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Dear Parents/Carers,
It is hard to believe that we have reached the end of yet another school year already, and at the time of writing there is just one week to go! The content which follows highlights just some of the many achievements and successes that we have enjoyed at St Mary's over the past year, and how our pupils and your children contribute to such a thriving school community. We have said goodbye to our Year 11s, and I would like to wish each and every one of them the very best of luck for their results in the summer, and we also look forward to welcoming our new year 7 cohort for the start of their time with us at St Mary's.
Thank you for your ongoing support for all that we do. This school is built on the strength of that relationship and we really do appreciate it.
Have a wonderful summer and enjoy our newsletter.
Stuart Wetson
Headteacher
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We are delighted that our school has been awarded the FFT National Attendance Award for the Spring term, recognising us as one of the top 10% of schools nationally for attendance. This fantastic achievement follows our success in the Autumn term.
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This is a fantastic achievement and reflects the strong partnership between our school, pupils, and families. We would like to extend a sincere thank you to all our parents and carers for your continued support in ensuring your children attend school regularly and arrive ready to learn.
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In June, the RE Department and Fr Andrew embarked on a pilgrimage to Rome taking a group of pupils from years 8, 9 and 10. As a pilgrimage, the heart of the trip centred around Rome's magnificent holy sites. Our pupils had the profound privilege of visiting the four major Basilicas of Rome; St Peter's Basilica in the Vatican, Arch Basilica of St John Lateran, Basilica of St Paul Outside the Walls and the Basilica of St Mary Major (to see the final resting place of Pope Francis).
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A major highlight was celebrating Holy Mass led by Fr Andrew in the crypt of St Peter’s. This deeply spiritual moment allowed our group to feel connected to the wider global Catholic community while standing just feet away from the tomb of St. Peter.
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Beyond the history and faith, the trip was an incredible team-building experience for our pupils. They enjoyed the bustling atmosphere of local pizzerias, climbed to the top of St Peter’s dome, sampled authentic Italian gelato, and navigated the vibrant city streets together. It was a perfect blend of learning, spiritual growth, and shared memories that our pupils will carry with them for a lifetime.
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Battlefields Tour 2026
On Friday 26 June, 50 Year 10 pupils set off from St Mary’s for a memorable five-day Battlefields Tour of the Western Front. The trip offered a unique opportunity to explore some of the most significant sites of the First World War, including the Ypres Salient and the battlefields of the Somme, bringing their studies to life beyond the classroom.
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A particularly moving highlight of the tour was attending the Last Post Ceremony at the Menin Gate in Ypres. During this daily act of remembrance, Prefects Charlie, Ffion and Finley had the honour of laying a wreath on behalf of the school. For several pupils, the experience was especially meaningful as they were able to visit the graves and memorials of family members who lost their lives during the conflict.
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The tour successfully combined academic learning with personal reflection, helping pupils to develop a deeper understanding of the events and legacy of the First World War while creating lasting memories with their peers.
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Reflecting on the experience, Year 10 pupil Tamsin said: “The Battlefields Tour was my favourite school trip to date! We learnt so much from incredible experts and fascinating sites from World War One, but also had lots of fun as a group. This balance was really lovely, and I know we'll all treasure the memories made on the tour.”
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Our young historians returned home with a greater appreciation of this pivotal period in history and a deeper awareness of the human cost of war. Following the success of this year's visit, plans for the 2027 Battlefields Tour are already well underway.
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Pupils have enjoyed an unforgettable start to their Morocco expedition, immersing themselves in the vibrant culture and rich history of Marrakech. During their first two days, they explored the bustling old town by traditional horse-drawn carriage, visited the famous tannery to learn about the centuries-old leather-making process, and experienced the sights, sounds and colours of the lively souks.
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With Marrakech behind them, the group enjoyed an exciting day of hiking in the spectacular High Atlas Mountains. Their base camp is situated at an altitude higher than Ben Nevis, providing both a challenge and a unique opportunity to experience Morocco’s breathtaking mountain landscapes.
