--- title: "Gold star for primary school in Hebburn for arts excellence" url: "https://bccet.org.uk/news/2025-12-15-gold-star-for-primary-school-in-hebburn-for-arts-excellence" school: "Bishop Chadwick Catholic Education Trust" --- # Gold star for primary school in Hebburn for arts excellence ![Image of Gold star for primary school in Hebburn for arts excellence](https://files.schudio.com/bishop-chadwick-catholic-education-trust/images/news/BCCET_St_James_Hebburn_artsmark_gold.jpg) 15 December 2025 A primary school in Hebburn which thrives on “creativity, dedication and joy” has achieved the highest Artsmark accreditation. St James’ Catholic Primary School, which is part of Bishop Chadwick Catholic Education Trust, has achieved Artsmark Gold. Artsmark, which is accredited by Arts Council England, is a programme that empowers teachers with the skills they need to embed arts, culture and creativity across the whole school curriculum through CPD training from Artsmark partner, Goldsmiths, University of London. Headteacher Francesca Heslop said: “We are absolutely delighted to have been awarded the Artsmark Gold. This achievement reflects the creativity, dedication and joy that thrive within our school community. “This award celebrates creativity at the heart of learning, where every child's imagination is valued, nurtured and allowed to shine. As a Catholic primary school, we believe every child is created with unique gifts, and the arts allow those gifts to shine. Thank you to Mrs Edele Randle, our art co-ordinator, for all her hard work in securing this fantastic award and, as always, thank you to our wonderful children.” Mrs Heslop added: “I am incredibly proud of our pupils, staff and families, whose passion and commitment to the arts have made this recognition possible.” For more information about St James’ Catholic Primary School, visit www.stjameshebburn.co.uk For more information about BCCET, visit www.bccet.org.uk [ Children’s carol-singing sprinkles some festive magic in Houghton le Spring](https://bccet.org.uk/news/2025-12-09-children-s-carol-singing-sprinkles-some-festive-magic-in-houghton-le-spring) [Sunderland legend gifts signed footie shirt to retiring school manager ](https://bccet.org.uk/news/2025-12-16-sunderland-legend-gifts-signed-footie-shirt-to-retiring-school-manager) ![Bishop Chadwick Catholic Education Trust](https://files.schudio.com/bishop-chadwick-catholic-education-trust/images/logo/logo-footer-with-diocese-02_(1).png) ### Bishop Chadwick Catholic Education Trust Evolve Business Centre Cygnet Way, Rainton Bridge South Business Park Houghton-le-Spring Tyne & Wear DH4 5QY ### Quick Links - [Website Terms](https://bccet.org.uk/website-terms) - [Accessibility Statement](https://bccet.org.uk/accessibility-statement) - [Privacy Notice](https://bccet.org.uk/privacy-policy) - [FOI Statement](https://bccet.org.uk/freedom-of-information) ### Useful Links - [Key Documents](https://bccet.org.uk/key-documents) - [Teach First/SCITT](https://bccet.org.uk/work-for-us/teach-first-scitt) - [Our Schools](https://bccet.org.uk/our-schools) - [Job Vacancies](https://bccet.org.uk/job-vacancies) - [Contact Us](https://bccet.org.uk/contact) ### Social Media - [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/BishopChadwickCET) - [Youtube](https://www.youtube.com/@bishopchadwickcet) - [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/78414337/admin/) - [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/bishopchadwickcet/) © Copyright 2025–2026 Bishop Chadwick Catholic Education Trust School & Trust Websites by [ ![Schudio logo](https://bccet.org.uk/img/logo/light.png) ](https://www.schudio.com/)