April 2013 - Press Release
It’s been a fantastic football season for Year 8 pupils from Saint Paul’s Catholic High School in Wythenshawe which has culminated in them winning the Greater Manchester Catholic Schools cup.
The Cup Final match, when Saint Paul’s came up against the current cup holders, Cardinal Langley, was extremely tense and hard fought. The game in normal time finished 3-3. Neil Kengni-Kuemo scored with 5 minutes played. Langley equalised after 20 minutes. Jack Doherty scored a free kick from half way line which went top right corner on 25 minutes. In the second half Saint Paul’s were 3 - 2 down and then Neil Kengni-Kuemo scored his second with 2 minutes to play of normal time crashing the ball across the opposition goal keeper. Extra time was close with numerous chances for both sides but no goals sending the tie to penalties. Beat Cardinal Langley 4 - 2 on penalties.
“Winning the Greater Manchester Catholic Schools cup was an amazing achievement for our Year 8 footballers,” explained Mr Darren Mawn, second in PE at Saint Paul’s. “Football is extremely popular at Saint Paul’s. The pupils have a real passion for the game and this is a well deserved achievement for them.”
“We have some avid football fans at Saint Paul’s and it is great to see this interest and commitment reflected in this achievement,” said Mr Wiktor Daron, Head Teacher at Saint Paul’s. “I am very proud of all those who took part; the team has shown great spirit and determination.”
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Notes for Editors
1.The 2012 GCSE results for Saint Paul’s Catholic High School were its best ever with 90% of pupils achieving 5 A* - Cs. 59% of pupils gained 5 A*-C plus English and Maths. This is the eighth year in succession that the school has improved its GCSE pass rate.
2.Saint Paul’s received congratulations from the Rt Hon David Laws MP Minister of State for Schools when they were recognised as one of the 100 most improved schools in the country in 2012.
3.At the last Ofsted inspection of the school in March 2010 the following comments were made by the inspectors: “Good teaching enables students to make good progress and achieve well. Relationships between teachers and students are strong. They result in good behaviour.”
The report stated that the school is “enabling students to learn effectively and make good progress. Attainment is rising rapidly as a result. Achievement for all students, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities and those with English as an additional language, is good.”
4.The Ofsted report is reinforced by the preceding inspection of the school by the Diocese of Shrewsbury under the guidance of the Bishop of Shrewsbury. The Diocese report stated “Saint Paul’s is a good Catholic school. The Head and Senior Leadership Team have a clear vision ….. an outstanding feature of the school is the pastoral care of students and the support of staff.”
- Saint Paul’s was the first school in Manchester to be awarded Engineering College status.
- The work of Saint Paul’s drama teacher, Ms Ellie Brookes, was recognised with her winning the much coveted North West Teacher of the Year Award. Also Head of Humanities at Saint Paul’s, Ms Ursula Gallagher, gained third place in the Outstanding New Teacher of the Year category of the Northern Area Teacher of the Year.
- Lively approaches to teaching maintain vigour and ensure that firm foundations are established for higher level work. The school has a modern approach to learning supported by a programme of constant refurbishment and development of its facilities and resources. Saint Paul’s is currently undergoing a total rebuild with the new school buildings due to open in November.
- The aims of the school are to:
- Teach and foster a Christian perspective in all that it does
- Provide teaching of the highest calibre
- Promote excellence in all areas
- Develop the ability, talents and character of each pupil, enabling them to make their own unique contribution to school life
- Encourage boys to play their part in helping the community run smoothly and effectively, by taking on responsibility and leadership
More information about Saint Paul’s Catholic High School can be found at www.st-paulshigh.net or contact Jane McAuliffe-Hall (Marketing and Publicity Manager) at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or on 0161 437 5841.