School Visits
St Mary's Cathedral is an inspiring place for students of all ages to learn.
You will be able to see how the architecture of the building helps worship, reflects our surroundings and speaks of heaven.
You will learn how Catholics worship in church by exploring the inside of the Cathedral.
You may even get to ask big questions about ethics and religion.
We are sure St Mary's Cathedral will be the perfect visit for your group.
Visiting the Cathedral fits curriculum targets in KS1, KS2, KS3, KS4, as well as assisting GCSE exam preparation, college groups and SEND groups.
Where is St Mary's Cathedral?
St May's Cathedral, Dalby Way, Coulby Newham, Middlesbrough TS8 0TW
School Visits Frequently Asked Questions
Booking Your Visit
Where is St Mary's Cathedral?
St May's Cathedral, Dalby Way, Coulby Newham, Middlesbrough TS8 0TW
Do We Need to Pre-Book?
Yes. We advise booking well in advance as we can get very busy, especially in the summer months. To book a visit, click here.
When is the Cathedral Open to School Groups?
Our School Group opening hours are Tuesday - Friday, 10am to 3pm.
If you are more than 30 minutes late, we cannot guarantee that the visit will be able to go ahead. However, we understand life is never simple. If you run into difficulties, give us a call. We will always help if we can!
Can We Do a Risk Assessment?
Yes. When you make a booking, we will send you a sample Risk Assessment Form. We strongly recommend that the member of staff organising the visit arrange a preparation visit to the Cathedral in order to carry out their own risk assessment. This should include the journey to and from the Cathedral.
You can arrange a risk assessment visit once you have made a school booking. You will need to bring your teacher ID with you on the day. Risk assessments are your responsibility.
Is the Cathedral Accessible?
The public areas of the Cathedral enjoy complete step-free access. There is an accessible toilet facility at the back of the Cathedral. This is a separate, accessible, private and unisex facility. The Cathedral has a T Loop system.
Do We Pay?
We try to be as welcoming as possible. For this reason, short visits of up to two hours are usually free.
However, if you'd like a longer visit or bring one group after another, we may need to charge a small amount.
Your school is always welcome to donate to the Cathedral Fund, as we need all the help we can get to maintain our beautiful Cathedral .Â
Will There be any Services During Our Visit?
No. Our daily Mass takes place at 9:30am. All other services usually take place during the evening. We try to ensure that when you visit, the Cathedral is yours for the duration of your stay.
Do We Have to be Catholic to Visit the Cathedral?
No!
How Do We Make a Booking?
Simple, click here to get the ball rolling. Alternatively, call 01642 597750 Tuesday - Friday 9:30am - 3pm.
On The Day
Will Someone from the Cathedral Speak to Our Group?
Yes. This is normally possible.You should make sure this is part of what you ask for when making a booking.
Where Can We Park?
Unfortunately, there is no parking at St Mary's Cathedral. Cars may park, free of charge, in the Parkway Centre car park, less than 50 yards from the Cathedral main entrance. Coaches may drop off passengers outside the main entrance before finding another location for parking.
Where Do We Go When We Arrive?
Make your way through the main door, into the Narthex. From there, you will find you way into the main body of the Cathedral Church. Welcome!
Where are the Toilets?
They are at the rear of the main body of the Church, through the double doors, past the hall on your left.
Can We Take Photos?
Yes, we love seeing our visitors share their experiences. We try to make sure only one school group visits at a time. So, all you need to do is make sure you are following your own school's policies. If you are in the cathedral along with other schools, we will give you further guidance. Please do not take photos during prayer time.
Can We Bring Packed Lunches?
Yes. If it helps, you can bring packed lunch so that you can have a picnic as part of your visit. All we ask is that you tell us in advance that you wish to do this.
Can We Use the Shop?
Yes. We have a small shop selling religious items. There are a number of small affordable item suitable for children. The Shop is not usually on weekdays but we can open it at the request of school staff.Â
Health and Safety
Please ensure that students are aware that the Cathedral is a large site and that they will need to remember this in order to keep safe during their visit. Remind students to look where they are walking. The Cathedral may be dimly lit.
Children and carers need to take care when walking past any lit candles.
Please follow any instructions given by the Cathedral Team.
Teachers are responsible for the supervision and safety of the children in their charge at all times.
Things to Remember
St Mary's Cathedral is, first and foremost, a place of worship.
So, we ask that everyone in the building be respectful always.
Groups causing a disturbance may be asked to leave the Cathedral.
Please ensure that the mobile phones of both staff and pupils are turned off/on silent.
Please do not allow your pupils to eat, drink or chew gum while visiting the Cathedral unless you have arranged to bring a packed lunch and it is lunchtime.
Prayers may be said in the Cathedral, and groups are asked to be quiet or join in.
School staff and accompanying adults remain responsible for the welfare and behaviour of students throughout their visit to the Cathedral.
Pupils must be supervised by school staff at all times, and we request a ratio of one adult for every ten students in the building to ensure adequate supervision.
If you have an accident, please get in touch with a member of the Cathedral Team.
If there is an emergency, please follow the instructions of the Cathedral Team.
Groups should rendezvous outside the Cathedral, directly opposite the main door.