IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENTS

2025-26 class teachers 

Please find details of the new class teachers for 2025-26. 

The current classes (2024-25) are in brackets. 

Class teacher 2025-26

The Oscar Romero Centre (ARP) - Mrs Allen

Nursery - Mrs Donnelly (Butterflies)  Mrs Fellows (Ladybirds)

Reception - Miss Phelan  Mrs Foster

Year 1 - Mrs Margo/vacant  Mrs Amaya

Year 2 - Miss Wilkinson  (Y1D)  Miss Dennison  (Y1FM)

Year 3 - Miss Madsen (Y2W) Mrs Cook  (Y2A)

Year 4 - Mr Thew (Y3M)  Mrs Dowling (Y3C)

Year 5 - Vacant post (Y4T) Mrs Brown/Mrs Stubbs  (Y4D)

Year 6 - Mrs Watts (Y5M) Mr Coalter (Y5C)

Statutory Tests 2025 (SAT's) 

Next week sees the start of the statutory tests (SAT's) set by the Government for our Year 6 pupils.

The Year 6 tests begin on Monday 12th May and last until Thursday 15th May. The children will be tested in Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar, Reading and Maths.

Our staff and children have worked very hard to prepare for these tests and we would like to ask our Year 6 parents to please ensure that your child is well rested, preferably with early nights, and are punctual for school each day.

During SAT’s week Year 6 are invited into school from 8.15am each morning for breakfast.

From this year, there is no requirements for how schools use the optional KS1 tests. The tests have been designed for pupils in Year 2 who have completed the relevant KS1 programme of study, are moving on to KS2 and will reach the age of 7 by the end of the academic year 2023 to 2024. At English Martyrs’ we will administer these tests during our whole school assessment week straight after half term replacing the usual test the pupils undertake termly.

However, these SAT’s only give us a snapshot of each child’s ability on that day, they do not recognise, nor celebrate, what makes each of our children special and unique. We know that our children will do their very best and no matter what the test outcomes are, we at English Martyrs school all know our children’s individual talents and gifts and rejoice in their awesomeness!

Thank you to our parents and carers for supporting their children during this time.

Prayer for our children during SAT's

God our Father, as our pupils begin this time of tests, they may feel some anxiety and frustration.

Help them to stay focused.

Give them a clear mind to perform to the best of their ability.

Grant them silence so that they may process the knowledge they have obtained.

Let them sleep peacefully at night, so that they are refreshed and renewed.

Be with them, Lord, during this time.

Undoubtedly, there will be moments when they want to quit and give up.

Please sustain them, Lord. Calm their nerves and anxiety,

Guide them during times of trouble and self-doubt.

Help them to realize that they have done my best possible work.

Thank you for the many talents and gifts you have given them and for the opportunity of education.

Help them to never doubt my own awesomeness.

Amen.

Following a successful interview process Mr. Kennedy has been appointed as Headteacher of St Joseph's  Catholic Primary School in Jarrow. He will take up his new post in September 2025. 

Mr Kennedy will be a great miss to English Martyrs' and I'm sure you will join me in congratulating him and wishing him well. 

Mr Kennedy will be a super headteacher and St Joseph's are very lucky to have him!  

Miss Elliott

Following our visit from OFSTED on 24 and 25 January 2024, I am happy to say that English Martyrs’ continues to be a ‘Good’ school. Here is a flavour of what the inspector said about our school:

• Pupils thrive at English Martyrs’ Catholic Primary School.

• Pupils are happy at work and play in this calm, orderly and caring school. They behave well in lessons and are eager to acquire new skills and knowledge.

• Pupils benefit from the provision for outdoor play and learning during the less-structured times of the school day. They thrive in the school’s safe, secure, well-maintained and well-supervised outdoor learning environment.

• All staff are ambitious for the pupils in their care.

• Pupils with SEND are fully included in all aspects of school life. Their academic needs are considered and met well.

• Effective leaders value the staff highly and take appropriate action to manage their workload.

• The school ensures that effective local, national and global citizenship is learned through activities such as recycling, supporting foodbanks and conserving water

• Pupils, from the youngest to the oldest, articulate the difference between right and wrong precisely. They have an extensive knowledge of some of the world religions through attending this multi-cultural school in which everyone’s backgrounds and talents are recognised and celebrated.

A copy of the full report can be found  below

Thank you for your continued support

Miss Elliott & SLT

Dear parents and carers,

You may have heard, in the news and  social media, of the tragic accident that happened at the weekend in the river Tyne at Northumberland, resulting in the death of 2 boys - David Radut and Aras Rudzianskas.

One of the boys, Aras was 13 years old and a former pupil of English Martyrs’. Aras attended English Martyrs from nursery to Year 6 and is remembered very fondly by all staff.  He always had such a lovely smile!

As a school community we are deeply saddened to hear of this news and we extend our sincere condolences to his mum, his twin sister Aina and all the family.

We ask you all to keep Aras, David, their families and friends in your prayers at this very sad time.

Miss Elliott & SLT

Dear Parents/Carers

We hope this letter finds you well. We are writing to address a matter of concern regarding the safety of our pupil's during pick-up and drop-off times.

Despite continual requests and ongoing communication with parents and carers  we are still having incidents of irresponsible parking outside the school premises. These incidents not only create inconvenience for other road users but also pose a significant threat to the safety of our children.

As a school, the safety and well-being of our pupil's are our top priorities. We understand that parking can be challenging, particularly during busy times, but it is crucial that we work together to ensure the safety of our children.

To address this issue, we kindly request your cooperation in observing the following guidelines:

1. Use Designated Parking Areas: Please make use of the designated on-street parking areas or the nearby car park on King George Road during drop-off and pick-up times. Avoid parking on double yellow lines, zig-zags, pavements, or in areas that obstruct other road users or pedestrians.

2. Respect Local Residents: Our school is situated in a residential area, and we must be considerate of our neighbors. Please refrain from parking directly in front of driveways or blocking access to residents' properties.

3. Do Not Leave Unattended Vehicles: Leaving vehicles unattended, even for a short period, poses risks and can contribute to traffic congestion.

4. Carpooling and Alternative Modes of Transport: We encourage parents to explore car sharing options with other families where possible. Additionally, walking, cycling, or using public transport are alternative modes of travel that can help reduce traffic congestion.

5. Irresponsible driving: We ask that car users refrain from carrying out ‘U Turns’ on Netherby Drive, as this only adds to the congestions and adds to the risk of potential accidents. Please do not stop in the middle of the road to drop your child off near the school gate.

We kindly urge you to discuss these guidelines with any individuals who may be responsible for picking up or dropping off your child, such as family members, guardians, or trustworthy friends. By raising awareness and promoting responsible parking practices, we can create a safer environment for all.

Thank you for your attention to this matter, and please be assured that we are committed to safeguarding the well-being of our pupils. If you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the school office, or the local council.

Miss Elliott & SLT