , landscape contractor Joe Williams, and the wider school community for their commitment and generosity in bringing this vision to life.
She said: “Together, we have created a space where imaginations will flourish, curiosity will grow, and memories will be made for years to come.”
Headteacher John Nish said: “We are incredibly proud to see Dingley Dell come to life and the opportunities it will provide for our children. My sincere thanks go to our PTA for their generosity and tireless fundraising; this is a wonderful example of what can be achieved through teamwork across our school family.
“Outdoor learning is a vital part of our curriculum, helping children to develop resilience, creativity and a deeper connection with the natural world. The Dingley Dell is a special place where our pupils can be nurtured, explore, learn and flourish together.”
An ex-pupil who has worked at Holy Rosary Catholic Voluntary Academy for over 30 years is looking forward to taking part in the school’s 60th anniversary celebrations.
The primary school, in Burton, will be marking the historic occasion with a tea party for parents, staff and pupils on July 2nd, followed by Mass celebrated by the Bishop of Nottingham.
Guests will include current and ex-pupils and staff and members of the local clergy and community.
One current staff member who will be at the celebrations is Annette Batchelor, who attended the school as a pupil and has worked there as a Teaching Assistant for 31 years.
She said she had happy memories of the school as a pupil and loves her role there now.
“I have lovely memories of the fishpond that used to be at the school and sitting around it with my friends, eating our sandwiches. The equipment we had back then was very different. We had chalkboards, little packets of wax crayons with paper and pencils. All the toys we had were wooden or metal. We had a walk in fold away playhouse and a wooden chest on wheels, containing wooden building blocks. The building blocks were so well made that they were still in use in the year 2000!
“The dinners were very much meat and veg and I remember the chocolate pudding with green custard, which was mint flavoured. I also remember the cornflake cake. I have happy memories of attending the school. I went on to Blessed Robert Sutton and when I got married, I actually had my wedding reception there.”
Mrs Batchelor worked for BT before being employed by Holy Rosary, in Alexandra Road, Winshill, in 1996.
She said: “I had a phone call from the school asking me if I’d be interested in a job, after I’d asked them to let me know if anything came up. They rang me and asked me when I could start and I said tomorrow and I never looked back. I was put with a class of 39 children which included a set of triplets and a set of twins. My children were here in Year 1 and 2 at the time. I loved it because it was a place that I could really be myself. It hasn’t changed in terms of it still being very much like a family and having a real community feel to it.”
Also hoping to attend the anniversary celebrations is Chris Varney, the widow of Frank Varney, the first Headteacher at Holy Rosary. Mr Varney was appointed in March 1966, seven months after the school opened in September 1965. The school’s official opening was held in 1966.
Mr Varney was Headteacher at the school for 18 years.
Mrs Varney said: “At the time he was 37 and was the youngest Headteacher to be appointed at a school in Burton. He enjoyed his job.”
Marie Dyche is the current Headteacher at Holy Rosary and said everyone was looking forward to marking this momentous occasion.
She said: “Holy Rosary holds a special place in the heart of many in our community. As the school commemorates this 60th anniversary, we celebrate and thank the staff, families and pupils who have been a part of its journey both past and present. We look forward in hope to the next chapter for the school and all those it serves.”
The school is hoping to revamp some outside areas as part of the anniversary celebrations and is looking for donations of oil-based paint to re-coat benches, fence paint, gravel stone, seeds, plants, herbs, planters and large stones. If you can help please contact the school on 01283 562686 or office@hrb.srscmat.co.uk
Annette with pupils at Holy Rosary.
Annette as a pupil at Holy Rosary.
Saint Mary’s Catholic Voluntary Academy in New Mills has been graded Outstanding by Catholic schools’ inspectors.
The school underwent its Catholic Schools Inspectorate inspection, which is the national framework for the inspection of Catholic schools, over two days in January 2026.
The overall quality of Catholic education provided by the school, Catholic life and mission, religious education and collective worship were all graded Outstanding.
Inspectors said: “Leaders provide inspirational Catholic leadership, shaping a school community that is unmistakably rooted in the teachings and values of the Catholic faith.”
The report said that pupils are happy and confident, and show exemplary behaviour and attitudes.
“They (pupils) undertake a wide range of meaningful leadership opportunities and demonstrate remarkable independence in planning and leading prayer and liturgy,” inspectors said.
