Beneath this location exists a story that stretches back almost a century. Finchley Catholic High School began in 1926. It started with Father Clement Parsons. He was the parish priest of St. Alban’s Church.
Finchley Catholic High School first opened its doors in the presbytery of St. Alban’s. Eighteen students attended classes there. Father Parsons established the school’s motto. It is “Da Nobis Recta Sapere.” This translates to “Grant that we may be truly wise”. Azure and gold were chosen as the school colors.
In 1929, Finchley Catholic High School moved. It relocated to its current location. This was within the grounds of Woodside Grange. Cardinal Bourne officially opened the school in June 1927. The move to the new site happened in 1928. By 1930, student numbers had grown. There were 108 students and the first Sixth Form. House teams were introduced. These were Vaughan, Wiseman, Newman and Bourne.
The first block of classrooms was built in 1931-32. Cardinal Bourne’s generosity funded it. Four more classrooms followed in 1934. Also a tower was built facing the White House.
By 1939, the school held 270 students. World War II impacted the school. Twenty-nine former students and one teacher died. The school honors their memory. They screen the “Finchley Fallen” film. This happens before the two-minute silence on Remembrance Day.
Canon Parsons expanded Finchley Grammar School. He also opened two more schools. These were St. Alban’s Preparatory School and Challoner School. In 1956, Cardinal Griffin opened the chapel. Today this serves as the school hall.
In 1971, the schools merged. They became Finchley Catholic High School. The school transitioned into a comprehensive institution. Gymnasiums and the Fisher building were constructed. In 2002, the school gained specialist status. It became a Business and Enterprise College. 2007 marked a change. The Sixth Form began admitting female students.
Throughout the years, Finchley Catholic High School has evolved. Enhancements include the Technology Block. The Bampfield Performing Arts Centre was built. More recently, the Canon Parsons Sixth Form Centre was added.
Several buildings make up Finchley Catholic High School. The White House is the oldest. Cubitt built it in 1872. It houses the school’s reception and offices. The Bourne Block is the largest. Completed in 1936, it contains classrooms. The Challoner Block was completed in 1954. The School Hall was built in 1956. The Fisher Block houses ICT and art rooms. The Bampfield Performing Arts Centre opened in 2004. The Canon Parsons Sixth Form Centre was built in 2014.
Finchley Catholic High School uses a house system. Each year group is divided into forms. These forms are named after prominent Catholics. They are Bampfield, Bourne, Challoner, Feckenham, Fisher and More. Each house has a unique colored tie.
Finchley Catholic High School offers extra-curricular activities. These include sports and arts programs. The school also holds thematic workshops. These workshops explore Black History Month and LGBT Month.
Many notable people attended Finchley Catholic High School. These include Tony Gallagher and Dennis Kelly. Also Martin Ivens and Christian Maghoma. Finchley Catholic High School continues to educate. It prepares students for the future. As its 100th anniversary approaches in 2026, Finchley Catholic High School will celebrate its rich history and traditions.