St Alban's Catholic Primary School in Pelaw, Gateshead, has recently been inspected and reaffirmed as a good school. The inspection highlighted the school's commitment to creating a nurturing and inclusive environment for its pupils.
Under the leadership of Headteacher Maria Robinson, St Alban's is part of the Bishop Wilkinson Catholic Education Trust, which provides additional support and oversight. The trust, led by CEO Nick Hurn OBE and overseen by a board of trustees chaired by Angela Boyle, ensures that the school is well-supported in its mission to provide high-quality education.
Pupils at St Alban's express a genuine love for their school, describing it as friendly and welcoming. The staff exemplify respect and kindness, creating a familial atmosphere that encourages all students to thrive. The school sets high expectations for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), resulting in commendable achievements across the curriculum, particularly in reading.
The school's character development program instills core values such as respect, honesty, and fairness from an early age. Leadership opportunities like house captains and school council members reinforce these principles. The supportive environment allows pupils to feel safe and valued, enabling them to express their concerns and resolve issues with the help of staff.
St Alban's has implemented a well-structured curriculum from Nursery to Year 6, ensuring that all pupils engage with ambitious learning objectives. Teachers, who are subject experts, make lessons engaging and relevant, fostering a holistic understanding of the material. The school places a strong emphasis on developing confident and fluent readers, with phonics instruction beginning in Reception.
St Alban's is proactive in identifying and supporting pupils with SEND, tailoring individual support plans to meet specific needs. The school continually seeks to enhance its provision for SEND, utilizing resources like visual timetables and sloped boards to facilitate learning.
Beyond academics, St Alban's offers a rich array of extracurricular activities, broadening pupils' interests and contributing to their spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development. Staff well-being is prioritized, with professional development opportunities provided to foster a positive school culture.
In conclusion, St Alban's Catholic Primary School shines as a model of educational excellence. With strong leadership, an inclusive environment, and a commitment to character development, the school prepares its pupils academically and nurtures them as responsible and engaged citizens. As it moves forward, St Alban's is poised to build on its successes and address areas for improvement, ensuring that it remains a cornerstone of the Pelaw community for years to come.
