Senior citizens enjoyed a community Christmas party full of festive cheer at St Thomas More Catholic Voluntary Academy in Buxton.
Around 40 guests joined pupils and staff for an afternoon of Christmas songs and music from pupils, refreshments, bingo and a raffle.
St Thomas More pupils welcomed everyone, served teas and coffees, ran the bingo session and sold raffle tickets while younger children from St Anne’s Catholic Voluntary Academy also sang and played music.
The event was organised by Jane Bennett, Assistant Headteacher for Character Life and Character Education at St Thomas More, and Shelley Gray, Head of Expressive Arts.
Evelyn, 14, a pupil at St Thomas More, said she really enjoyed welcoming the local community.
She said: “I was asking everyone if they wanted a tea or a coffee and then delivering the drinks as well. I think it was a lovely event for everyone, for the people who came along and for the staff and pupils. Something like this makes us feel a lot more together as a community. I think it went really well. Our guests enjoyed it and said that they liked the music and the singing. It’s also been nice to see pupils from our partner primary school, St Anne’s, here too.”
St Anne’s pupil Flossy, nine, said: “We did some singing and we had been doing lots of practicing at a care home and a Christmas service. We’ve been very busy. I think everyone has enjoyed it and I love making people’s day.”
Dennis Pimblett, 74, said it was the first time he had been back to St Thomas More since his daughter attended the school in the 1980s.
He said: “It’s the first time I’ve been back in over 30 years. I came here to watch so many plays and I have lots of great memories of the school. I think it’s been a lovely event and it’s nice to do something for the local community. I also think it helps to give the pupils confidence and it’s been lovely to meet them today.”
David Redfern, Headteacher, said: “We are delighted to host events like this that bring together different generations in our community. Seeing our pupils and staff create a warm, festive atmosphere for our senior guests highlights the importance of kindness, service, and togetherness. It is a testament to our school’s values, and we hope this tradition continues to strengthen our community ties.”
St Thomas More Catholic Voluntary Academy is celebrating a significant achievement following its latest Catholic Schools Inspectorate (CSI) inspection.
The school, in Buxton, has been graded as “Good” in all nine areas assessed, a remarkable improvement from its 2019 rating of “Requires Improvement”.
Headteacher David Redfern attributes this success to the dedication of staff, the enthusiasm of pupils, and the unwavering support of families and the executive board.
“This progress reflects the power of our mission statement: ‘Aspire not to have more, but to be more,’” he said.
The inspection report highlighted the school’s strong Catholic identity, vibrant chaplaincy, and commitment to values such as respect, tolerance, and equality.
Pupils were commended for their involvement in charitable works, while the school’s “extremely strong family feel” was described as creating a “safe, loving place”.
The inspectors also praised pupils’ exemplary behaviour, which reflects the school’s core values of respect, empathy, and resilience.
The ‘meticulously planned’ character curriculum was noted for fostering personal and moral development, with pupils demonstrating kindness, integrity, and a genuine sense of community.
One pupil described the school as “a safe, loving place where it feels like home”.
The report also praised the leadership and collaboration that have driven positive change, with inspectors noting significant progress in religious education, pastoral care, and collective worship.
Daisy Baxter, Head Girl at St Thomas More, said: “I’m really pleased that the school has received this outcome. This is really positive for the school and I feel the report reflects the way that the pupils view the school as a safe and happy place. I’m so very proud to come from St Thomas More.”
Mr Redfern said that the school aims to build on this success, continuing its mission to inspire pupils, uphold high standards of behaviour, and foster personal and spiritual growth.
A teenager who has battled cancer for three years has completed 3,000 push-ups as part of a challenge to raise money for the charity that helped him.
Fifteen-year-old Adam Dabrowski, who is a student at Blessed Robert Catholic Voluntary Academy in Burton, took on the physical fundraiser with his dad Mariusz.
The father and son duo completed 3,000 push-ups each – 100 a day for 30 days – hoping to raise funds for the Teenage Cancer Trust.