Inspectors described teaching assistants as highly skilled and deeply committed to supporting pupils’ pastoral needs and educational progress.
“They play a full and active role in the Catholic mission of the school, contributing meaningfully to the nurturing, inclusive ethos that enables all pupils to flourish spiritually, socially and academically,” the report said.
Teachers and the lay chaplain were praised for demonstrating strong commitment to the Catholic life and mission of the school.
Inspectors said that from the moment you enter the school grounds, it is clear that Saint Mary’s is a community that confidently lives and celebrates its Catholic identity.
They said: “Visitors are warmly welcomed into the school family, where the richness of faith is evident in both the physical environment and through the respectful and caring interactions of pupils and staff.”
The strong sense of community was highlighted and the report said: “As one parent commented ‘We feel we are part of a family and not a school’.
“Pastoral care is exemplary, which is shown by the commitment of staff to inclusiveness and to addressing the needs of their most vulnerable pupils. A parent commented ‘I know that I am leaving my children with staff who care about them and go above and beyond, every day, to support them to be the best they can be’.”
Leaders and governors promote and monitor the Catholic life and mission of St Mary’s with exceptional commitment, according to the report. Inspectors said they share a unified and determined vision.
Headteacher Patricia Chapman was said to “radiate faith” throughout the school community and set an inspiring vision.
Inspectors said: “Pupils articulate this impact with remarkable clarity, stating that their headteacher, ‘…has a really strong faith… she wants to give that as a gift to everyone’.”
Mrs Chapman said: “I am incredibly proud and grateful following St Mary’s successful Catholic Inspection. This achievement truly belongs to our whole school community—staff, pupils and parents—who each played a vital role in making such a positive outcome possible.
“St Mary’s is a welcoming and faith-filled community where our Catholic identity is clearly visible, not only in the environment of the school but also in the caring relationships that exist between pupils and staff. I see every day how our pupils understand and actively live out the school’s mission. They show kindness, respect and a strong awareness of Catholic social teaching in the way they treat one another and in their daily lives.
“I am particularly proud of the strong sense of family that exists at St Mary’s and of our deep commitment to pastoral care. The dedication of our leaders, governors and parish continues to nurture a vibrant Catholic life within the school. Together, we strive to create a community where faith, learning and a spirit of togetherness flourish side by side.”
Students at St Philip Howard Catholic Voluntary Academy are part of a “vibrant school community built on the ethos of togetherness and care”, according to Ofsted.
The school, in Glossop, achieved a strong standard in two areas: attendance and behaviour, and personal development and wellbeing.
The expected standard was also achieved in four areas: achievement; curriculum and teaching; inclusion; and leadership and governance.
Under the new framework for Ofsted inspections, a five‑point scale—exceptional, strong standard, expected standard, needs attention, and urgent improvement—is used to grade different areas of a provider’s work. An overall effectiveness grade is no longer given.
Expected standard means the school is fulfilling the standard of education and/or care, while strong standard means that leaders are working above the standards expected of them.
Mike Kays, Headteacher, said: “We are absolutely delighted with the outcome of our recent Ofsted inspection. The report truly captures the spirit of our school and highlights just how wonderful our staff and pupils are.
“At #TEAMSPH, our vision is to nurture the whole pupil, and the strong judgements in personal development and behaviour show this vision coming to life every day.
“This report is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and collective effort of our entire team and community. We could not be prouder of what we have achieved together.”
In their report, inspectors said that leaders have established a culture that is highly supportive of learning.
They said: “Leaders have created a culture that is calm, respectful and highly supportive of learning. Classrooms are purposeful. Pupils show maturity and self‑discipline. They understand the school’s expectations and respond positively to routines.
“Pupils trust that adults will listen and help them, which gives them confidence that any concerns will be dealt with quickly. They describe the school as ‘family’ and ‘welcoming’, where everyone works together.”
The tireless work of staff in ensuring that students understand the importance of attending school was highlighted in the report.
Inspectors said: “Attendance is a priority and leaders’ actions have a real impact. Pupils know that being in school every day matters. Staff work tirelessly to remove barriers to pupils’ attendance.”
Being purposeful and respectful is described as central to school life, and inspectors noted that both staff and pupils demonstrate this to each other.
