23 May 2013 

Basketball is a sport which has steadily grown in the last 7 Years at Saint Benedict Catholic Voluntary Academy. We have been fortunate this Year to have had the opportunity to work with a highly qualified American Basketball coach who was brought over by the Academy to work with our gifted and talented pupils in Year 10 and 11. For two weeks in October the boys were put through their paces with intensive coaching sessions for 4 hours a day and this has helped the young men to have another incredible season.

The Year 11 team, for the fourth Year running, are undefeated in local league fixtures and have won the league and county cup for the fourth Year in a row. They have also competed in the English Schools premier competition and have won every single game. They go into the Final Fours at Nottingham Wildcat Arena on Saturday 18th May for the third straight Year with the opportunity to be the best school in the country at this age group. 

The Year 10 team have also had a good Year, narrowly missing out on winning the local league by 1 point.  In the County Cup they made the final but unfortunately  lost out by a small margin.  All of the Year 10 players were a credit to the school and are working hard in training ready for next Year.

We have had a very productive season overall and have an up and coming Year 8 team who are showing signs of developing into a very strong team and these young men qualified for a Derbyshire areas final and finished in third place.

20 May 2013 - Press Release

Students from Austin Friars St Monica’s School have held their annual Summer Recital at Carlisle Cathedral.

Students from the Senior School took part in the school’s annual Summer Recital which gives individuals the opportunity to perform in the grandeur of the Cathedral.  The evening included musical performances from talented pupils across the school and included a mix of classical and contemporary pieces which were performed in front of a large audience.  

Throughout the evening different groups performed. These included; ‘Some Strings Attached’, the Saxophone Ensemble, the Guitar Ensemble, the Junior and Senior Choir, the Brass Ensemble and the Swing Band.

The evening was introduced by ‘Some Strings Attached, a group of talented musicians from the Senior School, who gave a ‘Salute to Abba’ performance, playing ‘Mamma Mia’ and ‘Money, Money, Money’ as well as an arrangement of ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’.

The Junior and Senior School Choir performed an enthusiastic rendition of ‘Rhythm of Life’ and the Senior Choir alone took to the stage to sing ‘Close to You’ followed by a brilliant rendition of ‘Moon River’. 

During the evening the audience were treated to three solo performances from A Level students Amy Hill, Will Low and James Leitch. With guitar in hand, Amy sang a beautiful version of Radiohead’s ‘Fake Plastic Trees’, Will performed ‘When the Saints Come Marching In’ on the tenor saxophone and James nearly lifted the Cathedral roof off with his performance of ‘Hymne d’Actions de Grâces’ on the organ. All three are coming towards the end of their Upper Sixth year and the Summer Recital marks the last musical performance of their school careers.  It always brings mixed emotions for the performers. 

Mr Charles Hattrell is the Director of Music at the School and helped to bring everything together. He said: “The Summer Recital brings together pupils and staff from the Senior School in a celebration of music. This concert always marks the end of the musical line for the Upper Sixth students and it adds to the special nature of the occasion. It was a splendid evening with some spectacular musical performances.”

- ENDS -

For more details please contact:

Andrew Hullock

Marketing Administrator

Tel: 01228 550 719 email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Notes to editor

Austin Friars St Monica’s School is the independent day school for girls and boys aged 3-18 years in the centre of Carlisle.  The School has a strong reputation in Cumbria and South West Scotland for providing an all-round, high quality education that meets the individual needs of each child.

Academic achievement and strong pastoral care are at the heart of what we do.  Focusing on a traditional form of education, every pupil at Austin Friars St Monica’s is also encouraged to take part fully in the all-round life of the School with an extensive range of extra curricular activities available.

Once again, public examination results have been exceptionally good this summer.  At A level, 61% of grades were either an A or B grade with the overall pass rate once more 100%.  At GCSE, a stunning 50.8% of overall grades were either A* or A with more than a third of students recording an outstanding 8 or more top A* or A grades.  A School record-breaking 97% of students achieved 5 or more A* - C grades.

If you want further information on what we provide, please go to our website at www.austinfriars.cumbria.sch.uk 

May 2013 - Press Release

CAFOD, the Catholic Association for Overseas Development, has been benefitting from the fundraising by pupils from Saint Paul’s Catholic High School in Wythenshawe. The charity works in many countries to tackle poverty, encourage development and fight for global justice.