Adam was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 12, at the end of Year 7, after becoming short of breath, even when lying down.
Tests revealed he had leukaemia and he faced an intensive nine-month course of chemotherapy, undergoing treatment three or four days a week following a two-week stay in hospital.
The treatment affected him physically and at one point he struggled to walk and could not even stand. He missed approximately half of the following three years of school and recently rang the bell at hospital in Nottingham after doctors said he was in remission.
Adam is now having monthly check ups and is at school full-time in Year 11, preparing for his GCSE exams next year.
He said: “It was at the end of Year 7 that I was struggling to breathe and I had some tests and was told it was leukemia. At that age I had no idea what that meant but I knew it was bad when my mum started to cry. I still didn’t know what it was.
“I went on steroids for 28 days as I had pneumonia and then I was given a three-year plan for chemotherapy. It was also happening at the time of Covid so I had to be really careful to avoid infections.
“I lost most of my muscle mass and my grandma had to come over from Poland to help look after me. I was having trouble getting up the stairs, trouble even standing, I was really weak.
“I missed a lot of school but after the first nine months I then went down to having chemotherapy every day in tablets, weekly blood tests, chemotherapy once a month in hospital as well as having to take steroids, and lumbar puncture every three months. I really struggled to concentrate; I was just not myself. I think during that whole time there were only two or three weeks when I felt pretty good.
“In September I rang the bell at the hospital and now I’ll be having monthly check-ups.”
A celebration was held in school to mark the fact that Adam is in remission and all of the staff attended. Adam’s mum Paulina and his dad both attended the emotional occasion.
His dad Mariusz suggested that the pair take on the charity push-up challenge.
Adam said: “When I started to get stronger I went to the gym and at the end of Year 9 I was going to the gym more and working hard. I ended up gaining a lot of weight that I needed to lose so I thought the charity challenge would be a good idea and it’s to help the charity that helped me. The Teenage Cancer Trust helped to provide a teen room at the hospital and I’m sure at some point I would have spoken to someone from the Trust.”
Adam and his dad completed 3,000 push-ups each at home.
Adam said: “As the days went on I found I could do 40 to 50 push ups in one go. I’m just excited to feel like myself now and I can live my life like kids my age do.”
Adam’s mum and dad said: “We are proud of Adam’s strength and resilience and are happy that he is a part of the wonderful Blessed Robert Sutton Family. It seems now like ages ago but we remember every moment of his journey. We cannot thank the doctors and nurses enough who looked after our son for the whole time and we feel blessed to have such wonderful souls around us who made Adam’s day-to-day life easier.”
Samuel Gray, Headteacher at Blessed Robert Sutton, said: “As the new Head I was so sad to hear of Adam’s journey yet it has been so inspiring to see him around school smiling and with so many friends around him. To now embark on a mission to support others like him is truly inspiring.”
Amanda Mcdowall, Adam’s Head of Year, said: “From the moment we found out in school how ill Adam was no-one could believe it. Adam is a lively popular, hardworking, lovely lad and a real little gentleman. There was no sense to it and no getting your head round it.
“Of course cancer doesn’t discriminate but it doesn’t stop you thinking how could this happen to such a wonderful young person. I cannot imagine how it must have been for his parents.
“Adam was able to come into school very occasionally and under strict guidelines from the hospital. He still continued to try to keep up with his studies despite being told by numerous staff this was not his priority.
“It has been a three-year battle for Adam and his family but when we learnt he was being invited into hospital to ring the bell for his last treatment and that he was officially free from so much of the invasive medication, many of the staff were in tears.
“Adam is a true hero and a real inspiration to those who are privileged to know him. We could not be more proud of him and wish him all the very best.”
If you would like to donate to the push-up challenge click the link Mariusz Dabrowski is fundraising for Teenage Cancer Trust
The above photos are of Adam at school and the third photo is of Adam when he was being treated in hospital, in a teen room provided by the Teenage Cancer Trust.
Budding young artists at St Thomas’ Catholic Voluntary Academy in Ilkeston have raised over £500 for charity.
