Case Study: Newman Catholic College

Understanding rights has created an inclusive community at this school.

Andrew Dunne, Headteacher at Newman Catholic College discusses how focussing on children’s rights supports inclusion and positive relationships. 

At this school everyone feels supported and valued

There are more than 50 different languages spoken in our school and we have 110 students who are refugees or asylum seekers.  70% of students arrive at the school with little or no English.  The framework of rights helps us assimilate new students and create an inclusive environment where every person feels supported and valued. The school was recently reaccredited as a ‘school of sanctuary’ recognising the work we do to support refugees and asylum seekers. Students are given space to enjoy their right to practice their own religion. Although we are a catholic school, we celebrate the end of Ramadan every year with a whole community Iftar event, the last event included speakers from the Muslim, Christian and Jewish communities talking about what they have in common. Comments from young people spoken with during our recent RRSA Gold Reaccreditation visit illustrate the inclusive environment, “Because the school is so multi-cultural – it is not a discriminatory environment.” “Teachers are really good when it comes to teaching about discrimination.” Visiting professionals have noted how supportive our students are towards their peers with SEND, and those struggling with language.  They will go out of their way to include everyone and understand that some students need extra support to reach their full potential.

Working with the community to keep young people safe

We have been recognised as a beacon school for our partnership work with Brent Police. We have an excellent relationship with our two Safer Schools Officers who visit the school regularly running workshops with the students as well as a Police Cadets group and holiday camps. The framework of rights helps us keep a strong focus on safeguarding and reminding students that they have a right to speak up and seek help if they feel unsafe.  Young people here tell me that they find the staff very approachable and feel comfortable to speak to them if they have any concerns.

Positive Relationships based on dignity and respect

Our focus on children’s rights is clearly affecting relationships in a positive way. ‘Respect’ is a “core Newman value,’ and students and staff treat each other with mutual respect and dignity. If a student has an idea to start a club or improve the school in some way, staff will listen, and when their ideas come to fruition it gives them an immense sense of pride.  Dignity is a central pillar of both the UN CRC and Catholic Social Teaching – we were delighted to receive our Diocesan Inspection report in March 2024 which designated the school as ‘outstanding’ and highlighted a ‘deep sense of respect’ and cohesion in the school noting that ‘The behaviour policy is grounded upon the principles of the rights of the child; students show respect and recognise individual dignity.’

School context: Newman Catholic College is a boys secondary school in the London Borough of Brent with 709 pupils on roll. 70% of students speak English as an Additional Language and 30% are eligible for Free School Meals. The school were rated as ‘Outstanding’ in their latest Catholic Schools Diocesan Inspection in March 2024.