The effectiveness of the school’s behaviour policies was praised by inspectors, who said: “Staff apply behaviour policies consistently. Pupils say this fairness helps them to feel respected and valued.”
The report said that leaders monitor teaching quality through regular reviews and use evidence from these reviews, along with wider research, to inform improvement. This ensures that pupils are being supported in the best way possible.
The report also said that pupils benefit from a carefully planned personal development programme, designed to build the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed for life beyond school.
“Beyond lessons, pupils benefit from a wide range of opportunities that help them thrive. They take part in sports teams, drama productions and a range of clubs that build teamwork and communication skills,” inspectors said.
This wide range of enrichment activities—such as the Barcelona visit in Year 10 and the Kenya expedition—along with the encouragement of leadership and contribution among pupils, actively prepares them for the roles they will take in society.
The school’s inclusive culture was also praised in the report.
Inspectors said: “Leaders have established an inclusive culture, where staff identify pupils’ needs quickly and accurately. They follow a cycle of assessing pupils’ needs, planning suitable support, taking action and reviewing its impact, so that pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) receive timely and appropriate help.”
The school was described as “calm and orderly”, and inspectors said that safeguarding standards had been met.
They said: “Pupils behave well in lessons and around the site. They understand the school’s high expectations and respond positively to routines.”
St Thomas’ Catholic Voluntary Academy has been graded Outstanding by Catholic schools’ inspectors.
The school, in Ilkeston, underwent its Catholic Schools Inspectorate inspection, which is the national framework for the inspection of Catholic schools, over two days in November 2025.
Theoverall quality of Catholic education provided by the school, Catholic life and mission, religious education and collective worship were all graded Outstanding.
Inspectors said: “There is outstanding leadership of this Catholic school, which inspires and motivates all within the community to live out the mission, ‘We serve God when we work and play together’.”
The report said that pupils are very proud of their school and their sense of worth, and respect for each other, is shown in their exemplary behaviour, manners and courtesy.
The report said: “Pupils state that ‘we are all really kind’ and ‘we feel special and included’, and also remark that ‘not one person is alone’, demonstrating that they are ‘friendly, positive, safe and secure’, as one pupil summed it up.”
Inspectors highlighted the strong sense of belonging among staff, and said this translates to the pupils.
“It’s a blessing to be part of the St Thomas community’ and ‘We are like a family here’ are typical comments. The nurture, care, and pastoral support ensures all are included and supported, extending to pupils, families and staff alike,” they said.
Pupils were said to be fully engaged with the religious education curriculum, and have a pride and satisfaction in showing what they have learned, particularly in longer, more open tasks. Behaviour in learning is exemplary. They know how well they are doing, and how to improve, the report said.
Teachers were praised for demonstrating very good subject knowledge and a strong commitment to the value of religious education.
Inspectors said: “Predominantly, they have high expectations of all pupils. Their lessons are well planned, following the school’s agreed lesson structure. This ensures a consistency of approach that gives confidence to teachers and pupils.”
The report said that leaders and governors ensure that Christ is at the heart of the school, confirmed by the views of both staff and parents. ‘Our faith is the focal point of our school’ and ‘This school is filled with love’ are two typical comments that evidence this.
Michael Sellors, Headteacher, said: “We are incredibly proud of this Outstanding judgement, which reflects the strong faith, care and sense of family at the heart of St Thomas’. It recognises the dedication of our staff, the support of our governors and families, and, of course, the kindness and respect shown by our pupils every day.”
English Martyrs’ Catholic Voluntary Academy has received a glowing Ofsted report after being inspected under the education watchdog’s new framework.
The school, in Long Eaton, achieved a ‘strong standard’ in six areas including attendance and behaviour, curriculum and teaching, early years, inclusion, leadership and governance and personal development and wellbeing. Achievement was said to be of ‘expected standard.’
Under the new framework for Ofsted inspections, a five-point scale – exceptional, strong standard, expected standard, needs attention, urgent improvement – is used to grade different areas of a provider’s work. An overall effectiveness grade is no longer given.
Expected standard means the school is fulfilling the standard of education and or/care while strong standard means that leaders are working above the standards expected of them.
Gemma Ellis, Headteacher, said: “We are extremely proud of this Ofsted report, which recognises the strong standards across our school and the calm, nurturing environment our pupils experience each day. As a Catholic school, our mission is rooted in Gospel values of love, respect and service, and inspectors rightly recognised the inclusive culture and high expectations that flow from this.