The pupils worked hard to raise sufficient money to donate water for a family as they thought that having a glass of water or taking a shower were things that we take for granted everyday and that water should be available for everyone. They did some research and found that boreholes can give people around the world drinking water which won’t kill them and clean water to wash in which will keep them safer from infections.

“At Saint Paul’s we firmly believe in engendering in the pupils a sense of social responsibility and a culture of being givers not takers,” explained Mrs Helen Farrar, Head of Languages at Saint Paul’s. “The pupils did a fantastic job with this fundraising; I am very proud of them and impressed with their attitude and enthusiasm.”

“The school actively supports a number of local, national, and international charities,” commented Mr Wiktor Daron, Head Teacher at Saint Paul’s. “An appreciation and understanding of the ways in which charities help the less fortunate also forms an important part of our curriculum. We encourage our pupils to consider others in need and to help them through giving of both their time and effort.”

--- ENDS ---

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.”

5.Saint Paul’s was the first school in Manchester to be awarded Engineering College status.

6.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.

7.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. 

8.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.

April 2013- Press Release

Saint Paul’s Catholic High School in Wythenshawe recently extended their language teaching to include Chinese. They are being taught by the school’s resident Chinese teacher, Mr Yantong Li, from Beijing. 

The Year 7 and 8 pupils are not only learning Mandarin Chinese but they are also discovering traditional Chinese cultural activities such as Knot making, Origami and Tai Chi.

Mr Li is here as a cultural envoy to exchange ideas on teaching and breakdown cultural barriers between China and Britain.  He was here last year and did a lot of work with the Saint Paul’s feeder primary schools so a lot of the children he is teaching already have a little knowledge of Chinese. 

The school has developed a partnership with the Beijing Huimin School which is where Mr Li has come from. Both schools are benefitting through the sharing of expertise and practice, as well as providing opportunities for students and teachers to experience vastly different cultures.

“The subject opens pupils' eyes to the biggest country in the world, it hones general language skills and engages them, especially the boys who relate to the visual and spatial aspects of the language,” explained Mrs Helen Farrar, Head of Modern Languages at Saint Paul’s. “The children are enjoying it as it is something very different to the language lessons they are use to and it can be a subject in which pupils who struggle with other languages do well.”

Mrs Farrar added: “The subject is engaging the pupils, they love learning about the culture and it is very motivating. The whole programme has clearly given many pupils a feeling of confidence and achievement.”

“The partnership has been an excellent opportunity to continue to develop and strengthen our links with China,” said Saint Paul’s Head Teacher, Mr Wiktor Daron. “Working with the Beijing Huimin School has allowed us to enrich our curriculum and support language awareness and learning; and to provide professional development opportunities for staff.”

--- ENDS ---

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.”

5.Saint Paul’s was the first school in Manchester to be awarded Engineering College status.

6.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.

7.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. 

8.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.

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.”

--- ENDS ---

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.”

1. Saint Paul’s was the first school in Manchester to be awarded Engineering College status. 

2. 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. 

3. 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. 

4. 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.

2013 A Level Results Press Release 

Sunshine, Smiles and Success for Students at All Hallows

It was sunshine and smiles for Sixth Form students at All Hallows Catholic College collecting as they collected A Level results supporting the college’s reputation for nurturing outstanding academic achievement for all. With an overall pass rate close to 100% and with over 60% of students receiving A*-B grades, nearly all students met or exceeded their challenging targets. Principal, Tony Billings said ‘Our students have really taken to heart our college motto ‘aspire not to have more but to be more’, and their results reflect their hard work and dedication to study. These results are well deserved and we wish them the very best for the future.’ 