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Our Year 10 GCSE PE pupils recently enjoyed an action-packed three-day residential trip to Manorbier, where they embraced a variety of exciting outdoor challenges and experiences.
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Throughout the trip, pupils took part in a range of adventurous activities, including long coastal walks, thrilling coastering sessions and rock climbing. These experiences helped them to develop their physical fitness, teamwork and resilience, while supporting and encouraging one another throughout.
Pupils approached every challenge with enthusiasm and a positive attitude, creating lasting memories and benefiting from valuable learning opportunities beyond the classroom.
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We celebrated our final St Mary's hurrah as a prefect cohort during Curriculum Enrichment Week with an exciting trip to Alton Towers. Our pupils enjoyed a fantastic day exploring everything the theme park had to offer. The bravest members of the group took on The Smiler, while those preferring a gentler pace headed to CBeebies Land – which, as it turned out, was every bit as impressive!
It was a wonderful way to celebrate together as a group and reflect on everything they have contributed to the school during their time as prefects. We are already missing them lots.
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Year 7 Goodrich Castle Site Study
Over Thursday 2 and Friday 3 July, Year 7 pupils visited Goodrich Castle as part of their study of how castles have changed over time. The visit provided an exciting opportunity to explore one of the finest medieval castles in England and to see firsthand how castle design evolved to meet changing needs throughout history.
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During the day, pupils learned about the important work of English Heritage in preserving and protecting historic sites for future generations. They also developed their skills as young historians by using information signs around the castle to investigate its history and uncover details about its development over the centuries.
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A particular highlight of the visit was a castle-themed scavenger hunt, which encouraged pupils to explore the site, work collaboratively, and engage with the castle’s many fascinating features. The activity brought their classroom learning to life and helped deepen their understanding of medieval life and architecture.
Year 7 returned to school with a deeper understanding of how castles have changed over time and the vital role that historic sites play in helping us connect with the past.
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On Wednesday 1st July 100 pupils from Year 7, 8 and 9 enjoyed a rewards trip to Alton Towers in recognition of their hard work, determination and positive contribution to life at St Mary's throughout the year.
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The pupils made the most of the day at the park, trying out some of its most popular rides, including The Smiler, Nemesis, Galactica, Wicker Man, Oblivion and the Runaway Mine train.
It was lovely to acknowledge these pupils and to enjoy a beautiful day in the sunshine.
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Year 9 pupils certainly strove for greatness during Curriculum Enrichment Week. In just three hours, they produced a fantastic collection of expressive landscape pieces, skilfully combining pastels and paint to create bold, vibrant and imaginative artworks.
We are extremely proud of the progress they made and the enthusiasm and energy they brought to the session.
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In July the Year 10 Business Studies students visited Cadbury World in Birmingham. The pupils attended a lecture about Cadbury's marketing strategies, which is a key element of the GCSE course. They also went on a factory tour which gave them an insight into production methods, working with suppliers, location of industry and the ethical stance taken by the Cadbury family, which was based upon their religious beliefs.
As always, this was an invaluable experience to see the theory they learn in the classroom being used in a global manufacturing business. We also enjoyed sampling the chocolate and the 4D cinema experience!
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Our Year 10 pupils stepped into the role of field scientists as they explored the school ponds to investigate the fascinating world of aquatic microorganisms and invertebrates.
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Equipped with specialist sampling equipment and microscopes, pupils collected and analysed water samples, uncovering an incredible diversity of life hidden beneath the surface. Among their discoveries were daphnia, cyclops, ostracods and stylaria, as well as a variety of insect larvae, including the fascinating phantom midge larvae.
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Using microscopes to observe these organisms up close, pupils learnt about their unique adaptations, behaviours and important roles within aquatic ecosystems. The investigation sparked curiosity and enthusiasm throughout the week, with many pupils amazed by the abundance and diversity of life found in a single pond sample.
