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" Inspectors were struck by the positive attitude, courtesy and the high levels of self-esteem consistently demonstrated by the pupils at your school. The pupils we spoke with placed great emphasis on the school’s culture, to ‘Be a Bede’. "

"You have an aspirational vision for the school’s pupils. Pupils typically learn effectively, and they develop as confident and outward-looking citizens in their time at the school".

"This is a school where pupils feel safe and happy to learn knowing that they are valued for who God has made them to be. One pupil said “I love it here as you don’t have to pretend to be someone you’re not – you can be the best person that you can be".

"From the moment you walk into the school you are aware of the Catholic identity of St. Bede’s. It is not just evidenced in the fabric of the building – but through the people: pupils and staff who behave with respect for each other and their environment".

A Catholic School Community

Saint Bede’s is, first and foremost, a Catholic school, and our Catholic ethos shapes everything that we do. This can be seen through the importance of prayer, liturgy and music. It is also evident in the quality of the teaching of Religious Education. It is reflected in the many charitable activities our pupils become involved in. In fact, our Catholic ethos permeates every part of the school – in the relationships between staff and pupils and in that sense of community and belonging. It’s what makes us different.

High Expectations, Standards and Achievement

Saint Bede’s enjoys a history of academic success, with our pupils typically achieving results that are above local and national averages. We follow a traditional academic curriculum model, and we are also traditional when it comes to our approach to standards. We have the very highest expectations of the behaviour of our pupils both in school and in the community, and we insist that all our pupils wear their uniform with pride. This is at the heart of ‘Being a Bede’.

Enrichment and Extra-Curricular Opportunities

At Saint Bede’s, the school experience extends far beyond the academic curriculum and we are proud of the wide range of enrichment opportunities the school provides. From sports teams and musical performances to the Duke of Edinburgh’s award and chaplaincy clubs – there is something for everyone. We also place a great deal of emphasis on pupil leadership at all levels of the school, represented visually by the large number of badges our pupils wear – another Saint Bede’s tradition!