--- title: "Latest News" url: "https://stmarysbc.bhcet.org.uk/news" school: "St. Mary's Catholic Primary School" --- Admissions Consultation BHCET schools in County Durham [Click Here](https://stmarysbc.bhcet.org.uk/governance/admissions-consultation) **Tel:** 01833 637029 **Email:** office@stmarysbc.bhcet.org.uk # Latest News ![Image of School Council Helps Shape Toilet Refurbishment Project at St Mary's Catholic Primary School](https://files.schudio.com/st-mary-s-rc-primary-2/imagecache/720x440c/news/858569740_1130612506141833_4831520569143926166_n.jpg) 26 October 2026 ### [School Council Helps Shape Toilet Refurbishment Project at St Mary's Catholic Primary School](https://stmarysbc.bhcet.org.uk/news/2026-10-26-school-council-helps-shape-toilet-refurbishment-project-at-st-mary-s-catholic-primary-sch) Pupils from the School Council at St Mary's Catholic Primary School in Barnard Castle recently visited William Smith for a design briefing as part of an exciting toilet refurbishment project. Working alongside Pippa, the children shared the colour preferences that pupils across the school had voted for over the previous week. During the session, they explored a range of design options and viewed digital before-and-after images to help them visualise how different choices could transform the spaces. ![Image of Pupils Lead Exciting School Improvement Project at St Mary’s Catholic Primary School](https://files.schudio.com/st-mary-s-rc-primary-2/imagecache/720x440c/news/849161986_1123210950215322_7639339226403110803_n.jpg) 20 October 2026 ### [Pupils Lead Exciting School Improvement Project at St Mary’s Catholic Primary School](https://stmarysbc.bhcet.org.uk/news/2026-10-20-pupils-lead-exciting-school-improvement-project-at-st-mary-s-catholic-primary-school) St Mary’s Catholic Primary School in Barnard Castle is delighted to be working in partnership with William Smith to transform its pupil toilet facilities through an exciting, pupil-led improvement project. Through pupil voice activities, the school identified that the current toilet areas were beginning to look dated. As a result, plans are now underway to completely refresh the spaces with new vinyl wraps, creating modern, welcoming environments for all pupils. ![Image of Wrens and Robins Enjoy Fire Station Visit](https://files.schudio.com/st-mary-s-rc-primary-2/imagecache/720x440c/news/853155856_1124835826719501_3907921047787655161_n.jpg) 19 October 2026 ### [Wrens and Robins Enjoy Fire Station Visit](https://stmarysbc.bhcet.org.uk/news/2026-10-19-wrens-and-robins-enjoy-fire-station-visit) Children from the Early Years Wrens and Robins classes at St Mary's Catholic Primary School in Barnard Castle enjoyed an exciting visit to the local Fire Station this week as part of their 'People Who Help Us' topic. The visit gave pupils the opportunity to find out more about the important work carried out by firefighters and how they help keep people safe in the community. As part of the experience, the children explored the fire engines, learned about the equipment used by the Fire Service and even had the chance to have a go with a fire hose. ![Image of St Mary’s Catholic Primary School Celebrates Harvest Thanksgiving with the Community](https://files.schudio.com/st-mary-s-rc-primary-2/imagecache/720x440c/news/840765523_1117536057449478_7737398832277865687_n.jpg) 9 October 2026 ### [St Mary’s Catholic Primary School Celebrates Harvest Thanksgiving with the Community](https://stmarysbc.bhcet.org.uk/news/2026-10-09-st-mary-s-catholic-primary-school-celebrates-harvest-thanksgiving-with-the-community) Pupils, families and staff at St Mary’s Catholic Primary School in Barnard Castle came together for a joyful Harvest Thanksgiving celebration, giving thanks for the many blessings of the harvest season. The special gathering featured contributions from every class, with children sharing songs, dances, prayers and poems. Their performances helped create