A group of top performing students managed to gain two or more A*-A grades with one of their number, Alex Warwicker, succeeding in passing seven A levels, 6 at A*-A, with one B. These happy students with their destinations are: Beth Clayton (2A*,1A,1B, Newcastle, Biomedical Science), Patrick Devaney (3A,1B, Leeds, Natural Science), Olivia Ford (3A, Manchester, Medicine), Laura Hallworth (3A, Nottingham, Nutrition) Victoria Moorhouse (2A, 1B, Law), Abi Plant (2A,1B,1C, Leeds, Psychology) Stuart Plant (3A* Nottingham Trent, Sport Science), Matthew Shenton (1A*,1A,1B, York, Mathematics), Elinor Terry (1A*,2A,1B, Glasgow, German). Mrs Garvey, Assistant Principal, Head of Sixth form said ‘We congratulate these students on top performance at A*-A. We also say a big ‘well done’ to all top performing students who met and exceed their target grades. This has been another superb year for smiles and tears of joy on results day!’

Beaming with a smile, Olivia Ford who lives in Macclesfield said ‘I’m over the moon, I’m going to study medicine which has always been my dream – I just want to thank all the teachers, All Hallows has been a great place for me.’

Brother and Sister Dream Team

As a brother and sister from Bollington receive their A level results on the same day, one can only imagine the anticipation in the Plant family. Stuart and Abi Plant are a brother and sister ‘dream team’ who are justifiably ‘over-the-moon’ with their results. Stuart, who is delighted with his 3A* grades will be progressing to Nottingham Trent University to study Sports Science after a gap year playing cricket in Australia. Meanwhile his Sister, Abi is taking up a place at Leeds university to study Psychology with her 2A, B and C grades. Stuart  and Abi who live in Macclesfield were delighted with their results and proud mum said ‘I keep telling everyone All Hallows is a great school. My children have had all the right advice and support they needed.’

International Successes at All Hallows!

All Hallows is proud of it emphasis on learning in an international context, with pride of place being given to languages and it seems language is no barrier to learning at All Hallows! Students from the Phillipines, Poland and Bulgaria, for whom English is a second language managed to attain some fantastic A level results. These students and their destinations are: Juliene Dolot (Phillippines, 1A, 2B, Sheffield, Accounting & Finance), Wiktoria Segelin (Poland, 2A, 2B, 1C, Geography), Anna Paa (Phillipines, 2B, 1C, Nottingham Trent, Media), Marta Tomczak – (Poland, 1B,1C 2D, Manchester Metropolitan, Business and Languages), Nadia Mihova (Bulgaria, 2A*,1D, Salford, Counselling and Psychotherapy). Olivia Segelin said ‘I’m so happy can go to my first choice university’ and Juliene Dollot who joined All Hallows in Year 9 said ‘The teachers are great and I’m really pleased my hard work has paid off.’ Marta Tomczak added ‘I was nervous about getting the results but so pleased I’ve got my university place.’ 

Notes to the Editor

1.All Hallows is an 11-18 Catholic Voluntary Academy and National Support School located in Macclesfield, Cheshire.

2.Students are a very wide geographical area beyond Macclesfield, including, Handforth, Wilmslow, Stockport, Poynton, and Congleton. 

3.OfSTED and denominational reports 

PRESS RELEASE - April 2013

Charity fundraising events are part of life at Saint Paul’s Catholic High School in Wythenshawe. Recently, Year 8 pupils have been working hard to raise money for Caritas, a Catholic charity aiming to eradicate poverty and social injustice.

The fundraising is part of the year 8 ICT Charity Project unit. The pupils have decided to raise money in school by activities such as cake sales. The pupils also made up food hampers and asked staff and pupils to donate items such as tea, coffee, sugar, soup and cakes; the hampers are aimed at providing a little Easter cheer to the children, mothers and babies and elderly people at Caritas.

“Caritas provides assistance to the most vulnerable regardless of race or religion, on behalf of Catholics around the world,” explained Ms Nafeesa Hamid, IT Teacher at Saint Paul’s. “The charity’s main areas of work are in emergency response, sustainable development and peace building. To do this they focus on six key areas: peace and reconciliation, emergencies, economic justice, climate change, HIV and Aids and women and migration.”

Ms Hamid added “Not only do fundraising activities help others, they also build group cooperation and are an important part of personal development. Our hope is that, through their exposure to a range of activities and causes, our pupils will develop a sense of the type and scale of need that exists in modern life.”

“We are proud of the contribution that our pupils make to a wide range of charities,” commented Mr Wiktor Daron, Head Teacher at Saint Paul’s. “We encourage our pupils to consider others in need and to help them through giving of both their time and effort. The organising of fundraising events is therefore a key part of the school’s ethos.”

