The Bishop of Hexham and Newcastle has blessed the headquarters of one of the largest multi-academy trusts in the country.
Bishop Stephen Wright performed the formal opening ceremony of the building for the Bishop Wilkinson Catholic Education Trust, which was formed four years ago to serve five secondary schools, one middle school, forty-one primary schools, and one first school across Northumberland, Gateshead, Sunderland and Durham.
The Trust also trains teachers for Catholic schools locally.
“It was an absolute joy to bless the offices of the Bishop Wilkinson Catholic Education Trust,” Bishop Wright told the <em>Catholic Herald</em>. “I wish them and all their schools every success.”
He thanked all the teachers, governors and directors of the trust for their commitment and hard work in the service of Catholic education.
Formerly college accommodation, the building in Washington, Tyne and Wear, was extensively refurbished and reconfigured to meet the evolving needs of the Trust.
The design and build project included the creation of functional office spaces, administration offices, meeting rooms, conference areas and training rooms for staff development. Its Centre for Teaching provides a dedicated pathway for professional development beginning with ITT (initial teacher training), through the ECF (early career framework) and beyond, including NPQs (national professional qualifications) at all levels.
Trust chief executive Nick Hurn OBE said: “It is a great privilege and honour to have the bishop join us today to officially bless our building.
During the ceremony, Bishop Stephen conducted a ceremonial blessing with holy water, and said: “I bless this headquarters and pray that Christ will enter the building and fill it with his presence.”
“This space represents not just our physical expansion but the growth of our commitment to delivering exceptional Catholic education in a caring environment.
“It is a place where talent can thrive, and the highest educational services and a nurturing environment can be provided to staff, visitors, partners and pupils alike.”<br><br>Photo: Bishop Stephen Wright with the Trust's chief executive, Nick Hurn. (Photo courtesy the Bishop Wilkinson Catholic Education Trust.)
The Bishop of Hexham and Newcastle has blessed the headquarters of one of the largest multi-academy trusts in the country.
Bishop Stephen Wright performed the formal opening ceremony of the building for the Bishop Wilkinson Catholic Education Trust, which was formed four years ago to serve five secondary schools, one middle school, forty-one primary schools, and one first school across Northumberland, Gateshead, Sunderland and Durham.
The Trust also trains teachers for Catholic schools locally.
“It was an absolute joy to bless the offices of the Bishop Wilkinson Catholic Education Trust,” Bishop Wright told the <em>Catholic Herald</em>. “I wish them and all their schools every success.”
He thanked all the teachers, governors and directors of the trust for their commitment and hard work in the service of Catholic education.
Formerly college accommodation, the building in Washington, Tyne and Wear, was extensively refurbished and reconfigured to meet the evolving needs of the Trust.
The design and build project included the creation of functional office spaces, administration offices, meeting rooms, conference areas and training rooms for staff development. Its Centre for Teaching provides a dedicated pathway for professional development beginning with ITT (initial teacher training), through the ECF (early career framework) and beyond, including NPQs (national professional qualifications) at all levels.
Trust chief executive Nick Hurn OBE said: “It is a great privilege and honour to have the bishop join us today to officially bless our building.
During the ceremony, Bishop Stephen conducted a ceremonial blessing with holy water, and said: “I bless this headquarters and pray that Christ will enter the building and fill it with his presence.”
“This space represents not just our physical expansion but the growth of our commitment to delivering exceptional Catholic education in a caring environment.
“It is a place where talent can thrive, and the highest educational services and a nurturing environment can be provided to staff, visitors, partners and pupils alike.”<br><br>Photo: Bishop Stephen Wright with the Trust's chief executive, Nick Hurn. (Photo courtesy the Bishop Wilkinson Catholic Education Trust.)
