A SCHOOL has been nominated for the Worcestershire Education Awards, after being praised for its improvement since the current headteacher took over.

St Bede’s Catholic Middle School in Redditch has been nominated for Primary School of the Year.

Kate Gallinagh, assistant principal, who has been teaching at the school for nine years claims the school has significantly improved since the headteacher, Lloyd Roberts, took over four years ago.

Mrs Gallinagh, aged 32, said: “Over the last four years, I have seen a remarkable change at St Bede’s in regard to all aspects of school life. The school is a place where pupils flourish all round and Mr Roberts has really drove the school forward.

“We are an inclusive school and work hard to develop each child, not only academically but also through their emotional and social wellbeing. We offer a wide range of opportunities through our curriculum, and extracurricular activity that caters for all pupils interests and talents.

“Most recently, we have seen a significant increase in our results not only in KS2 SATs but also through KS2 and KS3 data. We also conduct the Pupils Attitudes to Self and School (PASS) survey in school which allows pupils an opportunity to tell us how they feel about school and themselves and this feedback is overwhelmingly positive.”

The school has adopted a ‘Thrive’ approach which focuses on students speaking out about mental health and performing techniques to deal with stress.

Mrs Gallinagh said: “Not only are we a Thrive school, and all children receive Thrive on a Friday afternoon, but we have recently undertaken a Mental Health Award which we are on track to get Gold. We also offer one on one support or group pastoral support.”

She added: “Parents are very complimentary about our school and the pupils give positive feedback about attending St Bede’s.

“Staff are committed to going above in beyond to support pupils in school. This starts with the quality of lessons to the staff’s commitment to running extracurricular clubs during their lunch times and after school. Staff have also come into school during their holiday time to support interventions with pupils.

“We also have a foundation group in school that allows children who struggle to manage mainstream lessons, a place where they can access their curriculum needs.”

The deadline for nominations is April 18. Finalists are chosen by a panel of judges and winners are announced during an awards ceremony at the University Arena on June 20.

To nominate someone, go to worcesternews.co.uk/awards/worcestershire_education_awards

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