St George’s Catholic School

Had you ever imagined a school rising from turbulence to become a beacon of learning? St George’s Catholic School, right here on Lanark Road, is a testament to such a transformation. St George’s Catholic School is an independent academy, part of the Cardinal Hume Academies Trust. It serves boys and girls aged eleven to nineteen. It’s a Catholic learning community striving for the highest standards. This journey wasn’t always smooth. St George’s Catholic School faced a dark period in its history, a moment etched in the nation’s memory. In 1995, Headmaster Philip Lawrence tragically lost his life protecting a student outside the school gates. This act of profound selflessness shook the community, but it also became a catalyst for change. From this tragedy, the Philip Lawrence Awards emerged, celebrating young people striving to make a positive difference. Within St George’s Catholic School, the Philip Lawrence Friendship Garden serves as a poignant reminder of his dedication. The school navigated challenging years of transition, even featuring in the television drama “Ahead of the Class.” This drama followed the determined leadership of Headmistress Marie Stubbs. Her tenure saw remarkable improvements, even being recognized nationally as an example of good practice. The school’s upward trajectory continued. In 2006, Martin Tissot took the helm as headteacher. Under his guidance, St George’s Catholic School achieved another milestone in 2009, ranking as the fifth most improved school in the country. An Ofsted inspection in 2010 awarded the school an “Outstanding” rating, further solidifying its transformation. Today, St George’s Catholic School boasts specialized programs in business and humanities. It also offers a sixth form program in partnership with St Thomas More Catholic School. The school achieves a high Value Added score, a measure of student progress. The school has a diverse student body, with a high proportion of students from minority ethnic groups and those with special educational needs. Remarkably, these student groups consistently outperform national averages in examinations. St George’s Catholic School’s commitment to quality education is evident. The dedication of the staff is key to its success. They foster a disciplined learning environment with high expectations. The recent construction of the Curran Block has enhanced the school’s facilities. This new block houses modern ICT and science labs, a drama facility, and a rooftop sports area. St George’s Catholic School has not only overcome adversity, it has thrived. From a period of turbulence, it has emerged as a true success story. It stands as a place where high standards meet a strong sense of community, a testament to the enduring power of education and remembrance.