Education Minister lauds three BWCET schools for phonics prowess
Fantastic news for Bishop Wilkinson Catholic Education Trust (BWCET)!
In a recent communication, three schools within the trust have been acknowledged for their outstanding performance in phonics education, placing them in the top 4% of schools nationwide.
An incredible achievement that not only reflects well on them, but also the entire region.
Exceptional proficiency in phonics
The commendation comes in the form of letters from the Education Minister, Damian Hinds, who praised each school’s dedication to phonics instruction.
The three schools commended include St. Agnes’ Catholic Primary School (Crawcrook), St John Boste Primary School (Washington), and St Patrick’s Catholic Primary School (Stanley).
Phonics, a systematic approach to teaching reading, focuses on imparting essential skills to children, laying a robust foundation for literacy development.
Having demonstrated exceptional proficiency in phonics, the schools secured their places in the top four percent of schools across the country, with Washington’s St John Boste even securing its place in the top one percent!
Chris Zarraga, Director of Schools North East, said: “Huge congratulations to the three schools and the wider BWCET community.
“Literacy in education is often seen as the foundation for all other academic knowledge and skills, which is why there’s so much pressure on schools to improve pupil outcomes here. Staff at the three schools within BWCET are clearly going above and beyond in this area.”
Thorough contributions made by both staff and pupils
Education Minister Damian Hinds acknowledged this unique recognition, extending his appreciation to the three schools through a formal letter.
The letter specifically commends the school’s efforts, dedication, and the noteworthy contributions of both teachers and pupils. He added: “Your particular success in teaching phonics and early reading so effectively means your pupils are developing a firm foundation, from which they can become increasingly fluent and develop a lifelong love of reading.”
Bishop Wilkinson Catholic Education Trust’s CEO, Nick Hurn OBE, is proud of the schools’ performance and recognition. He said: “To have three of our schools placed in the top 4% in the country for Phonics Education highlights the dedication and skill of our teachers.
“We are extremely proud to be recognised by the Education Minister, Damian Hinds who praised the effectiveness of our teachers and how they deliver outstanding results.”
Bishop Wilkinson Catholic Education Trust is a Schools North East Partner Trust. If you’d like to find out more about our Partner Programme, click here.
We love to hear good news from North East Schools, to share your news with Schools North East please tag @SchoolsNE on Twitter or fill in this short form.