Grandparents made lasting memories with their grandchildren on a special day just for them at Saint Mary’s Catholic Voluntary Academy in New Mills.
Around 160 grandparents spent time with their grandchildren doing creative activities on Grandparents’ Day at the school.
This was the second Grandparents’ Day held at Saint Mary’s and Patricia Chapman, Headteacher, said it was such a success that there is a plan to hold a Grandparents’ reading day to link in with the National Year of Reading.
She said: “What a lovely day to be part of our school family. I was so pleased to welcome so many grandparents, and the wonderful turnout helped make our Grandparents’ Day such a success. Seeing children and grandparents laughing together, sitting side by side creating art and proudly sharing their artwork was a joy. Those little moments of connection made the day truly special, and the lovely comments from our children and families mean so much. For me, it brought our school’s strapline to life: ‘Happy Minds, Kind Hearts, Growing Together.’ A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make such happy memories together.”
Pupil Arthur was joined by his grandparents, who said: “This is a wonderful idea, spending time with my grandson doing something creative. So well organised and such fun. I loved the chance to meet other grandparents and share our stories.”
“It was a lovely afternoon spending time with our grandchildren. It was so lovely to see the children so happy and engaged in their tasks and chatting away to adults. Grandparents’ day is a lovely experience,” said pupil Mila’s grandparents.
Pupil Ava said: “I liked the art and watching my grandparents laugh – can we have more of these days?”
Pupil Penelope said: “I loved having my grandparents in. I got to do art with them and sit by their side as we paint.”
A school cook has said goodbye to St Margaret’s Catholic Voluntary Academy in Glossop after 18 years of service.
Sheila Barker has left her role as a catering supervisor for pastures new.
After initially joining St Margaret’s to provide cover for a member of staff, Sheila said she fell into the job and never left.
She said: “I started by covering for someone who was off sick and then my boss asked me to stand in for the same person when she got married. I was then offered a position and started as a kitchen assistant before doing the cook’s job and then the title changed to catering supervisor as I wasn’t just doing the cooking, I’d also be doing paperwork and ordering.”
Sheila said lots had changed over the years but one particularly happy memory was when potatoes were delivered already peeled.
She said: “When I first started we would be peeling all of the vegetables including the potatoes. I must have peeled thousands of potatoes over the years. Now we have frozen vegetables, apart from potatoes but they are already peeled. I don’t miss peeling potatoes!
“Some things haven’t changed. We always give the children a roast dinner on a Wednesday and we’ve always had fish on a Friday, especially with it being a Catholic school. It was changed at one point, to fish on a Thursday but the children didn’t like it, they love fishy Fridays.
“One of the children’s favourite meals was the big breakfast, so bacon, sausage, hash browns. They loved that.”
Sheila remembers some classic school desserts well, including cornflake tart.
“Children now don’t really know what that is but if you say cornflake tart to adults, they will remember and they loved it. Sprinkle cake is always very popular as well. There has been a move towards cutting down on the sugar intake and we offer more fruit. We do a chocolate beetroot brownie and that’s about trying to get the children to have one of their five a day, without really knowing it,” she said.
St Margaret’s has been like a “family” to Sheila and she said she will miss the staff and pupils.
She said: “Every holiday, like Christmas and Easter, I would bring in treats for the children. I’ve seen generations of families go through the school. There is one little boy whose mum I remember coming to St Margaret’s. I will be sad to leave and I will miss the people and the children.”
Grainne Beaumont, Executive Headteacher at St Margaret’s, said: “This half-term, we said a very fond farewell to Sheila, who has worked for Derbyshire Catering in our school kitchen for many years.
“We will certainly miss her lovely cooking, her friendly smile and the warmth and kindness she has shown to our children and staff over the years.
“We would like to say a huge thank you to Sheila for everything she has given to St Margaret’s. She has been a much-loved part of our school community, and we wish her every happiness and all the very best for the future. Thank you, Sheila. You will be missed!”
Two students from Ilkeston schools joined the CEO of the St Ralph Sherwin Catholic Multi Academy Trust at the opening of the town’s 774th Charter Fair.