Every child at the school created a piece of art based on Catholic Social Teaching principles and the work was sold at a grand art sale attended by parents and carers.
Over £500 was raised and this will be split between the charities supported by each class including Little Ways, Poor Clare Sisters, CAFOD World Gifts, Mary’s Meals, Beauvale Society, Fair Trade and St Vincent De Paul Society.
The original idea for the art sale came from the pupils as they were looking for ways to make their Religious Education lessons more creative.
They suggested creating artwork based on the Catholic Social Teaching principles of Human Dignity, The Common Good, Participation, Subsidiarity, Stewardship, Solidarity, Preferential Option for the Poor, Distributing Justice and Promoting Peace.
Susan Law, Year Two teacher and RE Lead at the school, said: “Each class is in charge of a Catholic Social Teaching principle and the children wanted to combine art and RE as they were looking for a way to make our RE lessons more creative.
“The children really embraced the challenge of thinking creatively and they created some wonderful pieces of art. The sale was fantastic and our hall was packed with parents and parishioners.
“We would particularly like to thank former teachers Mrs Law, Mrs Smith and Mrs White who came in and backed every piece of artwork for us and helped with the display. We raised over £500 and the money will be shared between each Catholic charity that we support as a school.
“We had some great feedback from parents saying it was such a brilliant thing to do and it is definitely something that we would like to do again.”
Michael Sellors, Headteacher at St Thomas’, said: “I would personally like to thank the staff present and retired for all the hard work organising the art gallery. I would like to thank the parents and carers for coming in and supporting the event in such large numbers. And I would like to thank the children for creating such wonderful pieces of art which we have sold to raise over £500 to support local charities.”
St Mary’s Catholic Voluntary Academy has been named the number one primary school in New Mills, according to School Guide.
School Guide is a website that ranks schools according to the latest exam data, Ofsted reports and parent reviews.
The latest information from School Guide states that St Mary’s, in Longlands Road, is top in New Mills with a five star rating.
The report highlights St Mary’s Good Ofsted rating and that 82 per cent of pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national average of 60 per cent.
St Mary’s most recent Ofsted report, from 2023, is highlighted by School Guide.
“Pupils enjoy attending this small, calm and productive school. They say that they feel safe and happy because everyone looks after each other. They try to follow the school’s ‘gospel values’. These values help pupils care for and respect each other. Pupils are polite and friendly towards staff and visitors. Parents and carers are supportive of the school. One parent expressed the view of others when they said, ‘We love St Mary’s! It is a very welcoming, nurturing, family environment’,” the Ofsted report said.
Patricia Chapman, Headteacher at St Mary’s, said: “We are delighted to hear the news that we have been ranked the number one primary school in New Mills. How lovely it is to receive recognition for all the hard work and effort that we have put into developing a rich curriculum and a nurturing school environment for all of our pupils.
“We have taken the time to ensure the personal development and emotional needs of all our children are well met, which allows them the opportunity to better access our broad and diverse curriculum. Pupils have the opportunity to learn about world events through our unique teaching in Global Learning and how these events impact on their experiences.
“The most important focus as headteacher at St Mary’s is to ensure all pupils and staff have the skills and opportunities to become leaders. I would like them to go out into this world and use their God given potential to do something good.”
Pupils from St Thomas More Catholic Voluntary Academy took part in a sponsored community litter pick to raise money for charity and promote a cleaner environment.
All Year 8 pupils helped to clean up parts of Buxton on the celebration of the feast of St Francis of Assisi.
Pupils were raising money for the RSPCA, which is Year 8’s chosen charity of the year. So far they have raised over £200 and donations are still coming in.
Other celebrations for the Year 8s included non-uniform, no homework for the day and a special party at the end of the day to recognise their hard work in cleaning up our community.
Pupil Isabella said: “We had an amazing day. I really enjoyed the litter pick because we got to be active outside while also helping the community. My form went to Ashwood Park. You would never think of picking up litter being fun, but it really was. Teachers let us go round in groups with our friends and we had a litter grabber and a bin, provided by the Buxton Town Team. It was very nice how we got to have fun whilst also helping the environment and raising money at the same time. We found a lot of litter such as empty bottles and crisp packets. When we got back to school, we got a nice reward of STM cake!”