This engaging hands-on activity was a memorable highlight of Curriculum Enrichment Week, inspiring pupils to appreciate biodiversity and the importance of scientific observation.
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As part of Enrichment Week, pupils across the school took part in a fun and creative musical challenge: to create the best Peppa Pig remix on GarageBand!
Every pupil embraced the challenge with enthusiasm, producing a fantastic range of imaginative and entertaining musical creations.
Using a variety of digital music techniques and plenty of creativity, pupils transformed the familiar Peppa Pig theme into exciting new versions, showcasing their musical skills and originality.
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The standard of entries was incredibly high, making the judging process a difficult task!
Each tutor group had a winner, but particular congratulations go to the winners in each year group: Andrii and Sam in Year 7, Monty in Year 8, and Archie and Szymon in Year 9. Their outstanding remixes impressed with their creativity, musicality, and technical skill.
A huge well done to all pupils who took part and helped make this year's Enrichment Week challenge such a memorable and enjoyable experience.
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Year 7 Visit to the South Wales Coal Mines
Year 7 pupils have been busy investigating working conditions in the South Wales coal mines, learning about the challenging working conditions faced by miners during the Industrial Revolution.
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During their visit, pupils discovered how colliers, including children as young as eight years old, worked in the dark for twelve hours a day obtaining the vital natural resources for lighting and heating homes and chapels, as well as powering trains and machinery, playing a key role in Britain's industrial revolution.
This primary industry supported a wide variety of jobs in the tertiary sector too, boosting the economy in the Welsh Valleys for decades. A particular highlight was meeting the characterful guides, many of whom were miners themselves.
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During our curriculum enrichment week, the RE Department led retreat days for all pupils in year 8, 9 and 10.
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The theme of the year 8 retreat was “Human Dignity." In Genesis 1:27 God creates people “in His own image." From the beginning, God has created each individual to be cherished and respected. Through a range of activities, we focussed on the belief that every person has value, every person must be treated with respect and that every person has an inherent dignity, not because of what they achieve, not because of their status in life, but simply because they are.
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For the year 9 retreat, the theme was “The Common Good." During the day we looked at the parable of The Good Samaritan. This is one of Jesus’ most well-known teachings. It shows us what it truly means to love our neighbour.
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This story fits deeply into Catholic teaching on the common good because it connects to Jesus’ commandment to love God and love others. It reminds us that mercy, compassion, and action are at the heart of our faith.
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“Solidarity” was the theme for the year 10 retreat. The word comes from the same root as the word solid. Solidarity reminds us that we are not separate from one another, but through our shared humanity and as children of one God, all of us, wherever we are in the world, are bonded together and dependent on each other.
In Catholic Social Teaching, solidarity is more than mere charity or vague sympathy. It is a firm, persevering commitment to the common good. Recognising all humanity as one family created in God’s image, it demands that we stand with and advocate for our marginalised neighbours across the globe. Each of the activities in the day focused on how we can use our skills God given gifts and talents to help those around us.
Each retreat day culminated with Mass, including prayers and hymns prepared by the pupils during the day.
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Here are some of the beautifully decorated focaccias and delicious afternoon teas created by our upcoming Year 10s. The pupils worked fantastically throughout the project, demonstrating creativity, enthusiasm and excellent practical skills. They fully embraced the challenge and really got into the spirit of their new GCSE option, producing some impressive results.
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Year 10 Geography Fieldwork at Cold Knap Beach
On 16 June, 77 Year 10 pupils travelled to Cold Knap Beach in South Wales to complete their physical geography enquiry investigating the coastal processes of longshore drift and attrition.
They worked collaboratively, using ranging poles, clinometers, tape measures and callipers to prepare for their exam at the end of Year 11.
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The Hottest Prom Hereford Has Ever Seen!