2nd April 2013    - Press Release

Four students from Austin Friars St Monica’s School will represent Cumbria in the National Final of the “Top of the Bench” competition which this year will be held at Loughborough University. 

The Austin Friars St Monica’s School team, who were crowned Cumbrian champions after winning the regional “Top of the Bench” Chemistry competition in December, will be travelling to Loughborough University, in early April where they will compete against teams from 30 other regions. 

“Top of the Bench” is a national competition which is run by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC). It pits teams of the best 14-16 year olds in the country against each other in a competition which tests their practical skills and chemical knowledge beyond the Chemistry GCSE syllabus. 

Each team comprises of pupils from years 9-11. The Austin Friars St Monica’s team consisting of Kathryn Orr, John Colwell, Robbie Ewart and Jake Kirkpatrick are confident going into the final after beating other Schools from across Cumbria, including West Lakes Academy and St Bees.   

Mrs Rosie Fielder, is the Head of Chemistry at the School. She said “This was an ideal opportunity for the students to stretch themselves beyond the syllabus and meet other like-minded pupils in a friendly, but competitive environment.” 

The winners of the competition will be crowned National Champions and will receive a trophy and a cheque for the School to spend on new Chemistry equipment. 

- ENDS -

For more details please contact:

Andrew Hullock

Marketing Administrator

Tel: 01228 550 719 email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Notes to editor

Austin Friars St Monica’s School is the independent day school for girls and boys aged 3-18 years in the centre of Carlisle.  The School has a strong reputation in Cumbria and South West Scotland for providing an all-round, high quality education that meets the individual needs of each child.

Academic achievement and strong pastoral care are at the heart of what we do.  Focusing on a traditional form of education, every pupil at Austin Friars St Monica’s is also encouraged to take part fully in the all-round life of the School with an extensive range of extra curricular activities available.

If you want further information on what we provide, please go to our website at www.austinfriars.cumbria.sch.uk 

26th March 2013 - Press Release

A student from Austin Friars St Monica’s School has been offered a Scholarship in Design/Technical Theatre at George Washington University, Washington DC. 

Thanks to his outstanding acting talents Will Low (aged 17), has successfully been offered a scholarship at one of USA’s top universities, studying for a degree in Liberal Arts. George Washington University, situated 4 blocks away from the White House has over 20,000 students enrolled and is regarded as one of the country’s best Universities. 

He will study at George Washington University for 4 years, where he will graduate with a minor in Liberal Arts, and a major that he will choose after his freshman year. Will has family that live in the nearby state of Virginia, but has opted to live on the University Campus.

His freshman year begins in August and of his achievement Will said “When I found out I had been offered the scholarship I rang my Mum. I just couldn't believe it!”

Will’s audition consisted of 3 stages. To be considered for the Scholarship Will uploaded 2 video monologues to YouTube for the University to view. He also had to provide 3 references from professionals in the areas of arts, music as well as a private instructor. Finally, he also had to write an essay describing the current role of art in his life and how he would like to see it continue.

Mr Malcolm Judge, Head of Drama said “I have taught and directed Will for a number of years and he has always impressed me with his talent and enthusiasm. The Scholarship is thoroughly deserved”. 

For more details please contact:

Andrew Hullock

Marketing Administrator

Tel: 01228 550719 email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Notes to editor

Austin Friars St Monica’s School is the independent day school for girls and boys aged 3-18 years in the centre of Carlisle.  The School has a strong reputation in Cumbria and South West Scotland for providing an all-round, high quality education that meets the individual needs of each child.

March 2013 - Press Release

Saint Paul’s One of the 100 Most Improved Schools in the Country!

Saint Paul’s Catholic High School in Wythenshawe was delighted to be recognised nationally as one of the 100 most improved schools in the country. The school recently received official recognition of their achievement from the Rt Hon David Laws MP Minister of State for Schools.

The school has been highlighted as one of the 100 most improved schools in the country in terms of the progress the pupils have made between their Key Stage 2 results (i.e. when the pupils left primary school) and their GCSE results. 

Rt Hon David Laws MP, Minister of State for Schools, said: “It gives me great pleasure to congratulate you on the excellent GCSE performance of your pupils in 2012.”