Middlesbrough secondary school celebrates 80 years

Middlesbrough secondary school celebrates 80 years

St Peter’s Catholic College is preparing to celebrate its “80th birthday” this year with events involving students past and present.

The secondary school, who pride themselves on having a unique sporting, cultural and educational heritage, have planned two major celebrations in the beginning of March which the school hopes will include all of their community. Covid rules permitting, the school plans to host a mass with a reception to commemorate the longevity of the school. Additionally, the school is going to open opportunities for past pupils to tour the school with the goal to renew friendships and relive old memories.

Head of school, Stephanie Garthwaite said: 

“We want to make this a real celebration for the people of South Bank and the surrounding area. We’d like as many members of the school family as possible to join us, including past pupils, staff and governors and those who have played their part in St Peter’s story in any way. as soon as you walk into St Peter’s you’re aware of the school’s unique history, and we’re delighted to be celebrating the generations who have gone before us, at the same time as looking back on our rich heritage, we’re also celebrating how far we have come and looking forward to an exciting future.”

It has been a challenging journey for the school who were threatened with closure in 2010 but was saved after a campaign by governors, parents and local people which is a testament to the importance of the school in the local community. Since then, the school has transformed, joining Nicholas Postgate Catholic Academy Trust in 2018 and undergoing an ambitious investment programme which has included a new exhibition centre, brand-new fitness suite and changing facilities and a major facelift to the exterior of the famous building. 

Director of Schools North East, Chris Zarraga commented:

“It is brilliant to see how North East schools like St Peter’s promote such strong community engagement.  They are vital to all of our communities as centres of learning and hubs of engagement for so many different support services from sport to health, which goes far beyond what can be encapsulated in Ofsted mere grades.”

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