As temperatures soared for our Year 11 Prom, our pupils rose to the challenge with beautiful hair, flawless make-up, stunning gowns, sharp suits and sparkling accessories. Our Year 11s truly put the A-listers to shame. There were plenty of memorable arrivals, including one who arrived by fire engine!
It was an incredibly joyous occasion, filled with laughter and celebration to mark the end of their journey at St Mary's. We even held an award ceremony with categories such as 'most likely to survive a zombie apocalypse', and our winners were crowned with extremely stylish headwear.
It has been an honour and a privilege to watch this year group from their first days at St Mary's in Year 7 through to their Year 11 Prom.
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British Championship Success
A first British trophy at this level marks an important milestone for Margiris, who finished 3rd overall in the British Karting Championship; one of this strongest and best performances.
Competing in a field of 19 drivers, including seven of Europe's top nine competitors, Margiris demonstrated front-running pace throughout the weekend.
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A Perfect 10 for Belle!
Belle recently competed at the National Gymnastics Finals at Liverpool against the best gymnasts in the country. Her scores were as follows:
- 1st in Beam
- 2nd in Bar
- 3rd in Floor
- 1st in Vault – scoring a perfect 10!
Belle ended up finishing 2nd overall, missing out by 0.1!!
Certainly one to watch in the future!
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Cheerleading European Summit Portugal – Making History!
Huge congratulations to the team for being part of the first-ever European Summit in Portugal.
The team competed twice over the weekend and delivered a great performance, achieving a fantastic “zero” routine on Sunday, meaning no faults. Their teamwork paid off as they finished an incredible 10th place overall in Europe.
We look forward to seeing them compete next year at the Cheerleading World Championships in Florida.
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Young Railway
Photographer of the Year!
The winners were announced on 8 July during an awards ceremony at the National Railway Museum in York. A fantastic achievement and well-deserved recognition of Oliver’s photographic talent.
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Noah’s Rising Football Journey
Congratulations to Noah, who continues to excel as a goalkeeper with Bristol City Academy.
Noah joined the academy at Under-8 level after being spotted by Total Pro Soccer while playing in Yate. Following a period of training, he was identified by Bristol City scouts and has gone from strength to strength ever since.
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Now signed on a two-year deal through to the end of Year 11, Noah has already made appearances and trained with both the Under-18s and Under-21s squads. He also has a goalkeeper glove sponsorship deal with BW1.
Among his achievements so far, Noah has played in the Premier League Cup, with Bristol City reaching the quarter-final stage, and has attended two England training camps, highlighting his potential as one of the country's brightest young goalkeeping prospects.
Definitely one to watch for the future!
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U15 Rowing Success: James and Alex Making Waves
Congratulations to James and Alex, who both row for Hereford Rowing Club and have achieved remarkable success since taking up the sport between the ages of 12 and 14.
Last year, they were part of the quad crew that won National Gold at the British Rowing Club Championships in Nottingham, setting a championship record time of 3:31.22 for 1000m
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The boys continued their success in 2025, securing a Bronze Medal at The Scullery held at Dorney Lake, London's Olympic rowing venue.
On 17July they will compete at the British Rowing Championships in Nottingham , racing a year above their age group in the Coxed Four (4+) event. They will also return to the Quad competition for a second consecutive year, aiming to defend their national title.
Impressive achievements – Team GB, watch this space!
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England U18 Volleyball
Congratulations to Mateusz, who successfully trialled for the England U18 Volleyball squad at Loughborough in May. As a result, he will spend next season training and competing alongside some of the best young players in the country, under the guidance of England's top coaches.
This is a fantastic achievement. Mateusz is incredibly excited about the season ahead and we look forward to following his journey.
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Jess Hits the Ground Running in County Cricket
Jess has been selected for the Hereford U13 County Cricket team after being scouted while playing for Bartestree Cricket Club. This season, she has enjoyed both the high-quality coaching and the opportunity to compete at county level.
