School report : The English Martyrs School

Abstract

The English Martyrs School was founded in 1973 as a co-educational comprehensive school for 11 - 18-year olds and as such offering the only form of Catholic secondary education in Hartlepool. Five schools were amalgamated in 1973, the year the school leaving age was raised to 16. St Anne's Secondary Modern School for Girls St Bede's Secondary Modern School for Boys St Francis Grammar School for Boys St Joseph's Convent School for Girls St Peter's Co-educational Secondary Modern School This amalgamation is symbolised by the union of five stars on the school badge and by the school motto "Per Unitatum Virtus" - Strength Through Unity. In 1973, The English Martyrs School was based on four sites: Catcote Road (now the main school), Wooler Road (the former St Francis Grammar School), Victoria Road (the former St Joseph's Convent) and Lauder Street (the former Boys' Technical School). Staff travelled between sites during their breaks and lunch hours. In 1974, the school was reduced to two sites, the Lower School being based at 2 Wooler Road in the "Normanhurst" and "Woodlands" buildings whilst the Upper School was at Catcote Road occupying the St Bede's and St Anne's buildings. Eventually, the whole school merged to occupy the Catcote Road site where it remains today. In 1994, an important development took place when The English Martyrs School and Sixth Form College was established at Catcote Road, an indication of the unique character and importance of the rapidly expanding Sixth Form. The School has benefitted from the leadership of three Headteachers: Canon John Bell, the founder Head, Mr David Reiten, who became Head in 1980 and Mr Joseph Hughes the current Head, who was appointed in 1995. In July 1998 the school will celebrate its Silver Jubilee.