St. Bede's Catholic Academy named by government as national behaviour and attendance hub

A Stockton primary school has been named as one of the UK Government’s “best of the best” for the behaviour and attendance of its pupils.

St. Bede’s Catholic Academy, part of Bishop Hogarth Catholic Education Trust, is the only primary school in the North-East included on the Department for Education’s list of integrated behaviour and attendance hubs.

The recognition as a lead school for the DfE’s national campaign celebrates St. Bede’s as one of an elite list of schools recognised by the Government for their “track record of improving attendance and behaviour standards.”

Based on Green Lane in the Newtown area of Stockton, St. Bede’s will now be helping to lead the way, sharing its success and inspiring other schools across the North-East as one of only 57 schools named as behaviour and attendance hubs across the entire country.

Head teacher Bernadette Rizzi-Allan said: “St. Bede’s is a remarkable beacon in the local community committed to ensuring we give our children the best possible start in life.

“That means we are unwavering in our ambition for every child to achieve academically and personally, to belong to a school community and to thrive and flourish, no matter what their background.

“This accolade is a tribute to our dedicated and hard-working staff, supportive parents and wonderful children.

“We believe that having high expectations for attendance and good behaviour is essential in promoting the life chances of every child. Education is the key to raising aspirations and achieving the full potential of our children. We cannot educate those we cannot see.

“St. Bede’s is a testimony of what can happen when school and community come together.”

Welcoming the government recognition, Mrs Rizzi-Allan added: “St. Bede’s is thrilled to have been chosen by the DfE to lead the way in supporting and inspiring other schools.”

Part of Bishop Hogarth Catholic Education Trust, more than 220 pupils, aged 3-11, attend St. Bede’s Catholic Academy.

Stuart McGhee, Chief Executive of Bishop Hogarth Catholic Education Trust, said: “It is fantastic to see St. Bede’s recognised as one of only a handful of schools nationwide to lead this important initiative. At Bishop Hogarth Catholic Education Trust, we are committed to excellent levels of attendance and behaviour across all our schools, and St. Bede’s is setting an outstanding example for others to follow.”