Jess is thoroughly enjoying the experience, and we look forward to hearing about her continued success on the cricket field.
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A Sporting Star on the Rise
Having been scouted by Shrewsbury Town at the age of 10, Henry's journey continues to go from strength to strength.
This season, Henry received his first international call-up for Wales U13s. He has also been playing a year above his age group for Shrewsbury Town, excelling in central defensive midfield.
Henry has also represented Herefordshire and Worcestershire at the National Cross Country Championships in Liverpool, completing the 3.2km course in an outstanding 11 minutes and 45 seconds. Wow!
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National Success for Ethan
Ethan delivered an outstanding performance at the National Schools Championships, achieving a personal best of 11.7 seconds in the 100m. He also played a key role in helping Herefordshire secure a bronze medal in the 4x100m relay, recording an impressive 11.0-second split during the race.
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Moulin Rouge! The Musical - October 2025
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Year 10 and Year 11 GCSE music and drama pupils experienced the spectacular world of West End theatre with a trip to see Moulin Rouge in London.
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The production proved to be an unforgettable experience that brought together everything our pupils have been studying in their courses.
From the moment the curtain rose, pupils were captivated by the excellent music that filled the theatre, the stunning staging that transported them to the Bohemian world of 1900s Paris, and a great story that kept everyone engaged throughout. The combination of powerful vocals, incredible choreography, and breathtaking set design demonstrated the very best of musical theatre.
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The trip provided an invaluable opportunity for our pupils to see professional performers at work and to witness how music, drama, costume, lighting and stagecraft come together to create theatrical magic.
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G4 Concert at Hereford Cathedral –
November 2025
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Twenty members of our choir joined forces with the renowned vocal group G4 and other local schools for an unforgettable performance at Hereford Cathedral.
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Singing to a sold-out audience, the choir delivered a truly brilliant performance, with their harmonies commended by the choir leader. Performing alongside G4 was an inspiring experience for the group, offering a rare opportunity to collaborate with a professional ensemble in such a prestigious setting.
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Another Successful Ski Trip – February 2026
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The week provided a wide range of mountain conditions, with heavy snowfall allowing pupils to experience skiing in snow, fog and sunshine. Despite some challenging conditions, the abundant snow created a true winter wonderland, and pupils particularly enjoyed taking part in a St Mary’s Winter Olympics in the valley.
It was a fantastic week of achievement, adventure and unforgettable memories for all involved.
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School Production Success: Imaginary –
February 2026
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This year our annual school production of Imaginary was a tremendous success, showcasing months of dedication, creativity and teamwork from pupils across all year groups.
Rehearsals began back in September, with pupils committing their time and energy week after week to bring this imaginative and heartfelt story to life. Their hard work culminated in three fantastic performances on the 6th and 7th February, each one filled with confidence, enthusiasm and outstanding talent.
One of the most special aspects of Imaginary was the opportunity it gave to so many. Pupils from every year group took part, with a wide range of main roles and speaking parts ensuring that students of all ages were able to shine on stage. It was wonderful to see such a strong sense of collaboration and support between year groups. Throughout the performances, it was clear how much the cast were enjoying themselves. Their energy was infectious, and they were an absolute credit to the school.
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The success of the production was not only due to those on stage. The backstage crew worked tirelessly to ensure smooth scene changes, our lighting and sound team created atmosphere and impact, enhancing every moment of the performance and the live band played brilliantly. Every pupil involved — whether performing, managing backstage, operating technical equipment or playing in the band — played a vital role in bringing Imaginary to life.
At its heart, Imaginary celebrated the importance of creativity and imagination. The story reminded us that imagination is not something to outgrow, but something to nurture. It encouraged us to embrace new ideas, dream boldly, and recognise that creativity can be “the start of our journey.” This powerful message shone through in every performance.
