Business Details
Welcome to St Columba's Catholic Primary School
St Columba's Catholic Primary School is a welcoming, inclusive community where families from all backgrounds and faiths are embraced. We prioritise the holistic development of every child through a high-quality curriculum that nurtures intellectual, spiritual, moral, and social growth. Our values of Belief, Empowerment, Learning, Ownership, Navigation, and Growth guide our approach to education. As part of the Bishop Bewick Catholic Education Trust and the Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle, we maintain strong ties to our Catholic heritage while fostering respect for diversity. Our dedicated staff create a safe, nurturing environment where children thrive academically and personally.We actively engage parents and the local community to support each child's journey. The school's governance structure ensures accountability and continuous improvement. We offer wraparound care, specialist teaching in core subjects, and tailored support for children with special educational needs. Our curriculum balances academic rigor with creative and physical development, preparing pupils for future challenges. We welcome prospective families to visit and experience our school's unique ethos firsthand.
Services
Early Years Education
SEND Support
Wraparound Care
Religious Education
Modern Foreign Languages
Forest School Program
Teacher Training
Parent Workshops
Curriculum Enrichment
School Governance
Highlights and features
- We follow the example of Jesus Christ through values of love, respect, and forgiveness
- Our curriculum balances academic excellence with spiritual and moral development
- We celebrate individuality and create a strong sense of belonging for all
- Specialist teaching in core subjects including computing, music, and languages
- Strong partnerships with parents and the local Catholic community
Associations and certifications
- Bishop Bewick Catholic Education Trust
Services
Early Years Education
Our Early Years Foundation Stage provides a nurturing environment for children aged 3-5. We focus on developing core skills through play-based learning while preparing children for formal education. The curriculum balances structured activities with free exploration to foster curiosity and social development.
SEND Support
We offer tailored support for children with special educational needs through our dedicated SENCO team. Individual education plans are created in collaboration with parents and external specialists to ensure each child receives appropriate accommodations and achieves their potential.
Forest School Program
Our forest school initiative develops children's confidence and resilience through nature-based activities. Qualified leaders deliver weekly sessions focusing on environmental awareness, teamwork, and practical skills while linking to curriculum objectives across multiple subjects.
Modern Foreign Languages
We provide specialist French instruction for Key Stage 2 pupils, developing communication skills and cultural awareness. The program follows national curriculum guidelines while incorporating interactive resources and cross-curricular projects to enhance language acquisition.
Teacher Training
As part of the Bishop Bewick Catholic Education Trust, we offer professional development opportunities for teachers. Our programs focus on Catholic pedagogy, curriculum innovation, and classroom leadership through mentorship and collaborative practice.
People
Mrs R Steinmetz
Headteacher
Mrs Steinmetz leads our school with a commitment to Catholic values and educational excellence. She has over 15 years' experience in primary education leadership and oversees curriculum development and staff training.
Mrs Craggs
School Office Manager
Mrs Craggs manages the school's administrative operations with over 10 years' experience in educational administration. She serves as the first point of contact for parent inquiries and coordinates school events.
Mrs Wallace
Administrative Assistant
Mrs Wallace supports school operations with particular responsibility for admissions and pupil records. She has worked in our school office for five years, providing essential support to staff and families.
Questions
What denominational requirements exist for admission?
While we are a Catholic school, we welcome children from all faith backgrounds and respect diverse beliefs.
Do you offer before and after school care?
Yes, we provide wraparound care services to support working families in our community.
How do you support children with special educational needs?
Our specialist SENCO team works closely with parents and teachers to create tailored support plans.
What curriculum enrichment opportunities are available?
We offer forest school programs, specialist music instruction, and modern language teaching.
How can parents get involved in school activities?
We encourage parental participation through workshops, volunteering opportunities, and regular communication channels.
What teacher training programs do you offer?
As part of the Bishop Bewick Trust, we provide professional development and training for Catholic educators.
Reviews (1)
Rachel Wade
Mar 28, 2019
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I am so pleased this was my choice for nursery for my son. Supportive, encouraging and fun! His development during his time at St Columba’s was fantastic! The forest school area is excellent and unique to most schools in the local area, this is brilliant for children who love being outdoors and exploring in the fresh air. The teacher and teaching assistants in nursery are friendly and dynamic the entire school made us feel welcome and as if we belonged, an excellent start to my sons educational journey.
