Bishop presents award to church school

Reporter: Ken Bennett
Date published: 28 October 2019


A small CE primary school in a Saddleworth hamlet has received a glowing commendation and praise for their minister in a special church authority report.

St Anne’s at Lydgate was judged “excellent” overall in the Statutory Inspection of Anglian and Methodist Schools (SIAMS) in July this year.

And they were also judged to be Excellent in the effectiveness of their Religious Education and the impact of Collective Worship.

And Rt. Revd. Mark Davies, Bishop  of Middleton, visited the school to present them with their special certificate.

In a similar way to Ofsted, all Church of England schools are visited regularly to evaluate the key question: How effective is the school's distinctive Christian vision, established and promoted by leadership at all levels, in enabling all pupils and adults to flourish?

A new framework came into force last September which makes it far more challenging for schools to achieve this highest grade.

The SIAMS inspector noted: “The school's vision is bold in its ambition to empowering pupils to believe through God, all things are possible.

“Pupils are able to develop confidence and build on learning experiences to become resilient and determined learners whilst realising that at times, support may be needed.

“This support is provided in abundance by passionate, dedicated staff and from the clergy, as links with the church are particularly strong.

“The vision is a result of staff, governors and parents working together. A shared priority focuses on pupils’ ability to thrive and flourish.”

The strong and positive links between the school and Rev. Pat Gillian were also acknowledged with the report saying: 'The vicar’s commitment to the school is considerable resulting in both pupils and staff knowing that they are spiritually supported.

“She goes to great lengths to ensure all pupils are given many opportunities to encounter God. As not all pupils attend church, she endeavours to bring church to them.”

Said Rev Pat, a curate in the church’s Saddleworth team: “Everyone is  delighted with the achievement.”


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