St Charles’ Catholic Primary in Gosforth wins Primary of the Year for second time

St Charles’ Catholic Primary School in Gosforth is celebrating a remarkable achievement after being named the Northeast’s Primary School of the Year for a second successive time by the prestigious Sunday Times Parent Power Guide.

St Charles’ ranked among the highest-achieving schools in the 33rd edition of the guide, which was released on Friday 5 December, and is widely regarded as the most authoritative survey of the country’s top schools. The school also reached 20th place in a list of the UK’s top primary schools.

As well as appearing as a printed supplement within the newspaper, The Sunday Times Parent Power Guide 2026 includes a database of more than 2,000 schools, which can be searched by name, authority, town, or postcode, to assist parents in making the best educational choices for their offspring.

“This is the second year running we have been named Primary School of the Year,” said St Charles’ Headteacher, Louise Nealings, who joined the school as Deputy Head 2012 before taking over the headship in 2015. “We were delighted last year, but to be named for a second year is unbelievable. I am delighted for the children and staff.

“Everyone in school is passionate and wants to provide the best possible education for all of our children. We want to prepare our children academically – however, we want our children to have the best possible St Charles’ experience. This includes exceptional pastoral care, quality trips and visits, but also making lasting friendships and having fun along the way.”

The school has 243 pupils, aged from Nursery to Year 6, along with 26 staff, and is a proud member of the Bishop Bewick Catholic Education Trust.

“The children are the best part of our community, and we want the best for every single one of them,” continued Mrs Nealings.

As part of her wider work within Bishop Bewick CET, Mrs Nealings also provides leadership support across the Trust in her role as Director of Primary Support.

“In my role as Director of Primary Support, I visit a range of BBCET schools, and it is a privilege to support colleagues across our Trust and contribute to the collective work we do for children and families,” she said.

“I have an amazing team, and we all strive to be the best we can. I think having high expectations in everything we do makes a difference. The children at St Charles’ experience a high-quality curriculum, and are given a range of experiences. The children have leadership roles, and we love a competition, whether it is a sporting competition or a dance off event to raise money for charity.

“We have a Forest School, which all of the children love to enjoy, and this year we are further developing our oracy curriculum provision. Celebration of the Word led by the children is one of the best parts of our school. The children’s singing is amazing, and I always feel at home at St Charles’ when I hear their singing – especially some of my favourite hymns.”

“The educational landscape is testing – budget challenges, rising student mental health issues, special educational needs, and an increasingly uncertain future,” added the Editor of The Sunday Times Parent Power Guide, Helen Davies.

“But there is also so much to celebrate from the dedication of teachers who are finding ever more innovative and impactful ways to enrich their students and give them the very best start in life.

“As well as celebrating the academic excellence of top schools, it is uplifting to see how they are shaping their students to be ready for the 21st century, and instilling a life-long love of learning.”

For those interested in finding out more about St Charles’, there will be an Early Years First Stage Open Evening on 7 January 2026.

For the full Sunday Times Parent Power Guide 2026, see: https://www.thetimes.com/best-schools-league-table/secondary/article/secondary-schools-revealed-2026-g9w9n8rqw