Remember the Westminster Provincial Synod in 1852? It preferred the erection of a school wherever there was an opening for a new mission. This vision is embodied by St Mary’s Roman Catholic Primary School.
St Mary’s RC Primary School stands on Canterbury Road in London. It has a rich history deeply intertwined with the local community. The school’s story began over 150 years ago with a commitment to educate the poor. It also aimed to educate those on the margins of society.
Let’s step back to 1869. Two rooms in a private house became a school. It was known as St Joseph’s. By 1914, it had grown to four rooms. The post-war years saw an influx of Irish families. They moved to South Kilburn for work. This increased the need for more educational spaces. In 1953, the school moved to Cambridge Road. It was then renamed St. Mary’s. By 1958, the school expanded. Two classrooms in Quex Road Annex were used. This was the site of the Parish Church.
By 1962, St Mary’s RC Primary School grew further still. Another building in Granville was pressed into service. The school was reorganized in 1964 into two separate schools. There was an Infant and a Junior school. The infant school had 260 places. The junior school had 480 places.
The Junior school moved to Carlton Vale in 1972. The Council converted a Senior Girls High School on Canterbury Road. It became the Junior school site. September 1974 marked a new chapter. St. Mary’s Canterbury Road opened. Infants and juniors were housed together. The design was modern. It was open plan and soundproof. Air conditioning was installed.
St Mary’s RC Primary School served children aged 3 to 11. The school had nursery classes. In January 1998, St Mary’s RC Primary School opened. The school officially closed on 31 August 2024. It became an academy converter.
Mrs Bridget Pratley served as headteacher. In 2024, April Ramirez, Bridget Pratley, Don Williams, Helen Wilson, Lauren Clotworthy, Marco Di Paolo, Mary Rock, Peter Keane and Zoe Orji were governors.
The school’s capacity was 210 pupils. The number of pupils was 211. 40.3% of children were eligible for free school meals. This is equivalent to 85 pupils.
Today the school stands as a testament to dedication. It is a witness to Gospel values. St Mary’s RC Primary School continues to serve its diverse community. It includes children, families, governors, and parish members.