St. Bede's Grammar School
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| Motto | Ora Et Labora |
|---|---|
| Established | 1900 |
| Type | Comprehensive school |
| Headmaster | Mr. P. Martin |
| Location | Heaton, Yorkshire, England |
| Website | www.stbedes.ngfl.ac.uk |
St. Bede's Grammar School, in Heaton, Bradford, West Yorkshire is a Roman Catholic boys' comprehensive school and science specialist college close to Bradford city centre.
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[edit] School history
St. Bede’s Grammar School opened on 12 June 1900, in Drewton Street, Bradford. Its first Headmaster was Rev. Dr. Arthur Hinsley, later Rector of the Venerable English College, Rome, Apostolic Delegate to Africa, and Cardinal Archbishop of Westminster (1935-1943).
In 1919 the school was moved to its present site at Heaton Hall. The old Hall, home of the Rosse family, proved unsatisfactory as the number of pupils continued to grow and a new school was opened in 1939. Since then many additions and alterations have been made to the accommodation. A new technical wing was built in the 1950s, a new refectory and sixth form centre were added in the 1960s, and a maths and English block was built in the 1970s. New science laboratories were opened in 2001 and new ICT facilities were provided. A further addition to the school completed in November 2007 is the sports hall built over the old concrete football pitch, officially opened 18th January 2008 by Minister for Sport Gerry Sutcliffe MP.
[edit] The school today
'Grammar school' is actually a misnomer: the school has had comprehensive status since the 1960s, and by no means restricts entry to those of academic or sporting talent. St. Bede’s continues to be an oversubscribed Catholic boys’ comprehensive school where modern approaches have been integrated into a school based on traditional values. Amongst some pupils and teachers there is a strong family atmosphere with a shared faith and common purpose. Religion is taught according to many of the doctrines and traditions of the Catholic faith. Each day begins with an act of worship. It is expected that all boys will take part fully in the religious activities of the school. Pastoral care is strong and boys are encouraged to fulfil their own potential and live up to the 'very strong' academic and sporting traditions of the school.
The full range of National Curriculum subjects is offered. There is a relatively excellent record of university entry, with many of the most promising students progressing to local universities such as Bradford or Huddersfield. At Post-16 there is a co-educational Sixth Form with St. Joseph’s Catholic College. Most students in year 11 successfully progress onto the Sixth Form, college and modern apprenticeships.
St. Bede’s school is proud of its tradition and its standing within Bradford, whilst being determined to prepare its present students for life and work in the modern world. It is the belief of the school that a structured, disciplined, caring and purposeful environment will provide students with a springboard for future success and happiness.
[edit] Notable former Bede's boys
- John Braine, novelist
- Lord Brennan, lawyer and parliamentarian
- Smokie, 1970s pop music group
- Stephen Murgatroyd, academic
- Steven Taylor, writer and prison reform campaigner
- Mike Hellawell, professional football player who played two international games for England in 1962
