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.”
A student won a citywide public speaking competition with a speech about how she coped with her mother passing away.
Fifteen-year-old Matilda Kitenge, who is a student at Saint Benedict Catholic Voluntary Academy in Derby, lost her mum when she was in Year 6 at primary school.
The 15-year-old (pictured right) won Derby Schools Public Speaking Competition, which is open to secondary schools across the city.
Matilda said: “I really struggled to talk about losing my mum in Years 7 and 8 as I was angry and I was quite moody but I feel like it made me stronger and I wanted to share why I am so strong now. She’s my inspiration and I think she would be proud of me.”
Matilda is a strong advocate for youth voice and said that young people should not be afraid to speak out.
She said: “I think people are too embarrassed and scared to speak out because other’s opinions are at the back of everyone’s minds. I would tell them to let go of the fear of what other people think because we only live once.”
Matilda aims high in school and even has aspirations of becoming a future Prime Minister.
Teacher Daniel Thornhill, who is Matilda’s Head of Year, said: “Matilda is a student whom I see as one with a great future ahead of her. Without a doubt, she has lived out the message of her speech and she serves as an inspiration to others. I feel immensely privileged to have been there to witness it, and I am immensely proud to be her Head of Year.”
Derby Schools Public Speaking Competition is run by Derby City Council. Students work with the Lost Boys Theatre company who deliver workshops and offer advice ahead of the final.
Matilda and other students from across the city made it to the final after delivering speeches in front of their peers and they then performed in front a panel.
Saint Benedict CVA and Matilda’s family and friends are immensely proud of her, but the school is no stranger to taking this trophy home, as this is the 6th victory out of the 10 years that the competition has been running.
Hazel Boyce, Headteacher at Saint Benedict, said: “We are delighted that a pupil from Saint Benedict has once again won this prestigious competition.
“The bravery and confidence with which Matilda spoke was incredible she is such a force for good! We are all incredibly proud of Matilda and know she will go forward in life, setting the world on fire.”
A memorial garden created in memory of a pupil has been officially opened during a primary school’s 50th anniversary celebrations.
Daniel Rigley was eight years old when he passed away in 2021, after being diagnosed with leukaemia when he was 39 months old.
Pupils and staff at St Thomas’ Catholic Voluntary Academy, where Daniel was a pupil, raised over £6,000 to create the memorial eco-garden at the school in Church View, Ilkeston and funding from East Midlands Airport was also used.
The garden was officially opened by the Bishop of Nottingham, Patrick McKinney, as part of 50th anniversary celebrations at the school.
Pupils, staff, parents, the Diocese of Nottingham, the St Ralph Sherwin Catholic Multi Academy Trust all took part in the events, along with former staff and two ex-Headteachers.
The opening of the garden was followed by Mass, speeches and a special performance from pupils at the school.
Pupils spoke about their memories of Daniel.
Brooke said: “Although is life was short, he loved it. No matter what was happening, Daniel’s happy face kept everyone smiling. I remember when he had been off for ages, when he came back I remember seeing everyone’s faces in Year 6. They were so happy like all their worries just went away.”
Willow said: “Daniel was a lovely lad. I remember when Daniel and Ayden would have a competition to see how many students and teachers we could run over in his wheelchair. Daniel was always smiling and his smile is forever in our souls.”
Finlay said: “Daniel was kind and smart. We were always laughing, I’m sure Year 6 will agree. Everyone’s faces lit up when he was in school. Daniel always had the best games at break. Daniel, everyone misses you.”
Headteacher Michael Sellors said: Although we had a lot of rain on the day of the blessing of Daniel’s Garden, when the time arrived for the opening by Bishop Patrick we were blessed with sunshine. It was a very emotional occasion for his family, his friends and the staff who knew Daniel. This beautiful garden stands as a lovely memorial to Daniel- a much missed and loved pupil.”
Deputy Headteacher Andy Gotheridge said: It was a beautiful and fitting occasion to remember and celebrate Daniel and reflect on his time with us at school. We were privileged to be able to share this moment with his parents. This garden will serve as a poignant reminder of a fantastic pupil for many years to come.”
St George’s graded Outstanding in all areas by Ofsted
St George’s Catholic Voluntary Academy is one of only two primary schools in Derby to be graded Outstanding in all areas by Ofsted since a new inspection framework was introduced.
Inspectors said that “everyone thrives” at the school, in Littleover, which they visited in May and graded Outstanding overall. Ofsted introduced a new framework for inspections in 2019.
They said: “Pupils are happy and flourish at St George’s Catholic Voluntary Academy. The school is highly ambitious. Staff are dedicated and all are committed to enabling every pupil to succeed. Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and disadvantaged pupils receive everything they need to be successful here.”
Rachael Snowdon-Poole, Headteacher at St George’s, said: “Following a rigorous inspection, we were overwhelmed by the feedback from the inspection team. To receive the highest grade in every category of the Ofsted inspection framework is an amazing achievement. It is testament to the expertise of our wonderful staff, the support given by the St Ralph Sherwin Catholic Multi Academy Trust and of course, the dedication of our pupils and families. The results of our recent inspection fill me with immense pride and appreciation for the hard work, commitment and ambition of our entire school community. I would like to thank everyone for their exceptional contributions and the roles they have played. We are excited about the future and will do all that we can to ensure that our pupils continue to thrive.’
