Parents in and around Peterlee now have the chance to send their children to a North East Top 10 school.

In July, St Bede’s Catholic Comprehensive School and Byron Sixth Form College was named as the 8th best school in the region in The Chronicle’s Real School’s Guide. This accolade was based on many factors including sustained excellence in public examinations and the high level of pastoral care provided.

St Bede’s 2019 examination results placed it nationally in the top 100 of all Catholic schools and ranked in the top 20 per cent of all schools.

The school’s strong pastoral system and ethos means staff know each child individually and there is a real sense of warmth and community from the minute you step into the door.

St Bede’s is one of only four schools in the region working with Improtech Elite Football Academy to offer a dedicated football training programme for both boys and girls who have talent for the sport.

Ordinarily, at this time of year, the school would be throwing its doors open and inviting in parents and young people for enrolment for next September. However, this year, due to Covid-19 restrictions, the school is not able to hold its normal open evening and instead has organised a virtual open evening on Wednesday September 23.

The Northern Echo:

This is a key time of the year, when parents are carefully considering all options for the future of their child. Parents want to be assured that they will be safe, happy, successful and thriving throughout their time at secondary school. Even with new, robust Covid-19 secure practices in place, St Bede’s is able to offer a broad, ambitious curriculum for all students,

Executive head teacher Fran Craik explained: “I would very much have liked to have welcomed parents into our building to see our wonderful facilities, meet our talented staff and, most importantly, see first-hand how our students are well-mannered engaging young people.

“I am incredibly proud of the reputation St Bede’s has in the local area and the values we are associated with of faith, excellence and determination.

“This year’s virtual open evening will include a short video presentation, followed by shorter presentations by key members of the leadership team with responsibility for curriculum, pastoral care and special educational needs. Our students will be giving their perspective on life at school and there will also be a short session of answers to frequently asked questions.

“Our school prospectus will also feature online via our website, along with a virtual tour of the school and our new promotional video.

“We will also have further Zoom meetings for parents scheduled after our open evening where you can ask any further questions which may help you with your decision-making process”.

If anyone requires any further information please contact: enquiries@st-bedes.durham.sch.uk