Pupil Freddie: “On Friday Year 8 celebrated our St Francis of Assisi’s feast day by cleaning up our community with a litter pick around Buxton. This helped us raise money for the RSPCA. We also celebrated this special day with Mass in church and a tasty cake! We acted out our Catholic values in a fun and worthwhile day.”
Kerry Taylor, Head of Year 8, said: “The sponsored litter pick was a fantastic way for our pupils to raise money for their chosen charity, the RSPCA, whilst simultaneously giving back to our community. It is always a pleasure getting to work with pupils outside the classroom too, especially when working together for the greater good. Together they have raised over £300 with donations still coming in. This is a huge achievement for 90 pupils and they should be really proud.”
Sarah Lancett, Deputy Headteacher, said: “Here at STM we are exceptionally proud of our pupils. I am delighted to see our pupils making an impact in our local area. A key focus of our curriculum and mission is to prepare our young people to be good citizens who have a positive impact on our world.”
New science block for Saint Benedict
A new multi-million pound science block has opened at Saint Benedict Catholic Voluntary Academy in Derby.
The block has been built on the tennis courts at the front of north block on the school site in Duffield Road.
The building is a venture between the St Ralph Sherwin Catholic Multi Academy Trust and Derby City Council, to support Derby with a surge in the population of children going into Year 7 this year and last year.
The school has also been selected to be part of the Government’s School Rebuilding programme and is waiting for more detail in terms of timescales and what this will entail.
Previously, science classrooms at Saint Benedict were spread out across the school site and Headteacher, Hazel Boyce, said the new block was a fantastic addition.
She said: “The new science block is incredible and a much-needed improvement at Saint Benedict. To have the whole department all together, under one roof is a dream come true.
“The benefit to our pupils is going to be immense and their delight at the new block is a joy to behold! The innovative design of the building coupled with the wide expanse of glass in all the labs makes it a beautiful environment in which to learn. We would encourage parents and children who are moving into Year 7 next year to come along and see the new block for themselves at our open evening on Thursday, September 26th.”
Dr Mala Mistry, Director of Learning, Science at Saint Benedict, said: “At last, the science department is together in our new science block! M block contains 12 bespoke laboratories, each fitted with an interactive whiteboard, and specialist prep rooms, this move will ensure that the science teachers are able to deliver the already robust curriculum in new and innovative ways.”
Kevin Gritton, Chief Executive Officer at St Ralph Sherwin Catholic Multi Academy Trust, said: “It is fantastic to see this new building at Saint Benedict and we know that it is a welcome boost for staff and pupils. We hope that this is just the start of an exciting new chapter for Saint Benedict after the school was also selected to be part of the Government’s School Rebuilding programme.”
Pupils celebrate GCSE results
Pupils at schools across the St Ralph Sherwin Catholic Multi Academy Trust have been celebrating their GCSE results.
Jake Heath, Acting Headteacher at Blessed Robert Sutton Catholic Voluntary Academy in Burton, said everyone was immensely proud of their students’ achievements in this year’s GCSE examinations.
He said: “Their results reflect not only their academic abilities but also their resilience, determination, and commitment. Our students have shown incredible perseverance and dedication, and it is heartening to see their hard work rewarded with such excellent results.
“This year, our students have excelled across a wide range of subjects. These results are a true reflection of the close partnership between our dedicated staff, supportive parents, and hard-working students. Their tireless efforts, coupled with the unwavering support of our parents and carers, have been instrumental in achieving these outstanding results.”
Mr Heath congratulated each student on their achievement and highlighted pupil Olha who joined the school in 2022 after arriving from Ukraine.
He said: “Despite the challenges of adapting to a new country, language, and curriculum, Olha has shown an unwavering commitment to her studies. Her exceptional results include 7s in English, and 9’s in Mathematics, Religious Education, and Physical Education. Olha’s achievements are a true testament to her resilience, and we are incredibly proud of her success.”
