AN OUTSTANDING turnout marked the first day at Teesside’s newest academy as students returned to school for a dynamic new era of education.
Pupils of the former St Michael’s RC School, Billingham, celebrated the start of term with a new uniform, improved facilities and a dedicated team of teachers and leaders.
St Michael’s Catholic Academy is now part of a multi-academy trust led by Carmel College, Darlington, one of the top schools in the country.
It will also join Holy Family RC Primary School, St Augustine’s RC Primary School and St Gregory’s Catholic Primary School, as part of one of the most successful education trusts in the country.
Principal of Carmel College and chief executive officer of the Carmel Education Trust, Maura Regan, said: “Today has been an incredible day and the start of something very exciting at St Michael’s Catholic Academy.
“Learning is being transformed and teachers are totally dedicated to giving every child an outstanding education.
“Our students looked fantastic and very smart but even more importantly they looked very proud to wear their new uniform.
“It is a new beginning and really is a sight to behold.”
The 875 pupil school, which was given notice to improve in April 2012, is now well on the road to success after becoming an academy on September 1, under the guidance and support of the Carmel Education Trust.
In its last Ofsted inspection, in July 2013, the school had its notice to improve removed and has since gone on to produce its best ever set of GCSE exam results, with 75 per cent of all pupils gaining five A* to C grades including English and maths.
It is also anticipated that the academy will undergo a multi-million pound redevelopment on the existing site from summer 2014.
“Last year an improvement committee was formed made up of governors, independent consultants, representatives from the staff and governing body of St Michael’s RC School, and the Carmel Educational Trust,” said Miss Regan.
“Carmel were invited to provide strategic direction, capacity and high levels of support.
“Alongside Stockton Borough Council this group has been both instrumental and influential in the changes that we are now seeing here at St Michael’s Catholic Academy.
“Our hopes for the future are that the academy continues to improve to enable us to make sure than every child has the opportunity to leave St Michael’s not just with outstanding exam results but also having gained a quality experience in all aspects of life.”
The Trust has also appointed a new Head of school (designate) for St Michael’s Catholic Academy in Andrew Ramsey.
Originating from Consett, County Durham and currently working as a head teacher in a school in London, Mr Ramsey will take up his post within the next few weeks.