We were delighted to receive so much positive feedback from audiences and staff. Many commented on the professionalism, confidence and talent displayed by our pupils. Several even described Imaginary as the best production we have put on so far — praise that is thoroughly deserved.
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Congratulations to every pupil and member of staff involved in making Imaginary such a memorable experience. The dedication, teamwork and imagination on display were truly inspiring.
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Primary Singing Celebration – February 2026
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St Mary’s welcomed 150 primary school pupils for an inspiring Singing Celebration led by eight of our own pupils. Having received specialist leadership training through the Voces8 and Encore programme, our young leaders confidently delivered vocal warm-ups, taught new songs and performed for the audience.
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Their enthusiasm and professionalism created a joyful atmosphere and left a lasting impression on the visiting pupils. In recognition of their commitment and development, all eight pupils were awarded their Silver Leadership Certificate, reflecting their growing musical, leadership and mentoring skills.
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The event showcased outstanding performances from the visiting schools and received overwhelmingly positive feedback, with one school reporting that their pupils were eager to return and teach the songs they had learnt to their classmates. We are incredibly proud of our pupils for representing St Mary’s with such confidence, maturity and leadership.
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Former Pupil Returns to Inspire Music Pupils –
April 2026
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On Thursday 16th April we were honoured to receive a visit from an ex-pupil. Bea was a keen member of our choir and annual productions but left in year 10 to live in London. She is now 17 years old and has already performed in the West End in School of Rock and Bonnie & Clyde, in the first Wicked film, starred in the BBC show High Hoops and is currently touring as an alternate Kim in the production of Miss Saigon.
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On her week break from tour, Bea came in for a catch-up, and spoke to pupils about her experiences so far - the highs and lows of touring, how auditions work and, of course, how amazing it was to work with Ariana Grande!
Pupils asked great questions and were inspired by her story. We were also treated to a wonderful performance of her solo from Miss Saigon, full of emotion and expression which really showcases a fantastic talent. We look forward to hearing what she does next!
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Young Leaders Bronze Award – June 2026
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Members of the St Mary’s Choir delivered a series of inspiring singing workshops across four local primary schools. Having been trained by members of the internationally renowned ensemble VOCES8, our pupils developed skills in leading vocal warm-ups, teaching new repertoire, and engaging younger learners with enthusiasm and confidence.
They put this training into practice at Bosbury Primary School, Kingsland Primary School, Stoke Prior Primary School and St Paul’s Primary School, working with whole classes of Year 4 and Year 5 pupils.
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Our pupils were outstanding throughout the programme. They led each session with confidence, humour and impressive musicality, proving themselves to be excellent ambassadors for the school. Importantly, they reflected on feedback from the VOCES8 team and refined their delivery with each workshop, demonstrating real growth as young leaders.
The impact on the primary pupils was clear to see, with many thoroughly enjoying the sessions and even asking how they might become Young Leaders themselves in the future.
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This cohort represents the second group of St Mary's pupils to undertake the Young Leaders Bronze Award. Earlier this year, a group of 12 pupils achieved their Silver Award by successfully organising and leading a large-scale event for 150 primary pupils in our school hall. Our new Bronze award pupils are already showing great promise as they follow in their footsteps.
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Summer Concert – July 2026
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St Mary's RC High School came together for a wonderful summer concert held on the chapel lawn, blessed with glorious sunshine that made the evening truly memorable. The concert showcased the exceptional musical talent within our school community, with excellent performances from the school choir, the school orchestra, and talented soloists and duets.
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It was particularly heartwarming to welcome back our Year 11 GCSE pupils for their final performance with the school. Their dedication to returning after completing their exams demonstrated their commitment to our school and provided a fitting farewell to their time at St Mary's.
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A particular mention must go to two of our Year 8 pupils who premiered their own original compositions during the evening. Their creativity and musical talent shone through, and we're incredibly proud of their achievements at such a young age.