“We are committed to ensuring every child is known, valued and supported to flourish academically, socially and spiritually. This report reflects the dedication of our staff, the support of our families and governors, and the exemplary attitudes of our pupils.”
In their report, inspectors said that pupils thrive in the school’s caring and supportive environment.
They said: “This creates a deep sense of belonging and helps pupils to enjoy school life. Attendance is high because pupils feel happy, safe and motivated to learn. Most pupils achieve well across all subjects because staff set high expectations and provide consistently effective teaching. Pupils work hard, take pride in their learning and encourage each other to behave well to meet these expectations. They are ambitious for themselves and for their peers.”
Respect and inclusion are described as being central to school life and inspectors noted that staff and pupils treat each other kindly.
The school’s early years setting was praised by inspectors who said: “Children in the early years settle quickly into routines that promote positive learning habits. Well-planned provision ensures that children progress well, developing curiosity, independence and a love of learning.”
The report said that leaders had transformed the curriculum to be ambitious, well-designed and carefully sequenced across all subjects. This, combined with skilled teaching, ensures that pupils are well prepared for the future.
The report said that leaders have created a well-structured and extensive programme that helps pupils to develop confidence, resilience and the skills they need for life beyond school.
“Pupils speak with pride about their school and the opportunities it offers. The school’s ethos promotes kindness, empathy and acceptance. Pupils celebrate and respect difference,” inspectors said.
The school’s wide range of enrichment activities was highlighted in the report along with the varied leadership roles on offer to pupils, which allow them to “give something back.”
The school’s close working relationship with parents was praised in the report.
Inspectors said: “The school works closely with parents and carers to ensure that well-being and learning go hand in hand. Regular communication and shared goals ensure that pupils thrive. As a result, pupils leave as confident, caring individuals who are well prepared for the next stage of their education.”
Leaders have created a culture of high expectations and ambition that is evident across the school, according to the report. They have also established a highly inclusive culture where ambition for all pupils is clear and uncompromising.
A Sixth Form student at Saint Benedict Catholic Voluntary Academy in Derby has secured a prestigious apprenticeship with the UK’s largest construction and infrastructure provider.
Craig Sindol, 17, (pictured right) beat competition from dozens of applicants and will start a four-year degree apprenticeship with Balfour Beatty in September 2026.
The teenager’s journey started when he completed two weeks of work experience at the company, which has 27,000 employees across the UK, US and Hong Kong.
He said: “I knew I wanted to go into engineering but I wasn’t sure what type of engineering I wanted to do. I did work experience in civil engineering and I really enjoyed it. I like infrastructure and looking at methods and creating solutions that benefit people.”
After such a positive experience, Craig applied for an apprenticeship and the first step was submitting his CV and completing an online test.
Shortly after that, he received a call to say that he had progressed to the next round and was invited to a test centre in Derby where he took part in a group task and was interviewed.
Craig said: “There were lot of applicants and I was the only one from Derby in my time slot. Some of the other applicants were from Edinburgh, Somerset and Liverpool. At first I was very nervous but the group task eased me into it and I think the work experience that I’d done really helped me to answer questions in my interview.”
A week later Craig got the call to say that he had been successful and secured the apprenticeship.
He said: “My hands were shaking and I couldn’t speak. I was so happy. That was my first ever interview. My family were really happy when I called them to tell them. I am excited to start. My teachers were really happy for me too. They have been so supportive and I am really thankful for that.”
The apprenticeship will see Craig gain a Level 6 qualification in civil engineering.
Angela King, Senior Assistant Headteacher, congratulated Craig and said: “We are so proud of Craig, his hard work has paid off. A bright young man with a bright future ahead!”
St George’s Catholic Voluntary Academy has been graded Outstanding by Catholic schools inspectors.
The school, in Littleover, Derby, underwent its Catholic Schools Inspectorate inspection, which is the national framework for the inspection of Catholic schools, over two days in November 2025.
The overall quality of Catholic education provided by the school, Catholic life and mission, religious education and collective worship were all graded Outstanding.
Inspectors said: “The dedicated and focused leadership provided by the genuinely inspirational headteacher, and her impressive senior leadership team, ensures that this school is always striving to improve. Leaders continuously seek new ideas which will positively enhance the experiences of pupils and improve the outcomes they achieve academically, spiritually and as children of God.”
