Newcastle school celebrates this year's leavers

Photo by Kate Buckingham

The Class of 2026 were sent off in style, when a Newcastle-upon-Tyne secondary school staged a special celebration to mark the cohort's departure ahead of this year's A-Level exams.

The Year 13 Leavers' Celebration at St Cuthbert's Catholic High School included Mass led by Canon Simon and Father James, followed by food, speeches, and presentations.

Headteacher Dan Murray paid tribute to the sixth formers: "Their final days in school were marked not by a sense of ending, but by gratitude, joy, and a deep sense of belonging," he said.

"That spirit has long been one of the defining characteristics of St Cuthbert's - a school where each student is known, valued, and encouraged to grow, not just academically, but as a person. It is this culture that underpins everything we do and enables us year after year, to fulfil our mission of forming great men."

He continued: "Much of that experience is shaped within our Sixth Form, and we are especially grateful to the outstanding leadership and care shown by Matt Turner, Head of Sixth Form, and Sarah Garay, Assistant Head of Sixth Form.

"Their dedication, guidance, and constant presence have left a lasting impression on this year group. This was expressed beautifully and with great humour by the students themselves in a video tribute entitled 'Thank You for the Good Times'.

"Particular highlights included Mr Turner's well-known love of Oasis songs woven into assemblies, along with his familiar 11.17am reminders that breaktime is coming to an end - small moments that have become part of the shared memory and identity of the Sixth Form."

Mr Turner was on hand to make presentations to Head Boy Sam Vincent, and Deputy Head Boys, Inigo and Ethan, as well as to each form class; while Sam was also among those making a speech.

The event marked the start of A-Levels at St Cuthbert's, which is a member of the Bishop Bewick Catholic Education Trust.

Mr Murray added: "As our students now move fully into their A-Level examinations, we hold them in our thoughts and prayers. Beyond these weeks, lies life beyond St Cuthbert's - university, apprenticeships, employment, and a wide range of opportunities still to unfold. Each pathway is unique, but all are founded in the values they have lived here - being men of competence, conscience, compassion, and commitment.

"We send them forward with every good wish, and with our prayers that they will continue to grow into the great men they are called to be - confident in who they are, grounded in their values, and ready to make a positive difference in the world.

"We look forward with great anticipation to welcoming them back in August to celebrate their achievements on Results Day. Until then, we wish them every success, and God's richest blessing, in all that lies ahead."

LINK

St Cuthbert's Catholic High School: www.st-cuthbertshigh.newcastle.sch.uk/