Pictured: The History team (left), A Level and Key Stage 3 students with Headteacher, Melissa George (right)
The History Department at St Gregory’s Catholic College in Bath is celebrating once again after being awarded the Historical Association’s prestigious History Quality Mark (HQM) Gold Award – for a second consecutive time.
This nationally recognised award highlights excellence in the teaching and learning of History and places St Gregory’s among a very small group of secondary schools across the country to hold Gold status, and the only school in the South-West.
The impact of this excellence is evident in the experiences of students themselves. Julia, an A Level History student, describes how the department’s enrichment opportunities have opened doors beyond the classroom:
“Studying history at St Gregory’s has provided me with so many opportunities, both in and outside of school. This includes a project with the Holocaust Education Trust where I was privileged to be able to visit Auschwitz Memorial and Museum in my role as History ambassador. It was one of the most humbling and enlightening experiences I have had.”
Fellow A Level student Ava echoes this sentiment: “I am consistently challenged to develop my understanding of the past and its contemporary relevance, with the help of friendly and supportive teachers and peers. I have loved History over the past 6 years at school and it has ignited a passion for life.”
The 2025 report praised the department’s “consistently strong” teaching and highlighted features such as “fantastic subject knowledge”, “excellent questioning” and “carefully structured lessons with clear routines and feedback.”
The Historical Association noted that the History curriculum at St Gregory’s remains of “gold standard” – with engaging and creative teaching, outstanding leadership, and a clear commitment to diversity, inclusion and high academic standards. The curriculum has also been commended for its strong moral and ethical dimension, underpinned by the school’s Catholic values and with enrichment experiences that span international visits, Holocaust education and links to local heritage.
Katie Sarbatta, Head of History, said:
“We are incredibly proud to have received the Gold Award again – and this second consecutive accreditation is a real testament to the ongoing dedication and passion of every member of the History team. Our mission has always been to make History relevant, challenging and inclusive, and I am delighted that the assessors recognised the breadth of our curriculum and the strong outcomes for all our students. We are so grateful to the Historical Association for their detailed and rigorous assessment – and to our students, who inspire us every day.”
The award also reflects the wider contribution of the History Department to school life at St Gregory’s – with recent initiatives including assemblies on the history of neurodiversity, disability dignity and remembrance, as well as a growing History Club and student ambassador scheme. The department has also led collaborative projects with universities, local schools and international organisations, including the Korean War Legacy Foundation and Holocaust Education Trust.