Starting Primary Guide
A welcoming guide for new families covering school life, curriculum, uniform, support, behaviour, meals and key contact details.
A warm welcome to St. Mary’s
St. Mary’s Catholic Primary School is situated in Wingate and serves the Parish of Saint Peter and Saint Paul, Hutton House. Originally founded in 1881 and moving to its current location in 1903, the school is set within its own grounds adjacent to the Welfare Park.
We are positioned in beautiful countryside next to woodland and benefit from two car parks for safe drop-off and pick-up. We are a Rights Respecting school where children are taught about their rights and how to respect the rights of others, and we have been awarded the Gold Award.
Parents and carers from all faiths and no faiths are welcome to apply to our school. Since 2006, St. Mary’s has been part of a Federation with St. Godric’s Catholic Primary School, Thornley, sharing one headteacher and close working relationships between staff and pupils.
On 1 June 2020, the school became part of Bishop Chadwick Catholic Education Trust, further strengthening support through the Trust family of schools and the Local Governing Committee.
“You must shine among them like stars lighting up the sky.”
Mrs Hill, Executive Headteacher
Our aims and school life
At St. Mary’s, we aim to develop in every child a love of God and an awareness of the love He has for us as individuals. We want children to recognise that they are unique, full of potential and capable of achieving great things.
We help children develop resilience, confidence and a desire to learn, while also building strong relationships inside and outside the classroom. We value parental support and encourage close partnership between home and school.
We also help children understand their place in the wider world, developing knowledge, skills and an appreciation of Gospel values and British values.
Our focus: helping every child let their light shine in a caring, supportive Catholic school community.
Uniform and PE kit
School uniform
- Dark blue sweatshirt, jumper or cardigan
- White shirt/blouse or white polo shirt
- Grey shorts or long trousers
- Grey skirt, pinafore dress or trousers
- Summer dress – pale blue and white check or striped
- Black school shoes with flat heels
The wearing of jewellery other than a watch is not allowed, as it can be dangerous both to the wearer and others. Pre-loved uniform is available – please contact the school office.
PE kit
- Navy shorts
- White t-shirt (available with logo from the school office)
- Black plimsolls
- Trainers if outdoor PE
Please make sure all items are clearly named.
Learning at St. Mary’s
We are committed to providing a broad and balanced curriculum, recognising that every pupil is unique and created in the image of God. Our curriculum is designed to help all children achieve, reach their potential and let their light shine.
Teaching and learning have many creative elements and are primarily taught through topics. We aim to make learning relevant to children and their local area, while fostering a lifelong love of learning.
Core and wider curriculum subjects
- R.E.
- English
- Maths
- Science
- Computing
- History
- Geography
- Art
- Design Technology
- P.E.
- Music
- Languages
- PSHE
The Reception class follows the Foundation Stage Curriculum. We also recognise the importance of helping pupils flourish spiritually, morally, socially and culturally so they are fully prepared for life in British society and their role as citizens.
Parents are invited into school throughout the year to learn more about the curriculum and how they can support learning at home, including a Curriculum Awareness Evening in the Autumn Term.
Support, inclusion and pupil involvement
Special Educational Needs
The school’s SEND policy is in line with both national and local authority guidance. The full Information Report is available on the school website.
We differentiate activities to support children who experience learning difficulties and work closely with parents at every stage.
Where further support is needed, the school works with outside agencies including Educational Psychology, Speech and Language, and Occupational Therapy.
Pupil involvement
Pupils have an important part to play in helping the school make decisions. Children can contribute through activities such as the School Council and by taking an active role in school clubs and wider school life.
Our aim is for every child to feel valued, listened to and supported.
Behaviour, expectations and responsibility
Our full behaviour and discipline policy is available on the school website. The points below summarise the school’s overall expectations.
- High standards of behaviour Children are expected to behave in a way that brings credit to themselves and to the school. We aim to positively encourage high standards and promote self-discipline.
- Shared responsibility The class teacher is responsible for care and discipline within their classroom, but all staff share responsibility for the well-being and behaviour of children across school.
- Respect for all staff Children are expected to respect all members of staff, not only teaching staff, when they are given instructions.
- Working with parents If a serious incident occurs, such as bullying, parents will be contacted so that home and school can work together to resolve the problem.
- Rights and responsibilities Rules are kept to a minimum and focus on safety and well-being. Each class writes its own charter at the start of the year to develop an understanding of rights and responsibilities.
Chadwick’s Kitchen
Our award-winning in-house catering team, Chadwick’s Kitchen, provides catering services across the Trust.
Fresh ingredients are used to prepare healthy, nutritionally balanced meals each day, with the majority of menus homemade by chefs in school kitchens.
Staff are trained to accommodate medical diets and work in partnership with parents to ensure needs are met. As part of the Trust’s commitment to sustainability, food miles are reviewed regularly and work continues to reduce food waste.
- Parents and carers can pay for school meals using ParentPay.
- Pupils entitled to free meals can purchase food up to the free school meal allowance each day.
- Packed lunches are permitted (nuts or nut-based products are not permitted).
Proud to be part of Bishop Chadwick Catholic Education Trust
We are proud to be part of Bishop Chadwick Catholic Education Trust, a Catholic multi-academy Trust serving schools across the east part of the Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle, including East Durham, South Tyneside and Sunderland.
The Trust family of schools works closely together so pupils can flourish. Effective transition is supported through strong relationships, and pupils benefit from a shared, progressive curriculum and common expectations.
Frequently asked questions
Who can apply to St. Mary’s?
Do you support children with additional needs?
Is pre-loved uniform available?
Can my child bring a packed lunch?
Get in touch
School motto: You must shine among them like stars lighting up the sky.
St. Mary’s Catholic Primary School
Wingate
TS28 5AN
Contact details
Phone: 01429 838 294
Email: office@stmaryswingate.org
Website: www.stmaryswingate.org
Social: @stmaryswingate