Emily, from St Thomas’ Catholic Voluntary Academy, and Sienna, a Year 8 student at Saint John Houghton Catholic Voluntary Academy, accompanied Lisa Walton, Chief Executive Officer of the Trust, at the opening ceremony.
They were invited by the Mayor of Erewash, Cllr Greg Maskalick, and heard about the history of the event before ringing the historic bell.
Mrs Walton said: “I was delighted to accompany Emily and Sienna to the opening of the 774th Ilkeston Charter Fair. We were generously invited to the opening ceremony by the Mayor of Erewash, Cllr Greg Maskalick, and we enjoyed hearing all about the history of this significant event in the town. Emily and Sienna even rang the historic bell!
“The Trust is keen to support all community events for our schools, and we hope this marks the beginning of many opportunities for our students to participate in and experience events of local significance.”
Sienna said: “I was very grateful for the experience. It was nice to listen to the band, who were so good. I enjoyed hearing about the history of the Ilkeston Charter Fair from the man reading the scroll, who told us who started it and what year. I found this very interesting. I also enjoyed ringing the bell and meeting the Mayor and his wife, who were so nice. It was such an enjoyable experience.”
Emily said: “I had a really good time at the fair. I really enjoyed meeting the Mayor and ringing the bell. I would like to say a big thank you for the invite.”
The St Ralph Sherwin Catholic Multi Academy Trust is a family of 25 schools across five local authorities, working together to provide an excellent Catholic education for children and young people.
Pictured left to right are Sienna, Mrs Walton and Emily.
Pupils are making a splash, learning about water safety and enjoying swimming lessons in a pop-up pool at a Derby primary school.
Children in Year 4 and Year 5 at St John Fisher Catholic Voluntary Academy, in Alvaston, are having 30-minute swimming lessons every day over a two-week period in the pool.
Usually, pupils would travel on a coach to Moorways Sports Village and Water Park in Derby for their swimming lessons, once a week over the period of a school year.
Now children get changed in private tents in school and walk 5 minutes to their very own heated pop-up pool for lessons in groups of seven or eight.
Headteacher, Mr Graham Lobb, used a pop-up pool, which is housed in a large marquee on the playground, at his previous school and saw how beneficial it was to pupils.
He said: “It really enriches the pupils’ swimming experience, and it doesn’t eat into any learning time as it’s a 30-minute lesson plus the time it takes to change clothes. Before it would take a whole afternoon to take children to Moorways. The group sizes at school are also smaller, so 7 to 8 children, meaning that the lessons are more personalised.
“The children were quite excited about having a pool at school and doing their swimming lessons here. They have loved it. Children of all abilities have been able to take part. The company that provides the pool provide the teacher and a lifeguard; children have also been learning about water safety and there’s been an after-school water polo club as well.”
Pupil Jack said: “I was really excited when I heard about the pool coming to school. I’d never heard of anything like this before.”
Amanda said: “It’s like having lessons in a proper swimming pool, I’ve really enjoyed it.”
Graicie-Mae: “I felt so excited when I heard about it but I was a bit confused. I didn’t know that the pool would be on the school playground. It’s really big. It’s good because we don’t have to travel as far for lessons, when they finish, we are back in our classrooms after a couple of minutes.”
Roman said: “I have been swimming before, but it’s been so good to be able to practice at school.”
The pool has been such a big hit with pupils that Mr Lobb said it would be returning to school next year.
Pupils at St Alban’s Catholic Voluntary Academy feel safe, valued and listened to, according to Catholic schools’ inspectors.
The school, in Chaddesden, Derby, has been graded Good in its latest Catholic schools’ inspection, with Catholic Life and Mission and Collective Worship both judged Outstanding.
Inspectors said: “St Alban’s is a deeply nurturing Catholic school where pupils have a strong sense of belonging, recognising their shared mission to follow in Christ’s footsteps.”
The report said that pupils are friendly and enthusiastic members of the school family who live out Gospel values through their commitment to serving others. Many pupils described the school as ‘like home’ and ‘one big family’, and inspectors said pupils feel safe, valued and listened to.