The report said that the behaviour and attitudes of pupils were truly exemplary.
“They (pupils) undertake a wide range of valuable leadership roles, demonstrating genuine respect and support for one another. They know they are valued and cared for by the adults with whom they spend their days,” inspectors said.
Catholic social teaching and the school’s mission are deeply embedded in the fabric of the school and everything it does, according to the report.
Inspectors said: “These values are celebrated, and implemented in tangible ways within the school community, the parish, the local area, nationally, and globally.
“Religious education lessons are challenging and well thought through, so that all pupils, including those who find learning more difficult, can be fully included and attain high standards of skills and knowledge.”
Pupils at St George’s clearly know they are valued and cared for as unique persons, created by God, the report said.
“They exhibit highly positive attitudes to school life, having understood and embraced the values of kindness, respect, faith, perseverance, acceptance and service. They understand the theology, in child-friendly terms, of the Catholic mission of the school, and how they can help to implement it. Their behaviour is exemplary, and they have deep respect for themselves and others,” inspectors said.
Pupils demonstrate excellent knowledge, understanding and skills in religious education lessons, appropriate to their age and almost all pupils, including those with additional needs, make good progress and achieve well, relative to their age and starting points.
“Pupils’ ability to speak with confidence about what they have learnt in religious education is very strong,” the report said.
Another strength highlighted in the report was prayer and liturgy, which was described as being “at the heart of the school, ever-present and central to gatherings of pupils and staff.”
Rachael Snowdon-Poole, Headteacher, said: “This report is a wonderful affirmation of the faith-filled, inclusive and compassionate community that St George’s is. I am incredibly proud of our pupils, who live out our mission with kindness, respect and integrity every day, and deeply grateful to our staff, governors, families and parish for their unwavering support. Our Catholic faith shapes who we are and how we serve, and this inspection recognises our commitment to nurturing the whole child — academically, spiritually and personally.”
This latest Outstanding grading from Catholic Schools Inspectors follows on from an Outstanding grading in all areas from Ofsted in May 2024.
Students from St Philip Howard Catholic Voluntary Academy in Glossop have described their ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ trip to Africa.
Nineteen students from Years 9 and 10 spent 13 days in Kenya, volunteering at a school, visiting giraffe and elephant sanctuaries, spending time with the Maasi tribe and going on safari.
During their time at the Grace Kids Academy, for children aged three to seven, students taught lessons which they had planned themselves, ran craft activities and played with the pupils. They also helped to build a pipe system to divert floodwater from the classrooms.
Nancy Kays, 15, said the experience made her think about how her and her friends learn and how pupils at the school in Africa learn.
She said: “We ran lots of arts and crafts activities and I’d never done anything like that before. It also made me think that we shouldn’t take what we have for granted and if we get something then we should share it. I think the best bit was seeing all of the animals in the wild and helping the children to get a better life.”
Harry Dean, 13, described the trip as “amazing”.
He said: “Our trip started with a visit to an elephant sanctuary and then we spent three days in the school. We spent time with a local tribe and we saw where they lived. Their houses were very small with one window that had been carved out. They told us that they had to move every five years because their houses get eaten by termites. We also went on a safari and saw giraffes, elephants and lions. It was amazing.”
Ellie Owen, 14, said she enjoyed volunteering at the school.
She said: “We felt wanted wherever we went. The children asked us questions about our lives. It’s a trip that I will never forget and if I could, I’d go back tomorrow.”
Alex Hazelwood, 13, said the children at Grace Kids Academy were very happy.
He said: “I enjoyed the safari and seeing all of the animals. It was nice being with the kids and seeing how happy they were, no matter how bad the conditions were.”
Pastoral manager Claire Aitken, who went on the trip, said there were plans to maintain links with the school and raise money for the pupils in the future.
She said: “We would like to keep the connection and hold non-uniform days and donate the proceeds to the school. The money we could raise would pay for the school’s rent for six months.
“We took donations that we had collected to the school and one day we gave out a pack of coloured pencils and it was like Christmas Day. The children there don’t have much to play with, they had a tyre and a bike inner tube, but they were so happy.
“Our students were incredible and the difference they made was outstanding.”
