Latest news with #StBede
BBC News
03-07-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Lambeth primary schools to merge as birth rates fall
Two Catholic schools in Lambeth, south London, are the latest schools in London to merge due to a drop in pupil numbers and falling birth September, St Bernadette Catholic Junior School will join into St Bede's Catholic Infant and Nursery School, on the St Bede's site, to create one primary school for ages 3-11. According to Lambeth Council, the past ten years have seen a drop of almost 30% in pupil numbers, the equivalent of 18 classes. Westminster City Council has recently approved two separate school mergers while in Southwark, eight schools have shut since 2022. It comes after Lambeth Council moved to close or amalgamate a number of schools in the borough to alleviate pressure on the council's currently receive funding from central government on a per-pupil basis so a decline in pupils mean reduced borough currently has 4,555 empty spaces across all primary schools."If we do nothing across these schools, the cumulative deficit position for them is expected to reach £17 million by March 2026," the council said as part of its consultation on changes. St Bede's and St Bernadette Catholic Schools already work in partnership, under the umbrella name The Federation, reports the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS).All pupils at St Bernadette's will be offered a place at the new school and all permanent staff on a federation contract will move to the new site. 'Greater financial security' Ewa Ostrynska, headteacher at St Bede's, said the majority of pupils and parents were "very excited" about the merger, and that staff already worked across both said the merger would allow the school community to "thrive", and that it would "strengthen spiritual partnership" with the church and headteacher added: "Of course it will ensure greater financial security for the schools and more stability for pupils, staff and the local community and potential cost savings as well."She added that the new school would allow the transition from nursery to primary to be "seamless" and SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) children would be supported all the way from aged 3 to Ostrynska added parents would benefit from bringing their children to one site rather than travelling to separate locations, and that staff would benefit from opportunities such as gaining more experience and Kind, cabinet member for children, young people and families, said the merger was about "acting pro-actively and responsibly" to create an all-through primary school which would "preserve Catholic education locally".
Yahoo
19-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Camaraderie in Key PE Cup as young footballers shine
It was a fantastic evening of football at the latest round in the Key PE Cup that showcased the skill, passion, and sportsmanship of young players from across the region. The event saw several schools come together again for a series of thrilling, fast-paced matches that were played in excellent spirit and with remarkable tempo. Every team gave their best, and the quality of football on display was a credit to all the players involved. Matches were filled with end-to-end action, skilful dribbles, precise passes, and plenty of exciting moments. The atmosphere was charged with energy as spectators cheered on their local teams, and coaches encouraged their players to push themselves to the limit. One of the standout performances of the evening came from Allen Panzo, of St Ethelberts. The young forward was a constant threat throughout the tournament, using his impressive combination of pace and strength to leave defenders trailing in his wake. Panzo's ability to burst past opponents and create goalscoring opportunities was on full display, and his performance made him one of the most dangerous players on the pitch. His determination and skill shone through, and it was no surprise he received praise from coaches and spectators alike. His powerful runs down the wing and composure in front of goal were key to his team's success. Another player who impressed was Henry Devine, of St Bede's Primary School. Playing as goalkeeper, Devine pulled off some stunning saves that kept his team in contention throughout the tournament. His quick reflexes, calmness under pressure, and ability to read the game made him an exceptional last line of defence. Devine's performance between the posts was vital to St Bede's solid defensive showing, and he was undoubtedly one of the top performers of the evening. His heroic saves ensured his team remained competitive in every match, and his presence in goal was a source of confidence for his team-mates. In addition to these standout individual performances, William Chapman, from St Thomas Chequerbent CE Primary School, demonstrated remarkable leadership qualities throughout the event. As captain, William was not only a strong player on the pitch, but also an encouraging figure for his team-mates and the opposition. His ability to motivate his team, keep their spirits high, and lead by example made him a key figure in his side's performances. Even more impressive was his sportsmanship - William was quick to congratulate opponents after matches and was always willing to lend encouragement, embodying the true spirit of youth football. The spirit of the tournament was, without a doubt, one of the highlights. Despite the fierce competition, all players demonstrated great respect for one another, with sportsmanship at the forefront of every match. Players were quick to help each other up after a tough tackle, and there was a strong sense of camaraderie between the teams. Ladybridge FC proved to be an excellent host, providing the perfect venue for such a fantastic celebration of youth football.
