Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle

Details of Schools Hexham and Newcastle Diocese stretches from the Scottish Border to the River Tees and there are 163 Catholic schools spread over 10 local Authorities. The Education Service has been established to support those involved in education; to address current and future needs and faithfully express and promote the Church’s pastoral mission in education. The Service works collaboratively and in active consultation both with those who are involved professionally and those whose contribution is a voluntary commitment to the Church’s work. Hexham and Newcastle Education Service assists the Bishop in determining Diocesan Education Policy and supports schools and Parishes in its implementation, addressing current and future needs and reflecting the Pastoral Mission of the Church in education. The service provides a range of courses, materials and support for governors, senior leaders, teachers, and parishioners. This includes long courses, such as the Catholic Certificate in Religious Studies (CCRS) and training for current and potential leaders, in addition to Parish courses such as the Diploma in Pastoral Theology and the network of catechists. The service liaises with and consults the Department of Education and Skills, Local Authorities, Catholic Education Service (CES) and other external groups to protect, manage and promote Catholic education throughout the Diocese. We currently have four formal federations operating in the diocese:  * St Godric’s, Thornley and St Mary’s, Wingate * St Pauls’ First School and St Peter’s Middle School, Cramlington * St Peter’s Middle School, Cramlington and St Benet Biscop High School, Bedlington (soft federation) * St Aloysius Infant school and St Aloysius Junior School, Hebburn (from 1 Nov 2009)  There are two others which have completed the statutory consultation and will formally come into effect in 2010:  1                     St Michael’s Comprehensive school, Billingham, Our Lady & St Bede’s Comprehensive school, Stockton-on-Tees, and St Patrick’s Secondary, Thornaby (Middlesbrough Diocese) – Implementation 1 Jan 2010 2                     St Mary’s Primary school and St Joseph’s Primary school, Newton Aycliffe – Implementation September 2010.