Inspectors highlighted the school’s partnership with Cherish School in Kenya and its charitable fundraising, which help pupils to put their faith into action. They also praised the pride pupils take in their leadership roles, serving both the school and parish communities.
Staff were said to be deeply committed to the school’s Catholic mission. The report said: “One colleague commented: ‘At St Alban’s, we live out our faith; it is not just something we pay lip service to, but something that inspires all that we do’.”
Pastoral care was described as a significant strength. Inspectors said the school knows its families exceptionally well and provides highly effective support, particularly for the most vulnerable, including through its newly established ‘enhanced resource base’ and weekly mother and toddler sessions.
The strong partnership between the school, parish and governors was described as a notable strength. A parent commented: ‘I am incredibly grateful for how St Alban’s has helped my child grow in faith and fully embrace all aspects of Catholic life’.
Prayer and liturgy were said to be at the heart of school life, with pupils’ joyful and uplifting singing making a significant contribution to the prayerful atmosphere. Inspectors said that pupils become skilled leaders of prayer, confidently selecting scripture, symbols, music and opportunities for reflection that deepen their peers’ understanding of faith.
In religious education, the report said that pupils speak enthusiastically about their learning and respond positively to the increased challenge of the school’s new curriculum. One pupil said: ‘Religious education lessons are the best. I like learning about God, and we get to present our work really neatly’. Leadership of religious education was described as a significant strength of the school.
Headteacher Tammie McNamara was described as an inspirational Catholic leader whose unwavering commitment to the dignity of every person fosters a highly inclusive community.
Mrs McNamara said: “We are exceptionally proud of the outcome of our recent Catholic Schools Inspection. This report reflects the dedication, faith and commitment of our entire school community and our shared vision that places every child, including our most vulnerable, at the heart of all that we do.
“I am deeply grateful for the strong partnerships we enjoy with our St Alban’s parish, parents and wider community. Together, we create a school family rooted in faith, joy, love and service.
St Alban’s is a place where every pupil is valued, nurtured and encouraged to flourish. Through our mission of learning, loving and living together side by side with God, we strive to help our children grow academically, spiritually and personally, equipping them to make a positive difference in the world around them.”
Parents expressed high confidence in the school’s leadership. One said: ‘I wouldn’t trade this school for any other’.
The inspection, by the Catholic Schools Inspectorate, which is the national framework for the inspection of Catholic schools, took place on September 30th and October 1st 2026.
Staff and students at Saint Benedict Catholic Voluntary Academy marked Show Racism the Red Card, Restart a Heart Day and Hello Yellow across two weeks of awareness-raising
The school, in Derby, came together to wear red in support of Show Racism the Red Card, standing united against racism and reinforcing the school’s commitment to equality, respect and inclusion.
The school also marked Restart a Heart Day, using the occasion to teach staff and students the vital steps to take if someone suffers a cardiac arrest. A key message throughout the day was that doing something is always better than doing nothing.
Staff shared powerful personal experiences, including situations where lives had been saved through quick action, and the devastating impact of losing someone to sudden cardiac arrest. These stories brought home the importance of awareness, confidence and immediate action in an emergency.
The events built on the momentum of the previous week’s Hello Yellow, when staff and students wore yellow accessories to raise awareness of young people’s mental health. Hello Yellow is a national campaign that encourages open conversations about mental health and reminds young people that they are not alone.
Both weeks of activity were supported by fundraising, and students engaged thoughtfully throughout, showing real maturity and representing the school brilliantly.
A former pupil and F1 Academy race winner returned to St Philip Howard Catholic Voluntary Academy to inspire students.
Alisha Palmowski, who now races for Campos Racing as part of the Red Bull Academy Programme, spoke to students about her journey from school to the F1 Academy grid.
F1 Academy is an all-female single seater series that runs alongside Formula 1 race weekends.
Alisha, 20, is one of the most talked-about young drivers in the sport. She has won races this season at Montreal, Silverstone and Zandvoort.
