Pupils are “happy, confident and feel secure” at St Bede’s Catholic Primary School in South Shields.

The primary, which is part of Bishop Chadwick Catholic Education Trust, was recently inspected by the Catholic Schools Inspectorate (CSI) and rated ‘Outstanding’.

The CSI, which judges Catholic schools on overall effectiveness, Catholic life and mission, religious education, and collective worship, found that pupils not only feel happy and confident in school but also “value each other and feel cared for”.

Prayer life is at the heart of the school and there is a “lived sense of community” evident in the quality of relationships and strong culture of welcome to parents, the wider family network and parish.

CSI lead inspector Claire Garbutt said in her report: “Teachers demonstrate a deep commitment and high expectations for religious education. They have a clear understanding of the impact religious education has on the moral development of pupils.

“The school environment is testament to its Catholic identity and mission. The care and attention given to the quality of space and purposeful displays contributes positively to formation of staff and pupils.”

Pupils talked enthusiastically about the actions they are taking to achieve the Live Simply Award. The active Mini Vinnies and Eco Schools leadership groups described their efforts with the harvest foodbank appeal and the big beach clean-up. The children’s behaviour was described by the inspectors as “exemplary” in lessons and throughout school.

Described as “religiously literate”, they know, live and witness the school’s mission of ‘With Christ at our side to guide us, we shine in all that we do’.

“Leaders and governors have a very clear vision for St Bede’s.” continued the report.

“Through their passion and high levels of expertise, leaders are ambitious and they inspire staff and the wider community to follow their commitment and dedication. Staff feel they are well supported, valued as individuals and are a team. Leaders and governors provide the highest levels of pastoral care for staff with a clear commitment to their wellbeing. The flourishing partnership between the school, parents and the local parish is acknowledged and appreciated by all.”

Teachers have a “profound understanding” of the impact that religious education has on pupils’ spiritual development and their ability to make meaningful sense of their experiences of the world. The subject leader for religious education was described in the report as having an “inspiring vision” and a high level of expertise, “deeply committed” to sharing that expertise, and an “enthusiastic advocate for religious education”.

Headteacher Carol Devine said: “I am immensely proud of our school and delighted that the inspectors recognised the warmth, vibrancy and faith-filled atmosphere that makes our community so special.

“This result reflects the dedication, care and passion shown by our staff every single day, as well as the joyful enthusiasm of our children and the wonderful support of our families. Our mission, ‘With Christ at our side to guide us, we shine in all that we do,’ is truly lived out in our school community, and this report affirms the strength of that shared commitment. I am deeply grateful to everyone who has contributed to this achievement.

“This Outstanding outcome is not only a source of great pride, but also a motivation for us to continue striving for excellence. Our children deserve the very best, and this report reinforces the strong foundations we have built together. I look forward to the exciting opportunities the future holds for our school.”

The school was inspected by the CSI last month [January 2026] on behalf of the Bishop of Hexham and Newcastle.

For more information about St Bede’s Catholic Primary School on Claypath Lane, visit www.stbedessouthshields.co.uk

For more information about BCCET, visit www.bccet.org.uk