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The evening was made even more special thanks to the tremendous support of our PTFA, who provided a delicious BBQ, raffle, and refreshments throughout the evening. Their contribution helped create a wonderful atmosphere.
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School Games Platinum Award
This prestigious achievement follows four consecutive years of Gold Awards...
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...and reflects our dedication to increasing participation, providing positive sporting experiences for all pupils, and developing leadership skills through a wide range of opportunities.
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PGL Netball, Borreaton Park
In March we travelled to Borreaton Park for a PGL Netball weekend with pupils from Years 7, 8 and 9. This trip combined a range of fun activities including the leap of faith, high ropes, zip rope, climbing, a silent disco and a camp fire - all this with a highly competitive netball tournament.
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Our Year 9 team continued their sensational season. Having been crowned county champions, they maintained their excellent form and were deservedly crowned PGL winners. The Year 8 team finished 2nd and the mixed Year 7/8 team grew in confidence, skills and resilience as the competition progressed.
This was such a fun and exhilarating experience for everyone involved, and one that we can't wait to do again!
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U16 Regional Hockey Finals
St Mary's qualified for the Regional Hockey Finals at Millfield after securing a 2nd place finish behind HCS in the county round.
At this tournament, we competed against some of the best schools in the West of England.
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We travelled to Millfield and enjoyed a pasta party and a sleepover before waking early to participate in the tournament. This was a great experience, and the girls enjoyed the high level of competition and the opportunity to play at world-class facilities. The girls really bonded as a team and had some great performances along the way. With the new astro at St Mary's, the future looks really bright.
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U14 County Champions
Our U14 team has enjoyed an exceptional season, securing the County Championship title and earning their place in the Regional Finals.
The team also produced a remarkable unbeaten performance at PGL, scoring an incredible 104 goals while conceding just 4. This outstanding achievement highlights both their attacking flair and defensive strength.
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Inter-House Games Day 2026
Laboure were crowned champions of the Inter-House Games Day 2026!
This special event celebrates inclusion, teamwork and house spirit through a wide range of sporting activities, including basketball, netball, uni-hoc, volleyball and football. Pupils demonstrated excellent sportsmanship throughout the day, making it a fantastic celebration of our school community.
The Inter-House Games Day was established to honour the work and legacy of Mr Wilcox, who dedicated his entire teaching career to St Mary's.
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Athletics Success
Our Year 7 and 8 athletes performed brilliantly at the District Schools Athletics Minors Championships held at Hereford Leisure Centre.
We are especially proud that four St Mary's pupils were selected to represent the District at the County Schools Minors Championships:
- Ethan – 100m and 4x100m Relay
- Stan – 200m and 4x100m Relay
- Elliot – Shot Put
- Ruby – Discus
Being selected to compete at county level is a fantastic achievement and reflects the hard work, dedication and talent of all four athletes.
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County Sevens Champions!
A fantastic day for our Year 8 boys at the County Sevens Rugby Tournament, winning all five of their matches with impressive victories.
Well done to all involved on a tremendous achievement and a brilliant team performance.
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Herefordshire Schools County Cup Winners!
Year 9 boys defeated Wigmore High School in a fantastic 4-1 final.
A deserved victory!
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Girls' Football Festival
A total of 135 girls from Herefordshire descended on the HFA home ground for a Year 7 and 8 girls' football festival.
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Year 7 Player of the Tournament was awarded to Freya.
Year 8 Player of the Tournament was awarded to Ruby and Elizabeth.
Well done to all the players who participated and helped make the festival such a successful and enjoyable event!
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Basketball Finals
A memorable day for all players in Year 9, Year 10 and winning success for Year 11. All three teams demonstrated the values that are central to St Mary’s school community and were excellent ambassadors for the school and should be incredibly proud of what they accomplished.
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A Record-Breaking Sports Day!