After starting out in karting, Alisha moved into cars and was named a BRDC Rising Star in 2024. That same year she finished as vice-champion in the GB4 Championship in her first season of single-seater racing, with three wins, two pole positions and 11 podiums. She won the opening race of her F1 Academy debut season in Shanghai in 2025 and finished fifth overall.
During her visit, Alisha spoke to students about the challenges, setbacks and hard work behind her success, and answered their questions about life as a professional racing driver.
She said: “‘It was very special to return to St Philip Howard and share my journey with the students. I’ve learnt many life lessons across the last few years so I hope by sharing these I may have inspired a few of them to work hard and chase their dreams. The sky really is the limit!’
Mike Kays, Headteacher at St Philip Howard, in Glossop, said: “Her journey is a fantastic example of what can be achieved through passion, determination, resilience and hard work. Alisha’s success shows our students that the dreams they have today really can become their future, whatever their ambitions may be.
“It was wonderful to see her return to school and to hear her speak to our students about her experiences, challenges and achievements.”
Alisha is due to race in Austin, Texas, with F1 Academy towards the end of the month, where she could clinch the championship title.
Alisha is pictured with Headteacher Mike Kays and delivering her inspiring talk to students.
Three much loved staff members at Saint Mary’s Catholic Voluntary Academy in New Mills are celebrating a total of 60 years of service between them.
Midday supervisor Jackie Stanton and Teaching Assistants Mel Hibbert and Julia Wass are each marking 20 years of working at the school.
All three said what makes Saint Mary’s such a special place is the feeling that the school community is like an extended family.
Mel said: “I have always loved coming to work at Saint Mary’s. I love the atmosphere, the positivity of staff and the opportunities to learn and develop my own skills. There is a warmth and welcome in this small family school that makes me feel at home.”
Julia said she enjoys coming to work every day.
She said: “Each day is different as we are supporting pupils to learn and grow. I love creating learning environments which adopt to the needs of our pupils. Staff and parents are like an extended family.”
Jackie said it was the children who made the job worthwhile.
She said: “The school is definitely like a family; I think any job is about the people and in a school it’s also about the children. Every day we smile and giggle and it’s the children that make it worthwhile.
“I always see ex-pupils in the street, it’s lovely. I am just a midday supervisor, but when you talk to people that’s when you realise that you are part of their memories of school. Some of the best times they had involved the fun they had at dinner.”
Headteacher Patricia Chapman said that all three members of staff had made an invaluable contribution to Saint Mary’s over the years.
She said: “Julia, Jackie and Mel have played such important roles in the life of our school. Over two decades, each one of them has supported our pupils’ social and emotional development, offering friendship, encouragement, reassurance and a listening ear when children need it most.
“They have all formed wonderful relationships with generations of Saint Mary’s pupils. Their calm, caring and approachable nature has helped countless children to develop confidence, learn how to play and socialise together, resolve disagreements and enjoy their time with friends. The bonds they have created with our pupils are a wonderful reflection of the care and compassion that are at the heart of Saint Mary’s.
“We would like to thank all three of them for everything they do, every day, for our children, their families, our staff and the wider Saint Mary’s community. Their contribution is truly valued, and they should be incredibly proud of the part they have played in the lives of so many children.”
Left to right Mel Hibbert, Julia Wass and Jackie Stanton with children at Saint Mary’s.
Students across the St Ralph Sherwin Catholic Multi Academy Trust are celebrating their GCSE results.
Across the Trust, outcomes continue to strengthen, with Attainment 8 increasing compared with 2025 and achieving its highest level in the past three years.
Attainment 8 is a measure used by the Department for Education to assess a student’s average achievement across eight GCSE qualifications. It is one of the key performance measures used to compare school performance.
The proportion of students securing strong passes in both English and Maths (Grade 7+) across the Trust has also risen, continuing a positive upward trend over the last three years.
St Philip Howard Catholic Voluntary Academy, in Glossop, has seen some of its best GCSE results ever, with a significant increase in student attainment and a record number of positive outcomes across a range of subjects.
