St. Bede's Grammar School

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St. Bede's Grammar School, in Heaton, West Yorkshire, is a Roman Catholic boys' comprehensive school and science specialist college close to Bradford City Centre. [1]

[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 1950’s, a new refectory and sixth form centre were added in the 1960’s, and a maths and English block was built in the 1970’s. New science laboratories were opened in 2001 and new ICT facilities were provided.

'Grammar school' is actually a misnomer: the school has been 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. There is a strong family atmosphere with a shared faith and common purpose. Religion is taught according to 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 in some cases, virtually absent in others, and boys are encouraged to fulfil their own potential and live up to the very strong academic and sporting traditions of the school, although academic results generally remain well below national averages.

The full range of National Curriculum subjects is offered. The school consistently enjoys narrowly below-average examination success across all Key Stages. There is an excellent record of university entry, with many 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.

All students undertake work experience and there is an expectation that all boys will contribute to the school’s considerable range of community and charitable activities.

St. Bede’s 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 School's belief that a structured, disciplined, caring and purposeful environment underpinned by oppressive religious convictions will provide our students with a good springboard for future success and happiness.

Former 'Bedes Boys' include John Braine, the novelist who wrote about alienated and disaffected youth in the early 1960s. The rock music band Smokie were formed at the school in 1965, originally called 'Essence'.

The current Headmaster is Mr Paul Martin EST Mario.

In 2006, the three main catholic schools in Bradford, St. Bede's, St. Joseph's and Yorkshire Martyrs announced all three schools will be closed down and a new school opened on the site of the current St. Bede's school with additional facilities built at the current St. Joseph's site approximately one mile south of St. Bede's. This change has been brought about due to falling numbers of Catholic students, and to respect parents' wishes for co-educational schooling.

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