a wonderful atmosphere of gratitude and celebration as the school community reflected on the importance of thankfulness and kindness. ![Image of St Mary’s Catholic Primary School Pupils Share Stories with Friends at The Manor](https://files.schudio.com/st-mary-s-rc-primary-2/imagecache/720x440c/news/835099944_1114879214381829_2654163244133387547_n.jpg) 5 October 2026 ### [St Mary’s Catholic Primary School Pupils Share Stories with Friends at The Manor](https://stmarysbc.bhcet.org.uk/news/2026-10-05-st-mary-s-catholic-primary-school-pupils-share-stories-with-friends-at-the-manor) Children from Robins class at St Mary’s Catholic Primary School in Barnard Castle enjoyed a special visit to The Manor, where they spent time sharing some of their favourite stories with residents as part of the National Year of Reading and the school's commitment to "Going All In" with reading. The visit provided a wonderful opportunity for pupils and residents to come together through a shared love of books and storytelling. The children were full of enthusiasm and conversation, chatting about everything from Mrs T’s pink hair and driving the minibus to asking residents how loudly they could whistle. One pupil even sparked smiles and laughter by asking, "Do you know Tesco Tony sometimes comes to my house?" ![Image of St Mary’s Catholic Primary School Pupils Enjoy Gruffalo Adventure at Hamsterley Forest](https://files.schudio.com/st-mary-s-rc-primary-2/imagecache/720x440c/news/833188475_1112138977989186_1786279119471882326_n.jpg) 5 October 2026 ### [St Mary’s Catholic Primary School Pupils Enjoy Gruffalo Adventure at Hamsterley Forest](https://stmarysbc.bhcet.org.uk/news/2026-10-05-st-mary-s-catholic-primary-school-pupils-enjoy-gruffalo-adventure-at-hamsterley-forest) Children in Robins class at St Mary’s Catholic Primary School in Barnard Castle enjoyed a fantastic day of outdoor learning during a visit to Hamsterley Forest, where they completed the popular Gruffalo Trail. Inspired by the much-loved story, pupils followed the trail through the forest, exploring the great outdoors while bringing the adventures of Mouse and the Gruffalo to life. The visit gave children the opportunity to immerse themselves in the story's woodland setting while enjoying nature, fresh air and physical activity. ![Image of St Mary’s Catholic Primary School Community Supports Macmillan Coffee Morning](https://files.schudio.com/st-mary-s-rc-primary-2/imagecache/720x440c/news/822437697_1105374688665615_2970149503479145896_n.jpg) 28 September 2026 ### [St Mary’s Catholic Primary School Community Supports Macmillan Coffee Morning](https://stmarysbc.bhcet.org.uk/news/2026-09-28-st-mary-s-catholic-primary-school-community-supports-macmillan-coffee-morning) St Mary’s Catholic Primary School in Barnard Castle would like to thank everyone who joined its Macmillan Coffee Morning and helped support a cause that is close to many hearts. It was wonderful to welcome so many families, friends and members of the school community to the event. Thanks to the generosity of those who attended, the school has already raised more than £200 for Macmillan Cancer Support. ![Music at St Mary's Primary School, Barnard Castle](https://files.schudio.com/st-mary-s-rc-primary-2/imagecache/720x440c/news/814779705_1098700299333054_1666673497939183614_n.jpg) 22 September 2026 ### [St Mary's Catholic Primary School Pupils Make Strong Progress in Violin Lessons](https://stmarysbc.bhcet.org.uk/news/2026-09-22-st-mary-s-catholic-primary-school-pupils-make-strong-progress-in-violin-lessons) Young musicians at St Mary's Catholic Primary School, Barnard Castle, are making excellent progress in their weekly violin lessons. The school offers violin tuition to children from Year 2 upwards, giving pupils the opportunity to develop their musical skills, build confidence and learn a new instrument. ![Image of St Mary's Catholic Primary School Pupils Celebrate Success at Bowes