Awards  

The Oscar Romero Award aims to support schools in realising and living the unique calling of a Catholic school to become an evangelising centre by empowering young people and staff to become true agents of the change they want to see in the world by putting their faith into action. The aim of the Award is to allow schools to reflect on and develop how well the principles of Catholic Social Teaching have been embedded into the school life and community.

Cottesmore St. Mary is one of the first schools in the Parish of Brighton and Hove to receive the Participator level of the award. We are now in the process of completing the Developer level.

Oscar Romero - Participator Level – Feedback

Thank you for your application. In the strategic strand, you provide evidence that the school has worked intentionally to link Catholic Social Teaching (CST) principles to the Mission Statement, and that you prioritise enabling pupils to articulate their understanding of CST not only within the curriculum but also in daily life, as reflected in the School Development Plan.

The evidence you provide in the practical strand is particularly strong. Pupil leadership is clearly a significant strength at Cottesmore St Mary’s. The CAFOD group’s fundraising through the Lenten Big Walk, the Mini Vinnies’ support for the local foodbank and care home, and the Fairtrade group’s promotion of ethical purchasing and environmental stewardship all demonstrate a vibrant commitment to CST in action. It is positive that these acts of service are shared with parents and the wider community through newsletters.

Your reflective self-evaluation statement celebrates the school’s many strengths — especially pupil leadership and your commitment to justice, dignity, and service — and it rightly identifies your next steps as you continue your journey towards the Developer Level.

Congratulations on achieving the Participator Level. I trust you will continue with your journey with the Romero Award. Catherine Harwood, Validator 26th June 2026

Live Simply Award

CAFOD LiveSimply Award

Our school is proud to be working towards the CAFOD LiveSimply Award – a national recognition for Catholic communities who show they are living simply, sustainably and in solidarity with others.

Inspired by the teachings of Jesus and Catholic Social Teaching, the LiveSimply Award encourages us all to care more deeply for God's creation and to make choices that help others – especially those living in poverty.

To achieve this award, our school community is committed to:

• Living Simply – by appreciating what we have and making thoughtful choices
• Living Sustainably – by protecting the environment and reducing waste
• Living in Solidarity – by supporting and praying for people in need around the world

Our pupils are leading and taking part in a range of activities, such as growing food in our school garden, recycling, reducing energy use, supporting local food banks and learning about global justice through CAFOD resources.

The LiveSimply journey helps us all grow as stewards of creation and followers of Christ, responding to Pope Francis' call in Laudato Si' to "care for our common home."