This month, we’re launching a new feature which celebrates the amazing work happening in our schools across the archdiocese.

For our first ‘School of the Month’ feature, we’re celebrating the vibrant community at Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School in Atherton. Headteacher Ian McDermott shares what makes this school a true gem in the archdiocese.

A tranquil, nurturing environment

Tucked away at the end of a quiet lane, Sacred Heart is surrounded by nature and calm. It boasts a beautiful forest school which is cherished by pupils and the wider community alike.

Staff and visitors describe the school as a “Little haven of tranquillity, with the forest school encouraging exploring, curiosity and love for the outdoors.”

Embracing change and diversity

Since Ian became headteacher in 2018, the school has gone through a transition period- growing from 14% to over 40% pupil premium and welcoming a richly diverse student body. With many mid-year transfers, Sacred Heart excels at helping children and families settle into new surroundings.

The school supports children who are under-resourced and help them thrive. This is rooted in the school mission ‘With Christ as our guide, we inspire and thrive.’

Faith in Action

Faith is woven into daily life at Sacred Heart. From rosary prayers with Eucharistic Ministers to strong ties with the local church, the school nurtures spiritual growth. Ian himself supports youth on the archdiocese’s Lourdes pilgrimage as a staff member on Coach 5.

Ian shared, “We have a wonderful relationship with our local Church. We don’t just go to church—the Church comes to us. Throughout the year, we host a variety of faith-based activities that deepen our children’s spiritual journey.”

He added, “October, being the month of the rosary, has been especially meaningful. Eucharistic ministers from the parish have joined us in school to pray the rosary with our children.

"One of them messaged me to say they could tell we’d been working with the children on their prayers. It’s incredibly affirming to receive that kind of feedback—it shows the impact of what we’re doing.”

In 2025, the school embraced the Jubilee Year with creative projects like having a tree of hope, decorating a door of hope and participation in CAFOD’s Big Lent Walk.

Beyond the Classroom

Sacred Heart offers a rich mix of activities for students including rugby sessions led by Leigh Leopards Foundation; community support through visits to care homes and local litter picks; residentials and trips; the opportunity to be part of school council as well as inter-school events in music, art, sport, and maths.

Celebrating success

The school’s achievements span further than academic results including achieving the Music Mark Award for excellence in music education and ATSA Bronze Award for sports, with pupils having the opportunity to try everything from yoga to indoor kurling.

Former pupils have gone on to become professional athletes in rugby, football, and water polo.

During the school’s recent Catholic Schools Inspectorate (CSI) inspection, seven out of nine areas were graded as outstanding.

Inclusive and growing

With a growing number of children with complex needs, Sacred Heart ensures every child is supported and celebrated. New staff and governors have brought fresh energy, helping the school continue to flourish.

And sometimes, even the headteacher discovers something new. “Only today I spotted a stone dedicated to Pope Leo XIII at the school,” Ian shared. “It reminded me that every day brings something different in the life of a school.”

At Sacred Heart, every child is known, valued, and encouraged to flourish. It’s a school where faith, compassion, and ambition come together—and it’s easy to see why it’s our very first School of the Month.