The report said that school invests considerable time and thought into the character traits they want pupils to develop, such as perseverance, respect and acceptance.
“Pupils demonstrate these traits by being friendly, polite and by greeting visitors with confidence and warmth. Pupils consistently spoke about the fact that ‘we all respect each other and respect each other’s differences’,” inspectors said.
Behaviour was described as “exemplary” and inspectors said that every moment of lesson time is devoted to learning.
The report noted that one parent, whose comments were typical of many, said: “St George’s has gone above my expectations. I am impressed with how much my child has learned and developed at this school and how much the school cares about every child.”
Inspectors said that the curriculum was meticulously planned and delivered by skilled staff. It is enriched with visits and talks from experts including a virtual meeting with a marine biologist from the Maldives to learn about pollution in the sea.
“Pupils engage well in their learning because their teachers enthuse them and make lessons interesting,” the report said.
Teachers expertly adapt the curriculum for SEND pupils. Inspectors said that pupils with SEND feel well supported and spoke about how “we are blessed by all the wonderful teachers here.”
All pupils develop a love for reading at this school and pupils who struggle to learn to read get extra support and practice, according to the report.
Provision for children in the early years was also praised, inspectors said: “Children in the early years settle quickly and develop a passion for learning. Teachers plan activities to bring the curriculum to life. The environment is fun, stimulating and carefully constructed so that learning opportunities are everywhere.”
The vast array of opportunities on offer to pupils was also highlighted.
Inspectors said: “The curriculum for personal, social and health education (PSHE) is exceptionally well
planned. Themes of equality and diversity are thoughtfully embedded across the curriculum. Pupils from different backgrounds learn about each other. They celebrate differences. This curriculum goes beyond the expected. For example, pupils’ talents and interests are nurtured through the enrichment offer.
Pupils get opportunities to play their violin with an orchestra, visit Parliament, participate in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) workshops and career talks.”
Inspectors said that leaders, governors and the St Ralph Sherwin Catholic Multi Academy Trust have a shared vision for the school based on success for all. High quality professional development, including masterclasses and coaching, play a key role in the school’s success.
“Leaders listen to staff and work with them to ensure that workload is manageable. Staff feel incredibly well led and are proud and happy to work at this school,” the report said.
Kevin Gritton, Chief Executive of the St Ralph Sherwin Trust, said: “Congratulations to everyone at St George’s on the outcome of their recent Ofsted inspection which reflects all of the hard work that is being done to ensure that pupils receive the very best Catholic education and care. Well done to staff, governors, pupils, parents, carers and the wider school community.”
Pupils from three Glossop primary schools were given a taste of Crown Green Bowling as part of a pilot intergenerational project.
Saint Mary’s Catholic Voluntary Academy, All Saints and St Margaret’s pupils signed up to take part in the High Peak Schools Sports Partnership initiative.
Children from Years 3 to 5 attended training sessions at Manor Park Bowling Club before competing in pairs, earning points for their team.
The winning team was Saint Mary’s, on Gladstone Street, and the children were awarded stickers for showing honesty, teamwork, respect and determination.
Neal Linsky, chair of Manor Park Bowling Club, said they were keen to show that bowling is for people of all ages.
He said: “We wanted to involve primary schools at the club because Crown Green Bowls is a sport which can be accessed by all ages and abilities and the project with High Peak Schools Sports Partnership offered us the chance to make a start. The children responded really well to our volunteers who all really enjoyed the challenge. We are already looking forward to something more ambitious next year
Sarah Rudd, Head of School at Saint Mary’s, said: “This has been a fantastic project and our children thoroughly enjoyed taking part. They were asked to come along to the club’s Sunday Social Session and one very keen Year 3 pupil went along with her grandad as a result.”
Dawn Richardson, from High Peak Schools Sports Partnership, said: “What a great example of intergenerational working at its best. This was a pilot between local schools and Manor Park Bowling Club. The bowling club is keen to show that bowling can be for people of any age and this has been demonstrated though the programme.
“We hope that more young people from the schools will now feel confident to access a great opportunity locally. Well done to Manor Park Bowling Club for the initial idea and All Saints, St Margaret’s and Saint Mary’s who were keen to be involved. After the success from this year we’re sure we’ll be rolling this forward in the future.”
Pupils from Saint Mary’s said they enjoyed taking part.
Sebastian, nine, said: “I went to two training sessions and then we had the finals and we won against All Saints. It was fun and I liked being able to try a new sport and compete against other schools.
Evie, eight, said: “We took it in turns to try the bowling and my grandad came to watch the competition. The club said we could go back so I went along with my grandad. It was fun.”
Arria, nine, said: “I’ve never played bowls before but I really enjoyed it and it was nice to make new friends.”