This year's Sports Day was full of excitement, determination, and outstanding performances. Many long-standing records were broken in a remarkable display of athletic talent and competitive spirit.
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The day showcased everything that makes St Mary’s special, with enthusiasm, encouragement, and cheer echoing around the field throughout the day. Congratulations to everyone who took part and helped make Sports Day such a memorable success. The standard of competition continues to rise year after year, and this year's achievements were truly exceptional.
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Congratulations to Laboure
Laboure were crowned overall winners, continuing their success with another fantastic Sports Day victory!
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We are incredibly proud to celebrate the achievements of one of our very own members of staff, who recently had the opportunity to compete at the prestigious Cheerleading Worlds.
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Spending 10 days training and competing alongside their team, they faced demanding conditions, training every day in intense heat while striving to perform at their very best. Their hard work and commitment culminated in the competition weekend, where the team delivered their strongest routine of the season on the world stage.
Competing alongside close teammates and friends made the experience even more memorable, and their dedication was rewarded with an outstanding 5th-place finish in the world—an achievement they are immensely proud of.
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Reflecting on the experience, Miss Bailey highlighted the importance of dedication, perseverance, resilience, and teamwork, values that resonate strongly within our school community. Miss Bailey is looking forward to sharing her experience with pupils and inspiring them through the lessons she learnt from competing at such an elite international level.
Congratulations , Hattie, on this fantastic achievement.
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Our Youth Team has enjoyed another successful year.
Highlights included the colourful CAFOD Brighten Up events, the hugely successful Reverse Advent Appeal, which filled a minibus with donations for Hereford Foodbank.
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During Advent, our CAFOD and Youth SVP pupils assembled the Advent wreath and our Nativity displays for the Chapel and created over 70 Christmas cards for residents of St Michael's Hospice.
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Pupils also supported the Tub2Pub recycling campaign, collecting more than 100 plastic tubs for Macmillan Cancer Support, and took part in the Big Lent Walk, collectively walking over 200km. The national campaign raised over £166,000 to secure water resources in countries affected by climate change, drought and war.
May, the month traditionally dedicated to Mary, saw our Chapel transformed by a stunning display of handmade flowers, some intricate origami blooms, colourful paper flowers and even bouquets of pipe-cleaner lilies showcasing the creativity, dedication and faith of our pupils.
Work has begun on our new Rosary Prayer and Memorial Garden, which will provide a special reflective space for the school community.
We are incredibly proud of everything our Youth Team has achieved this year. Their dedication to service, charity and community has made a real difference, and we look forward to seeing what they accomplish in the year ahead.
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Training the Next Generation of Teachers at St Mary’s
At St Mary’s, we are proud to lead the HereTeach Regional Training Hub in partnership with Hereford Sixth Form College and the University of Worcester. Alongside coordinating teacher training placements across Herefordshire, we also welcome trainee teachers into a variety of departments within our school.
Since January, we have been delighted to host Mrs Davies, an RE trainee, as part of her teacher training journey. Reflecting on her time at St Mary's, she said:
‘ I have just completed my second school placement at St Mary’s as an RE trainee. I attended St Mary’s as a student, so it has been lovely returning to the school where I first became passionate about Religious Education. The school has such a friendly and welcoming feel, and I have received excellent support here. The RE department have encouraged me to be creative in my lesson planning, and it has been immensely rewarding seeing the pupils’ engagement in these lessons. The pupils’ grasp of theological concepts and ability to question and think deeply has made my time here highly rewarding. I am completing my training year with many skills gained from working at St Mary’s and I will take these into my first teaching job.’
We are always proud to support aspiring teachers as they begin their careers and help shape the future of education in our county.
Interested in becoming a secondary school teacher in Herefordshire?
Please contact Emma Thomas at ethomas@st-maryshigh.hereford.sch.uk
or visit https://hereford.ac.uk/hereteach/ to find out more about training opportunities through HereTeach.
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