Regular litter-picking, reducing waste and supporting local and global charities have earned a school in Peterlee a national sustainability award.

St Bede’s Catholic School & Byron Sixth Form College has been officially awarded the CAFOD LiveSimply Award, recognising the school’s commitment to living simply, living sustainably, and living in solidarity with others. The award was confirmed this week following a final assessment visit by CAFOD (Catholic Agency for Overseas Development) representatives.

Over the past two years, pupils, staff, families, and parish partners of the school, which is part of Bishop Chadwick Catholic Education Trust, have worked together on a wide range of initiatives inspired by Pope Francis’ call in Laudato Si’ to protect the environment and stand with the poor.

Laudato Si groups, chaplaincy teams, and form classes each led different projects, demonstrating how faith can be lived out through meaningful action.

The LiveSimply journey has had a significant, lasting, positive impact on both the school and its wider community, with a range of initiatives being undertaken, including:

  • Caring for creation: Regular litter‑picking has kept school grounds tidy and encouraged pupils to take responsibility for their environment.
  • Reducing waste: Students have introduced practical ways to cut down on waste across the school.
  • Supporting those in need: Pupils have taken part in charitable initiatives that extend support both locally and globally.
  • Growing pupil leadership: Young people have taken ownership of projects, showing how small actions can create meaningful change.
  • Deepening understanding of Catholic Social Teaching: Students have connected their faith with real‑world ecological and social issues, strengthening their sense of global responsibility.

Elise, Year 9 pupil, said: “It was lovely to take part in such an award, especially when we were helping people in the world who we did not even know.”

Headteacher Frances Cessford said: “Receiving the CAFOD LiveSimply Award is a wonderful affirmation of our core values at St Bede’s. It reflects our faith in action, our commitment to excellence, and the sense of responsibility our pupils show towards others and the world we share. Through determination, active citizenship and mutual respect, our school community strives to be who God calls us to be and to set the world ablaze through service, compassion, and care for creation.”

 

For more information about St Bede’s Catholic School and Byron Sixth Form, visit www.st-bedes.org

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

 

ENDS

 

Press release issued by Bishop Chadwick Catholic Education Trust. For more information, contact [email protected]