Mike Kays, Headteacher at St Philip Howard, said: “I would like to congratulate all of our students on their GCSE results. Behind every grade is a story of dedication, perseverance and growth. We are delighted to share in their success and thank our staff and families for the unwavering support they have provided along the way. Well done to every student on this important achievement.
“As they take their next steps, I know they will continue to achieve great things and make a positive difference in the world around them.”
Headline figures at Saint John Houghton Catholic Voluntary Academy, in Ilkeston, demonstrate a very strong performance in both English and Mathematics, with students exceeding last year’s national average for achieving Grade 4 and above.
Mathematics and Religious Education led the way, with an impressive number of students attaining the highest grades, 8 and 9.
Christina Hartharn, Acting Headteacher at Saint John Houghton, said: “These results are a testament to the dedication, perseverance and resilience shown by our Year 11 students. We are incredibly proud of all they have accomplished and delighted to celebrate these results.”
Students at Saint Benedict Catholic Voluntary Academy, in Derby, celebrated strong GCSE results, with almost two-thirds achieving grade 4 or above in both English and Maths.
There was a significant improvement in the Attainment 8 score which went up to 48.5, compared with 45.3 in 2025. The average grade increased to 4.85 with 11% of students achieving a Grade 7, 8 or 9 in English and Maths, double the number that achieved this last year.
Steve Brogan, Acting Headteacher, said: “This is a really pleasing set of results for the school and we are so happy for the students who are receiving their results today. We are incredibly proud of every young person receiving their results today, particularly those who have overcome challenges along the way. To see the average grade rising and overall, students achieving better results than previous years is tremendous for our students and staff.
“I would like to congratulate our students and their families for all they have achieved and their determination and resilience is something they should be incredibly proud of. I would also like to thank the staff of the school, who work tirelessly to support our young people.
“These qualifications will give our students a firm foundation as they move on to the next stage of their education, training or employment. We also look forward to welcoming back many students to our Sixth Form.”
Samuel Gray, Headteacher at Blessed Robert Sutton Catholic Voluntary Academy in Burton, said today was a day of great pride for Year 11 students.
He said: “Their results are a reflection of the hard work, determination and resilience they have shown throughout their time at our school. I would like to congratulate every student on their achievements and thank our dedicated staff, supportive parents and carers for the important role they have played.
“These results are not simply numbers on a page; they represent individual journeys, personal challenges overcome and futures that are now full of opportunity. We are incredibly proud of our Year 11 students and wish them every success as they take their next steps.”
David Redfern, Headteacher at St Thomas More Catholic Voluntary Academy in Buxton, said he was incredibly proud of the Year 11 pupils and what they had achieved.
He said: “These results are a real reflection of the hard work, commitment and determination they have shown, particularly over the past year.
“Results like these do not happen by accident. They show that what you put in really does matter, and that sustained effort, resilience and a willingness to keep going can make a real difference. Our pupils should be very proud of themselves and of everything they have accomplished.
“Of course, GCSE results are only one part of their journey. What excites me most now is seeing where that journey takes them next. Whether they are moving on to A levels, college, apprenticeships or other opportunities, I know they have the potential to achieve great things.
“It has been a privilege to watch them grow during their time at St Thomas More, and I look forward to hearing about their future successes, both in their careers and in the lives they build for themselves. We wish every one of them the very best for the future.”
Lisa Walton, Chief Executive Officer at the St Ralph Sherwin Catholic Multi Academy Trust, congratulated all of the Trust’s secondary schools on their results.
She said: “These outcomes are a testament to the hard work and determination exhibited by our Year 11 students who have engaged so positively with the high-quality education offer cross all of our secondary schools. St Ralph Sherwin Trust has a strong academic and vocational offer which serves to place our young people on a range of ambitious future pathways, including feeding into the high performing Sixth Form at Saint Benedict.”
Saint John Houghton
Saint Benedict
St Thomas More
Blessed Robert Sutton
St Philip Howard
More than half of all A-level grades at Saint Benedict Catholic Voluntary Academy in Derby were A*-B this year.
Fifty-four per cent of grades were A*-B, 24 per cent were A* or A and 80 per cent were A*-C – a five per cent improvement on 2025 results.
