BIRCHLEY ST MARY'S CATHOLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL in Lancashire, Wigan

Education Centre Information: Birchley St Mary's Catholic Primary School:

Establishment Type:Voluntary Aided School
Phase of Education: Primary
Status: Open
Local Authority: St. Helens
Boarders: No Boarders
Sixth Form: Does not have a sixth form
Urban/Rural Description: Town and Fringe - less sparse
Special Classes: No Special Classes
Religious Character: Roman Catholic
Diocese: Archdiocese of Liverpool
Nursery Provider: No Nursery Classes
Total Pupils: 212
Number of boys: 105
Number of girls: 107
Age Range: 4-11
Gender: Mixed
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Background:

Founded in 1832; occupies buildings that date from 1974 and 1980; situated in Billinge, 'relatively favoured' village community in semi-rural surroundings to north of St Helens; shares site with church and presbytery. Over-subscribed, with two applications per place. School ethos based on a 'strong Catholic foundation with high academic, musical and sporting achievements'. Well-known for music and has its own orchestra; 150 children play an instrument. Drama, opera and the arts are also encouraged. Strong links with parish and nearby Sue Ryder home for the elderly. Distinctive links with Romanian orphanages and schools in Bacau; more than £1,000 given for Romania in 2001; pupils also support charities such as MacMillan Cancer Relief; other donations to Hospice Foundation, RNIB, Earthquake Disaster Appeal. A breakfast club provides a safe, quiet environment' 7.30am-8.45am and popular after-school care club, 3.30pm-5.45pm; received Education Extra award for after-school provision in 2000. Has on staff a former Primary Science Teacher of the Year and an area finalist for Infant Teacher of the Year; headteacher awarded the MBE in Queen's birthday honours list in 1999. Over-subscribed, with 1.2 applications per place. ICT in Practice Award (2004); ICT Teacher of the Year, runner-up (2004); Healthy Schools Award (2005); NAACE ICT Mark (2004, 2005); ICT national award (2006). Beacon status (2000); Schools Curriculum Award (2001); Artsmark Gold (2006); Artsmark Silver (2002); Basic Skills Quality Mark (2002, 2005); Investor in People status (2003, 2006); training school status (2002). Ethos: 'A very caring, harmonious and supportive school community in which every child feels valued and is expected and encouraged to achieve very well'.