St. John Rigby has developed a mutually beneficial partnership with the Inspirit Teaching School. 

Our school feeds into St Thomas More Secondary, which, as part of the Bedford Catholic Schools, was designated as a Teaching School in 2011.  Inspirit is committed to supporting teachers across Bedford Borough, the Diocese of Northampton and the wider Eastern Region. 

Our school frequently hosts participant teachers from across the Bedford Schools who are on the “Outstanding Teacher Programme”. This is a hands-on course where participants spend time observing lessons in the school and fine tuning their practice. Teachers at St. John Rigby have led courses designed to improve practice in the classroom, especially when it comes to meeting the needs of all pupils of all abilities.

The Inspirit Teaching School has an important role to play in the growth of future Catholic leaders. The Headteachers senior leaders from all of the schools, including St John Rigby, have mentored future Catholic leaders from across the Diocese and beyond as part of the “Headstrong” programme. This has involved coaching, mentoring, and the shadowing of leaders in their roles.

The Inspirit Teaching School is developing links with local teacher training institutions including the University of Bedford which is just across the road from St. John Rigby. The Headteacher at St John Rigby has spoken with all final year B.Ed students on the joys of working in a Catholic school.

St John Rigby plays a full part in the Teaching School’s commitment to Research and Development in Education. Colleagues at the St John Rigby have presented projects that address the needs of the most vulnerable as part of the “Leaders of the future” programme.

The Inspirit Teaching School has also played a key role in the growth and development of leadership at St. John Rigby. Staff at the school have been part of nationally accredited middle and senior leadership programmes and have supported a range of qualifications including Masters degrees.

Bernadette Grimley, Head of the Inspirit Teaching School inspirit@olicatschools.org 
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