Bishop Hogarth Catholic Education Trust is delighted to announce that Holy Family Catholic Primary School in Darlington has been awarded an ‘Outstanding’ rating in its recent Catholic Schools Inspectorate (CSI) report. This remarkable achievement highlights the school’s exceptional commitment to fostering a strong Catholic identity, spiritual development, and values-driven education.
The report praised Holy Family for its clear and shared values, which are evident in the daily life of the school community. Inspectors recognised the school’s deep-rooted Catholic ethos, where pupils are encouraged to reflect on their responsibilities in society and their ability to make a meaningful difference. The report commended the mutual respect demonstrated by pupils, staff, parents, and governors, creating a welcoming and nurturing environment where every child feels loved, valued, and safe.
Pupils at Holy Family were celebrated for their kindness, confidence, and compassion, showing a clear sense of security through strong, trusting relationships with staff and peers. The school’s mission statement, “See Christ in ourselves and others,” is not just words — it is a guiding principle that pupils proudly live out in their daily lives. This was reflected in the Laudato Leaders’ commitment to protecting God’s world through actions inspired by Catholic social teaching, and the Dementia Friends group, where pupils experience the joy of giving by bringing happiness to others.
A parent described Holy Family as their child’s “first step into faith” highlighting the school’s vital role in nurturing the spiritual and moral growth of its pupils. Through meaningful experiences and initiatives, children develop a profound sense of empathy, service, and responsibility.
Bishop Hogarth Catholic Education Trust congratulates Holy Family Catholic Primary School on this well-deserved recognition. The ‘Outstanding’ rating is a testament to the dedication of the staff, the support of parents, and the inspiring faith of the pupils. It reflects the school’s unwavering commitment to providing an exceptional education that nurtures both the mind and the spirit, shaping children into confident, compassionate, and faith-filled individuals.