Catherine Lennox - New Headteacher of St Wilfrid's RC College, South Shields.
Catherine Lennox joined St Wilfrid’s RC College, South Shields, in September 2024 as the new Headteacher. St Wilfrid’s RC College is part of Bishop Chadwick Catholic Education Trust (BCCET), which has 25 primary schools and five secondary schools across South Tyneside, East Durham and Sunderland.
What has been your career path so far?
I am originally from Richmond, North Yorkshire. I studied history at Nottingham University and completed my postgraduate degree in Newcastle. I worked at St Thomas More Catholic School in Blaydon from being an NQT to deputy headteacher. It is a lovely school; I worked in a range of roles there from history teacher to curriculum lead in history and then moved into senior leadership.
Why did you join St Wilfrid’s?
It’s a fabulous school and I was attracted to its ethos around faith and learning. I work in Catholic education because of its focus on young people’s development as well as their academic education.
What is your initial view of Bishop Chadwick Catholic Education Trust?
The Multi-Academy Trusts all have very distinct identities and BCCET’s vision is very clear of ‘Better Schools, Better Communities, Better Futures in Christ’. The Trust really stands by those values and that is what has impressed me the most since joining BCCET.
How have you been welcomed by your new team?
Everyone at school has been so supportive and patient. Everyone is on board with what we are trying to achieve at St Wilfrid’s and they are so dedicated and committed. The support has been fantastic, not only the practical help from my business manager and deputy headteacher but the fact I can collaborate with the Trust’s chief standards officers too.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
Interacting with the pupils. When I am having a busy day, I enjoy taking some time out to talk to the pupils. We have amazing young people in school. I learn so much from them too. Watching them grow, being part of their educational journey and seeing the impact of that on them is wonderful. Leadership can take you away from the classroom, but spending time with pupils is my favourite part of the day.
What improvements have you implemented so far and plan to bring in?
We have established our new behaviour curriculum called St Wilfrid’s Way, which lays down all our expectations for behaviour across the school. St Wilfrid’s Standards sets out our expectations of pupils in the classroom. We held a great event at the end of Autumn term praising the pupils for their achievements. We have also introduced visualisers in every classroom and launched new opportunities for lunchtime activities such as academic enrichment, sports and art.
What has been your proudest achievement in your career?
I love watching other leaders grow and develop and watching them thrive because of the culture that we have built, the support they receive and things that we have put in place. When you see other leaders grow in confidence and the impact of their work and that ripple effect – that is when I feel the proudest.
What are the key challenges facing the education sector?
The main challenges affecting the education sector are ensuring an education system that is fit for our pupils now, and in the future, and ensuring an engaging and relevant curriculum for all pupils – not just about academic pathways, but a curriculum that is appropriate for all learners. Our challenges in the North-east are different to those in other parts of the country, so we need a regional response to funding to allow schools to meet the changing needs and challenges of our cohorts. We are also facing the challenges of recruitment and retention as teaching is no longer as attractive an option for many graduates.
What has been the best piece of leadership advice you have received?
Leadership is about action not position. It’s not about a job title; it’s about how you act, how you think, and how you behave.
What is your leadership style?
For me, at the heart of leadership is the premise of servant leadership. It’s not about status or position; we are here to serve the school, the pupils and the community. In terms of my style, I’m quite a pace-setting leader. I set the standard and the expectations but combine that with building a consensus to build the team. Leadership is not about one person: it’s about valuing the input of the wider team. You would be foolish to think you know everything.
How do you unwind?
I am a married mum of two daughters aged 12 and 15 so my free time is spent with my family. Like many working parents, I go home and make the tea and help with homework. I like going out with my dog, a Cavalier King Charles spaniel called Rupert and it’s an unusual one, but I love doing DIY! I really like painting; it’s a great distraction. We live in a Victorian house on the coast and as a history teacher, I love to spend time painfully restoring it.
There are places available at St Wilfrid’s.
To find out more about the school, visit www.st-wilfrids.org
Find out more about BCCET at www.bccet.org.uk