Fourteen-year-old Ben Giliker, from St Thomas More Catholic Voluntary Academy in Buxton, achieved a grade 8 in his GCSE Music exam which he took two years early.
Headteacher, David Redfern said: “Ben is not only an exceptional musician but also a fantastic talent whose dedication and passion for the arts inspire us all. His success highlights the importance of nurturing creative talents, and I am fully committed to ensuring that our school continues to support and promote the arts for all our students.”
Mr Redfern said that it was important to recognise that results are just one part of a student’s story.
He said: ”While academic success is important, it’s equally important to recognise the resilience, determination, and growth our pupils have demonstrated. These attributes are vital, and we are proud of how our pupils have developed these skills alongside their academic achievements.
“To our pupils, I want to say this: Your results are just one part of your story. The character and skills you have developed through this experience will carry you far. Be proud of what you have achieved and remember that the challenges you overcame have made you stronger.
“I also want to express my gratitude to our dedicated staff, whose guidance and support have been instrumental in helping our pupils reach this milestone. Additionally, the role of parents and carers has been invaluable, providing encouragement and stability throughout this journey.”
Steve Brogan, Headteacher at Saint John Houghton Catholic Voluntary Academy in Ilkeston, said the results looked like the best at the school since new progress measures were introduced.
He said: “Our Year 11s were superb last year and fully embraced ‘The Saint John Houghton Way’ and all it means. They thoroughly deserve these GCSE results. We are so very proud of you all and we hope they allow you to take the next step in your lives and your journey.
“For our staff, these results are the culmination of years’ worth of improvement and hard work. It is great to have a set of results that confirm and validate the efforts we have made. Huge congratulations to our Teachers, Teaching Assistants and all who work ‘behind the scenes’ to support our students.”
Almost 70 per cent of pupils at Saint Benedict Catholic Voluntary Academy in Derby achieved a grade 4 or higher in GCSE Maths and English.
Headteacher Hazel Boyce said: “We are delighted with our GCSE results. Our pupils have done us proud! These results reflect the many hours of hard work and dedication from our pupils and staff.
“Almost 70% of our pupils have secured a grade 4 or higher in GCSE Maths and English making today’s results the very best we have had in recent years.
“Results are strong across all subjects and particularly so in Science, Food, Drama, Art, Polish and Business Studies. More than three quarters of our cohort have secured grades to allow them to access Level 3 qualifications which is a phenomenal success. There is much to celebrate!”
Mike Kays, Headteacher at St Philip Howard Catholic Voluntary Academy in Glossop, said: “We are delighted with the success of all of our students this academic year. This year group have worked extremely hard to reach their potential and we are immensely proud of their commitment and achievements. We wish the Class of 2024 every success in the next steps of their future’.
Year 10 student takes Maths A-level 3 years early
A 15-year-old student at Blessed Robert Sutton Catholic Voluntary Academy in Burton is celebrating achieving an A in her Maths A-level, which she has taken three years early.
Evangelene Puthussery, who is in Year 10, was encouraged to take the qualification by her Maths teacher and head of year, Amanda McDowall.
Evangelene said: “Mrs McDowall taught me in Year 7 and I took Further Maths GCSE in Year 8 and got a grade 8 and she thought that the next step would be for me to take my A-level in Maths. She gave me a one-hour lesson every week and I couldn’t have done this without her.
“I went into school today to get my result and Mrs McDowall was there as well as the Deputy Headteacher and the Head of Maths. They were all with me when I opened the envelope. When I saw my result I was over the moon. The plan now is to go on and sit my GCSEs next year and I would like to study Biology, Chemistry and Further Maths at A-level. I want to study Medicine at university and become a doctor. My mum is a nurse and I just like the idea of being able to help people, I think it would be a privilege. My teachers have been so supportive, particularly Mrs McDowall and they are all really proud of me.”
Jake Heath, Acting Headteacher at Blessed Robert Sutton, congratulated Evangelene on her achievement.