The average points score was 35.48 which represents further improvement for the fourth successive year and the average A-level grade is now a B.
There were some particularly strong performances across individual subjects. Sociology, Geography and History all achieved 100% A*-C, while History and Drama achieved 100% A*-B. Psychology also recorded excellent outcomes, with almost four in five entries achieving A*-B.
Students studying vocational qualifications have enjoyed considerable success too. Across Applied Science, Applied Business and Sports Studies, every student achieved a qualification, with 87% of entries achieving the equivalent of a B grade or higher.
The results also include some outstanding individual achievements, with students securing exceptional combinations of A and A* grades and progressing towards their chosen universities, apprenticeships, employment and further training.
Acting Headteacher, Steve Brogan, said: “Today is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the achievements of our young people.
“What is particularly pleasing is the clear and sustained improvement we are seeing in the sixth form. This year’s results continue a four-year upward trajectory and demonstrate the hard work, determination and resilience of our students, who have been supported by our staff and their families so well.
“We are incredibly proud of every student who has received their results today. Behind every grade is a young person who has worked hard, overcome challenges and taken another important step towards their future.
“It is also important to recognise the breadth of success across the sixth form. We have students achieving outstanding A-level grades, alongside students achieving excellent vocational qualifications and securing the destinations that are right for them.
“I would like to congratulate our students and thank their families and our staff for the support, encouragement and commitment they have provided throughout their sixth form journey.
“At Saint Benedict, we want every young person to leave us equipped with the knowledge, skills, confidence and character to fulfil their potential. These results are a reflection of that ambition, and we are incredibly proud of the Class of 2026.”
Jacob achieved A* in Maths, A in Physics and B in Geography and has secured an engineering apprenticeship at Rolls-Royce.
He said: “I did a week’s work experience at Rolls-Royce and it went really well. They talked about the apprenticeships during that week. The apprenticeships are very competitive. I think there were 10 places on the one I went for. At the time I thought it was a fantasy and too good to be true. At first I didn’t get accepted but then they rang me in July and said that there had been a change in circumstances and a place had come open. I’m so excited and really happy.”
Titus achieved As in Geography, Physics and Maths and will go on to study Computer Science at Loughborough University.
Jaylen achieved a Distinction * in Media, a Merit in Business and a Merit in Applied Science and will go on to study Accounting and Finance at Leicester.
“I drove to school and at 8am I looked at my emails and found out that I had been accepted at Leicester. I was really happy. I have been able to relax over the summer and have kept busy,” he said.
Carissa achieved three As in Sociology, Religious Studies and Politics. She is going on to study Law at the University of Nottingham.
She said: “After my exams I felt mixed emotions as I thought some had gone terribly and some were ok. I didn’t feel amazingly confident. I did manage to switch off over the summer and it was only in the last week that I started to struggle to sleep. I needed 3 As. I was ok last night and felt calm. I got up at about 7am and logged in online. I was so relieved when I saw I had got in. I feel quite drained now after all of the adrenaline but I am excited – and I passed my driving test a week ago too.”
Ryszard achieved an A in Biology, a B in Chemistry and a B in Geography. He will go on to study Nutrition at the University of Nottingham.
He said: “I was nervous but I checked my email and knew that I had got into Nottingham. I spent last night watching the meteor shower so I wasn’t really thinking about my results.”
Sophia achieved a C in Religious Studies, a D in English Literature and an A in Drama and Theatre Studies.
She said: “Drama is what I really want to study and if I don’t do it now, I’ll never do it. I have appeared in seven school shows in a row and got the lead role of Elle in Legally Blonde, the last school show. I have been thinking about results quite a lot over the summer and particularly in the last week, that’s when it hit me.”
Matin is off to Keele to study Medicine after achieving an A in Physics, a B in Biology and a B in Chemistry.
“I woke up at 8am and logged in online. I was waiting for it to load up and then found out I had been accepted to Keele. I felt really happy, my dad was with me and he started jumping around. I want to go into dermatology or cardiac surgery, helping people means a lot to me,” he said.
