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Holly Mount Roman Catholic Primary School
Nurture, Encourage, Love
St Gabriel's & Holy Cross
Headteacher’s Welcome
Our school holds a strong reputation within the local community and the diocese for our excellence in pastoral care, academic success and distinctive Catholic ethos. In our most recent diocesan inspection, St Gabriel’s was graded for outstanding in all areas. Students are successful in gaining college places and apprenticeships of their choice, choices that are built upon high aspirations. Students receive a broad and deep experience in Religious education that prepares them for a life of service in Modern Britain, equally students benefit from opportunities for regular collective worship through Mass and prayer and actively participate in the Catholic mission of the school. My vision for our school family has Christ at the centre and the gospel values integral to all that we do.
Our most recent Ofsted Inspection in March 2023 graded the school as good in all areas, the first inspection since the school became part of the St Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Academy Trust. In that inspection they said of our pupils that “The majority of pupils meet leaders’ high expectations. They behave well and typically work hard.”. St Gabriel’s was commended for “providing a range of extra-curricular activities which the pupils enjoy” testament to the focus on developing the whole child socially and academically. St Gabriel’s has been on a successful journey of school improvement to reach the quality we now offer, supported by strong and supportive Senior Leaders, the local Governing body and a supportive Trust central team who hold high expectations for all our pupils and staff. We are proud of our school and it is an exciting time to be a part of the St Gabriel’s family.
Our school family comprises 1060 students and their parents/carers, as well as approximately 130 members of talented teaching and support staff. Many colleagues are past pupils of St Gabriel’s and/ or send their children to the school which is testimony to the strong ethos and culture and warmth of the school community. Our children are taught by passionate subject specialists that inspire a life-long love of learning. We work in close partnership with 14 other schools and share expertise across secondary and primary to ensure we deliver and excellent quality of education.
We are proud that the school has served the local community for 70 years having opened in 1954. We hold dear our traditions and history but continue to provide an innovative forward thinking and collaborative school that the local community can continue to be proud of. We strive to provide our students with the very best experience of catholic education and never become complacent despite our recognised strengths.
S Braithwaite
Headteacher
As a highly regarded centre for A Levels, Vocational and Higher Education qualifications, Holy Cross has a long tradition of success. Since 1878, when the Daughters of the Cross of Liège first settled a school on this site, we have been offering excellence in education to people in the local area, and with a clear mission in mind: to develop our students intellectually to achieve outstanding results, and to develop them spiritually and morally so that they can become valued and valuable citizens in an ever-changing world. Being an inclusive Catholic sixth form college which welcomes students and staff of all faiths, this mission is at the heart of all we do.
Students are the life of Holy Cross College. We care for each and every individual who passes through our hands and we hold the highest aspirations for them all. We believe that every student has unique talents to bring to our college community: talents to be nurtured and encouraged during their time with us.
We have an incredibly dedicated, caring and expert staff who are highly experienced in preparing students not only for exams but also for their next steps in life, whatever they may be. As a college with a strong academic reputation, our students achieve highly with many going to renowned and prominent universities to study competitive courses including Oxbridge, Russell Group and Performing Arts schools, as well as progressing onto highly sought after apprenticeships and employment opportunities.
All of our students also have access to excellent specialist facilities and resources, including state-of-the-art Science and Language labs, a superb sports hall, theatre spaces and art studios, music practice rooms, a recording studio, media and computing suites, as well as dedicated Learning Support and Careers services. An exceptional Enrichment Programme encourages students to pursue their own individual interests while studying for their qualifications, and helps to prepare them for life after Holy Cross, wherever that may lead them.
As a Holy Cross student, you will always be supported, both now and in the future. What Sister Mary Kelly, a former principal of Holy Cross, once said remains true for us still:
“Our aim is to sustain our students and our staff in an atmosphere of encouragement and support. We believe in the growth of the whole person and in creating a climate where everyone can become their ‘best selves’.”