He said: “Securing an A in A-level Maths while still in Year 10 is an outstanding achievement, yet Evangelene remains incredibly humble. Her success is the result of unwavering effort and determination, she really is a model student. Evangelene has a bright future ahead of her, and as a school, we are committed to supporting her every step of the way.”
Saint Benedict students celebrate A-level results
Sixth formers at Saint Benedict Catholic Voluntary Academy in Derby are celebrating their A-level results today.
William Ralphs, 18, is thrilled after he achieved an A in Biology, and Bs in Chemistry and Geography. He is planning on studying Biology at university.
He said: “I got quite low grades in my mocks. In my actual exams I thought they went well and I really did put the work in. When I came out of the exams and started to speak to people, they thought they went well as well. I had read some stories about grade boundaries being high so I didn’t really know what to expect, I expected the worst but hoped for the best. I knew I had been accepted on the university course before I got my grades and when I found out my grades I was really pleased.”
Alicia Ward, 18, achieved Merits in Applied Science and Applied Business and a Distinction* in Media. She is now applying for apprenticeships in Marketing.
She said: “I wasn’t feeling very confident about my results, especially in my business and science as I felt like I struggled in those subjects. I wasn’t expecting to get what I did, I was shaking when I opened my results. I’m looking at apprenticeships and having interviews.”
Sofia Baxendale-Baines achieved A*s in Art and Design and Spanish and a C in History. She is going on to do a foundation year at Loughborough before applying for a Fine Art course in Salamanca in Spain.
The 18-year-old’s mum is Spanish and she has family in Spain and part of the reason she wants to study out there is to reconnect with her roots.
She said: “I’ve always lived in England but I have dual heritage. I want to study in Salamanca because the course is amazing but I also want to reconnect with my roots. My mum is really happy that I will hopefully be going to study in Spain. I was really stressed before I got my results and I was really happy with my A*s. I did manage to switch off over the summer but the last few days have been torture!”
Louis Davie, 17, achieved A*s in Maths, Physics and Chemistry and is going to the University of Oxford to study Chemistry.
He said: “I’m over the moon. I had two interviews for Oxford, I applied there because I wanted to aim high. I don’t think it’s sunk in yet. I definitely want to work in something to do with science, I’d love to work in a lab that would be cool. I had managed to forget about things over the summer but started to feel really nervous yesterday and I was up at 6.30am. I logged on to UCAS at 8.01am and when I knew I was in Oxford I was very happy, it was such a relief.”
Erin Mead, 18, got the grades she needed to study Physiotherapy at the University of Leicester.
She said: “We were on holiday until yesterday and that’s when it hit me a bit. I’m really pleased to get into university to study Physiotherapy.”
Jen Allen, 18, secured a place at her first choice, the University of Liverpool, to study Hispanic Studies.
She said: “I was really relieved when I logged into UCAS and got the message to say I had been accepted. Some of my friends also got in to Liverpool and I can’t wait to go there.”
Jasmine Tirol, 18, achieved As in Maths, Biology and Art and Design and is off to study Architecture at university.
She said: “I logged on to UCAS at 7am and just stayed logged on. At 8am I found out that I had been accepted at university and I was just screaming and jumping up and down. I was really surprised by my grades, I didn’t expect to get 3 As.”
Maria Peden, Head of Sixth Form, said: “I am so proud of our Year 13s and everything they have achieved today. It has been a culmination of two years of hard work in the context of an unsettled secondary journey with the pandemic. Every student who wanted to go on to university has earned their place on their desired courses, and students who have aspired to Degree Apprenticeships have confirmed places for September. The students who choose to come to us for Sixth Form are incredible and today has been the best end to a long journey. It has been a privilege to work with this year group and we will miss them so much.”
Hazel Boyce, Headteacher, said: “We are pleased with our results this year, which are up from last year’s. Once again, they reflect the hard work and dedication of our pupils and staff.
“A number of subjects have secured outstanding result for their pupils including Media, Art and Design, Spanish, PE and Drama.”
