About Us

Principal's Welcome

Dear Parent

If you are looking for a great education for your child within a Christian environment, you need look no further than St Bede’s Catholic College. It is my privilege to be Principal of this wonderful place of learning.

There is much information available about schools which can be helpful but, in my view, there is no substitute to visiting and absorbing the culture and climate of a particular school. St Bede’s has much to offer parents who seek for their child an excellent academic education based on Christian values, within a thriving community.

The College is led by forward thinking people with traditional values, committed to preparing pupils well for adult life.  At the heart of our College is the belief in the good news of the Gospels as expressed through the Church and what we provide is an education which is quite distinctive, one which is as concerned with formation as it is with information.

The climate for learning within the College is excellent. Visitors comment on the calm and industrious environment where it is evident that all children are valued, stimulated and challenged to develop their talents to the full, whatever their ability. We expect high standards from and for our pupils.  They are encouraged to strive for excellence in a climate where achievement and effort are valued and celebrated. Within and outside the classroom there are numerous opportunities for pupils to develop their self-worth, esteem, confidence and independence.

The reputation of the College locally and nationally is excellent. The Ofsted judgement of Outstanding can be evidenced throughout the college.  Our specialist subjects are those of Science and Sports and the excellent standards achieved by pupils have resulted in the College being awarded High Performing Specialist School and Leading Edge Status and recognition as a National Support School for the National College for School Leadership.

St Bede’s currently offers the International Baccalaureate post 16 and from September 2013 will have a comprehensive range of AS and A level courses available to students which we are confident will be excellent preparation for higher education. Students in the sixth form will benefit from the well-structured learning environment and will be encouraged both to make a difference within society and walk tall.

Staff are committed to developing themselves professionally for the benefit of the children. Imaginative teaching combined with opportunities for independent learning enable all pupils to make excellent progress. Leadership within the classroom and beyond inspires all to achieve challenging targets.

Examination results place the College among the top-performing schools in the country and clearly this will be an important aspect of parent decision making when looking at secondary level education.  As important as they are, education at St Bede’s is about much more than results which you will find when you visit this vibrant community and meet our children and staff.

C Hughes

Principal