Show](https://files.schudio.com/st-mary-s-rc-primary-2/imagecache/720x440c/news/799172769_1091047466765004_5848582056018130760_n.jpg) 15 September 2026 ### [St Mary's Catholic Primary School Pupils Celebrate Success at Bowes Show](https://stmarysbc.bhcet.org.uk/news/2026-09-15-st-mary-s-catholic-primary-school-pupils-celebrate-success-at-bowes-show) Children from St Mary's Catholic Primary School in Barnard Castle are celebrating after receiving prizes as winners at this year's Bowes Show. The school was delighted to receive a card thanking the children for their participation and support. The message also praised the high standard of the entries submitted by pupils, commenting on their effort and enthusiasm throughout the event. ![Image of St Mary's Catholic Primary School Welcomes Visit from Local Police Officer](https://files.schudio.com/st-mary-s-rc-primary-2/imagecache/720x440c/news/799001099_1090268543509563_5717223047108695432_n.jpg) 8 September 2026 ### [St Mary's Catholic Primary School Welcomes Visit from Local Police Officer](https://stmarysbc.bhcet.org.uk/news/2026-09-08-st-mary-s-catholic-primary-school-welcomes-visit-from-local-police-officer) Pupils at St Mary's Catholic Primary School in Barnard Castle were delighted to welcome a special visitor when PC Preet spent time at the school to introduce himself and talk about his role in the local community. The visit gave children the opportunity to learn more about how police officers help keep people safe and support communities every day. ![Image of Celebrating Two Fantastic Terms Across BHCET](https://files.schudio.com/st-mary-s-rc-primary-2/imagecache/720x440c/news/BHCET_Summer_Newsletter_Social_Mockup_(1).png) 15 July 2026 ### [Celebrating Two Fantastic Terms Across BHCET](https://stmarysbc.bhcet.org.uk/news/2026-07-15-celebrating-two-fantastic-terms-across-bhcet-29) As we come to the end of another successful academic year, we are incredibly proud of everything our pupils, staff and wider school community have achieved over the past two terms. From inspiring classroom learning and creative projects to sporting success, educational visits, performances and community events, there has been so much to celebrate. ![Image of St Mary's Strides for Strokes Fundraiser Brings Community Together](https://files.schudio.com/st-mary-s-rc-primary-2/imagecache/720x440c/news/748088722_1044822054720879_8692357347248845715_n.jpg) 15 July 2026 ### [St Mary's Strides for Strokes Fundraiser Brings Community Together](https://stmarysbc.bhcet.org.uk/news/2026-07-15-st-mary-s-strides-for-strokes-fundraiser-brings-community-together) St Mary’s Catholic Primary School in Barnard Castle was delighted to welcome families, friends and members of the local community to take part in the St Mary's Striding for Strokes fundraiser walk. It was wonderful to see so many people come together in support of the event, creating a fantastic atmosphere while raising money for an important cause. ![St. Mary's Catholic Primary School](https://files.schudio.com/st-mary-s-rc-primary-2/images/logo/Bishop_Hogarth_and_Hexham_Logo_new_(1).png) ### St. Mary's Catholic Primary School Birch Road Barnard Castle County Durham DL12 8JR 01833 637029 - [Online Payments](https://www.mychildatschool.com/MCAS/MCSParentLogin) - [Teams FAQs](https://bhcet.org.uk/information/teams-faqs/) - [Office 365](https://outlook.office365.com/carmel.org.uk) - [Remote Access](https://remote.carmel.org.uk/) - [Liturgy](https://liturgy.bhcet.org.uk/) ### Social Media - [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/StMarysPrimaryBarnardCastle/) - [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/stmarys_barnardcastle/) ### Translation ### Office 365 [Sign in to Office 365](https://outlook.office.com/) © Copyright 2025–2026 St. Mary's Catholic Primary School School & Trust Websites by [ ![Schudio logo](https://stmarysbc.bhcet.org.uk/img/logo/light.png) ](https://www.schudio.com/)