PRIMARY school pupils are looking to a brighter future after their school joined a learning trust renowned for its outstanding standards.
St Joseph’s Primary, A Catholic Academy, Newton Aycliffe, has become the first to join the recently formed multi academy Romero Catholic Education Trust.
By doing so it becomes a partner school of the celebrated St John’s School and Sixth Form, A Catholic Academy, to work to provide the best education and opportunities for young people.
St Joseph’s currently teaches 146 pupils with provision for two-year-olds and three-year-olds, including those eligible for 30 hours of free nursery provision.
For newly head teacher Fiona Brown the reorganisation represents an opportunity to give something back to a community which shaped her spiritual life.
“I used to be so excited coming here as a child to worship in the beautiful school chapel,” she said. “It is so nice for me to return to this parish and be so involved in the community again.
“I was really keen to come back here to support the staff and children who are all working extremely hard to restore the school’s good Ofsted rating, something that is being recognised in the community and reflected in the seven new starters who have joined us since January.”
Mrs Brown said she was enjoying working with St John’s staff and each school had a wealth of experience and skills to share with the other.
Headteacher of St John’s School Lisa Byron also welcomed the addition of St Joseph’s to the trust.
She said: “This is a really exciting time for both schools and the trust’s aim is to build upon the existing strengths of the partnership so that every child is valued, supported and encouraged to develop their talents to reach their full potential.
“By working in partnership, we are stronger together and are committed to prioritising the welfare and well-being of our children. Our close working relationship will help and support pupils during their critical transition from primary to secondary education.
“The atmosphere is incredibly positive and we are all committed to providing the very best learning environment possible for our young people to flourish.”
The move, supported by the Hexham and Newcastle Catholic Diocese, secured capital funding for school improvements at St Joseph’s, including new windows, roofing and heating, and will also see greater opportunities for accessing training and continuous professional development for all staff. In addition three new staff have just been appointed to start in September.
MrsByron said: “With new staff appointed, an enthusiastic and proactive head teacher to lead the way and the support and guidance of the Romero Catholic Education Trust, St Joseph’s has a bright and exciting future ahead.”