CATHOLIC SCHOOLS IN THE PARISH

There are 2 of these and, both are very good indeed. The moment I set foot in St. Clare’s school I could tell that it is a special place. There is an atmosphere of order about the place which is complimented by care. Over my years as a priest I have been in many primary schools, I can’t think of one that outshines St. Clare’s. It is no wonder that it is oversubscribed. To have one school like this is such a blessing but to have 2 is remarkable. The second, of course, is Corpus Christi Sports College. Again I was so impressed by my visits there. It is a school that is obviously trying to live out its Catholic status. And what excellent facilities! Millions of pounds have recently been spent on all manner of facilities; the technology suite is amazing and the sporting facilities are just top rate. I have been saddened however, to learn that some parents are sending their children to non-Catholic secondary schools in preference to Corpus Christi. The driving reason is exam results. And I put this to the Headteacher. He had to admit that historically Corpus Christi had done less well overall academically that some other schools. This is something that is changing. But he shared an interesting piece of information, it was that the children who go to Corpus Christi from St. Clare’s get as good GCSE results as do those who go to other nearby schools. This tells me that what matters an awful lot is the support and the attitude of the parents of the young people at High School.

We are truly blest as a parish community to have these excellent educational establishments so close to us. We must do all that we can to support them and to encourage not only the students but also the teachers and support workers.