St. William’s Catholic Academy is celebrating an exceptional achievement after being named the top-performing school in County Durham for pupil SATs achievement in reading. The school achieved a remarkable 100% of pupils reaching the expected standard in the 2024 Key Stage 2 (KS2) SATs results, a testament to the dedication of both staff and pupils.
Headteacher Michael Tiplady praised the hard work and commitment of the entire school community, stating:
“We are immensely proud of our pupils and staff for their commitment to reading. This achievement is a true reflection of their hard work, passion, and love for learning. Our dedicated teachers go above and beyond to create a reading-rich environment, and our pupils consistently demonstrate enthusiasm and a genuine love for books. It’s wonderful to see their efforts recognised, and we hope this accolade inspires them to continue developing their skills and reaching for new heights. Reading opens doors to new worlds, and we’re excited to see where it will take our students in the future.”
The school’s success is the result of a whole-school focus on teaching and learning, with reading placed at the heart of the curriculum. Staff have worked tirelessly to create engaging, immersive learning experiences, fostering a lifelong love of reading among pupils. Through high-quality teaching, tailored support, and a focus on building strong comprehension skills, the school has empowered pupils to excel.
The Bishop Hogarth Catholic Education Trust congratulated St. William’s on this impressive accomplishment. The Trust recognises the school’s outstanding commitment to educational excellence and its ability to inspire pupils to achieve their full potential. This achievement not only highlights the exceptional standard of education at St. William’s but also reinforces the school’s dedication to nurturing confident, capable, and curious learners who are well-prepared for the next stage of their education.