Department for Education announcement spells bright future for Bishop Chadwick schools.
The rebuilding of two schools that are part of Bishop Chadwick Catholic Education Trust will provide a huge boost to pupils, staff and communities in Hebburn and Sunderland, “building on a fantastic past towards an even brighter future”.
That was the message from two Trust headteachers, after their schools were given the go ahead to be rebuilt by the Department for Education.
St Aloysius Infants School, in Argyle Street, Hebburn and St Mary’s, in Meadowside, Sunderland, were both named as confirmed projects for the national School Rebuilding Programme.
The fourth set of 239 schools has now been announced, with the two Bishop Chadwick Catholic schools named amongst these.
The new projects build on the 161 previously announced across England, with construction works now nearing completion on the most advanced sites.
In total 500 schools and sixth forms will be rebuilt through the ten-year School Rebuilding Programme.
Kathryn Fenwick, headteacher at St Aloysius Catholic Infant School, said she was “absolutely delighted” with the news her school is to be rebuilt.
“I am hugely grateful for the wider support of our Trust to reach this outcome,” she added.
“It is fantastic news and will ensure that the facilities and potential of the building complements the outstanding education we are so determined that our pupils continue to receive.”
Miss Fenwick said the news also came as a “huge boost for our staff, who work so hard to deliver an exceptional standard of education, despite the current restrictions of an outdated building”.
“This is something very exciting and positive to look forward to and brings tremendous hope to the community of Hebburn,” she said.
St Aloysius Infant School is part of the St Aloysius Foundation, consisting of two schools, which have the needs of children central to their philosophy.
The schools also recognise parents as essential partners in their child’s education throughout their time at the schools, from nursery and reception to year six.
Martin Clephane, headteacher at St Mary’s, also said he was delighted that a new build for his school, which has grown in popularity throughout the city of Sunderland over the years, had been approved by the Department for Education.
He added the building which originally housed St. Mary’s Primary school started life as a Methodist Theological institute and was bought by the Catholic Church in 1886.
“It still stands in the town centre as a university nursery and still bears the name St. Mary’s; a proud reminder of our roots in Sunderland,” he said.
“It is in close proximity to our Church – also called St. Mary’s.
“We left the town centre to move to Ashbrooke in 1974 and our catchment area still covers the whole of Sunderland City centre, from Ashbrooke down to Hendon.
“The intake of the school has grown over the years due to the reputation and popularity of the school and so a new build will provide much needed space.”
He added: “We are now excited and ready for the next era for St. Mary’s.”
As well as increasing space, the new building work in Hebburn and Sunderland will result in significant improvements to the learning environments within both schools, enabling teachers there to deliver the highest standards of education.
The School Rebuilding Programme aims to create new and modern education environments, including facilities such as state-of-the-art classrooms, science labs, sports halls and dining rooms.
The Department for Education-led project is set to benefit tens of thousands of pupils.
