St Bede’s is part of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle, a vibrant and diverse diocesan family committed to placing the teachings of Christ and His Church at the heart of all we do.

The Diocese spans a wide geographical area across the North East of England, including Northumberland, Tyne and Wear, parts of County Durham, and Cleveland. Under the pastoral leadership of Bishop Stephen Wright, the Diocese is dedicated to nurturing the faith and wellbeing of all who live, work, and worship within its communities.

Catholic education is a key mission of the Diocese. There are approximately 56,000 children and young people being educated in 156 Catholic schools, including 136 primary and 20 secondary schools. At the heart of this mission is a shared commitment to ensuring that all pupils receive the highest quality education in school communities shaped by faith, love, service, and hope.

As a Catholic school, St Bede’s shares in this mission. We work together with the Diocese to provide our pupils not only with excellent academic opportunities but also with rich and meaningful experiences that help them grow in faith, discover their purpose, and become compassionate citizens.

“The mission of schools is to develop a sense of truth, of what is good and beautiful. And this occurs through a rich path made up of many ingredients.” — Pope Francis, Address to Italian School Teachers, 10 May 2014 To find out more about Catholic education across the Diocese, visit the Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle website.

St Bede’s and the Pontop Partnership

St Bede’s is proud to serve the Pontop Partnership, a community of nine Catholic churches across North West Durham. One of the fundamental aims of a Catholic school is to be at the service of the local Church, and our commitment to this mission is reflected in the way we support and engage with our wider faith community.

Our School Chaplain plays a central role in this, working closely with local clergy to involve pupils, staff, and families in parish life. This includes supporting parish liturgies, promoting prayer and reflection, and helping to connect school life with the life of the Church.

As part of the Pontop Partnership, we are actively involved in the work of the SVP (St Vincent de Paul) youth conference, which supports those in need in our local area. We also take an active role in the sacramental preparation programme, with a particular focus on preparing young people for the Sacrament of Confirmation.

The name Pontop has deep historical significance. In the late 18th century, when it was still illegal to practise the Catholic faith in England, Catholics from near and far gathered secretly for Mass in an attic chapel at Pontop Hall, near Dipton. This chapel was referred to as “the factory” by the priest, Fr. Lockonby, as a way to avoid detection. In 1750, 145 people were recorded as attending Mass there — a testament to the resilience and faith of the local Catholic community. The bravery of the Swinburne family, who owned Pontop Hall, played a vital role in preserving Catholic worship in the region.

In honour of this legacy, the name Pontop was chosen for our partnership. It serves as a powerful reminder of the courage, faith, and commitment that continue to inspire the mission of our Catholic schools and parishes today.

Partnership Prayer

Risen Christ, from your abundant grace,
pour out afresh your Holy Spirit upon our Diocese.
As we build on the deep foundations of faith
laid by the countless saints of these Northern lands,
by Aidan and Cuthbert, Hilda and Bede
may our Partnerships continue the mission
of building your Kingdom on the earth:
to give living witness to your love,
and to your compassion and hope for our world.
We pray in trustful confidence
that your power working in us
can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine.
Who live and reign forever and ever.
Amen