The school is launching this national initiative in memory of Sir David, a past pupil who believed children should learn not just how democracy works, but why it matters.

This week, St Joseph the Worker took part in the ‘Big Lent Walk for CAFOD’, a national fundraising initiative which encourages participants to walk 200km during Lent in solidarity with communities experiencing poverty around the world.

Flavio Vettese – Director of Education and Maria Shephard – Deputy Director of Education, represented the Diocese of Brentwood at a reception held at the Houses of Parliament.

Throughout this year, St Benedict’s have been running a programme called ‘Free and Equal Ambassadors’ in partnership with ‘Beyond This’ with Peter Radford.

Clodagh Benning highlights some of the activities undertaken by schools across the Diocese in the Jubilee Year.

The Parent Power guide suggests that top-performing primaries are increasingly those that combine strong academic results with holistic support for pupils’ wellbeing, enrichment activities and a broad curriculum.

Flavio Vettese, Director of Education for the Diocese of Brentwood, has been awarded a Diocesan Medal in recognition of his outstanding service to the Diocese of East Anglia and particularly for his significant contribution to Catholic education over the past decade.

Calvin Walker-Hall, from All Saints Catholic School, has been named the winner of the 2025 Pastoral Development of the Year Award, presented by the National Association for Pastoral Care in Education (NAPCE).

New Hall is the first Catholic independent school in the United Kingdom to receive this prestigious recognition.