Founded in 1931 by the Sisters of the Holy Cross Menzingen Holy Cross RC School stands proudly on Basuto Road. This wasn’t always a school. Before becoming Holy Cross RC School it was a house called Southesk. A Latin inscription above its door read This is the house that John built. John Austine sold the house to the sisters. Sr Christina and two other sisters opened the school with just five pupils.
The school has grown enormously since then. Buildings have been added renovated and refurbished. But the original house front remains. It is the main entrance to Holy Cross RC School today. The school is no longer run by the Sisters of the Holy Cross. Lay teachers now staff the school. However the Sisters of the Holy Cross still hold trusteeship.
Holy Cross RC School has earned a stellar reputation. In 2007 Ofsted rated the school Outstanding the highest rating possible. The sixth form which is coeducational with Richard Challoner received a Good rating. The report praised excellent leadership and management. The school boasts high academic standards. Its Progress 8 score places it in the top 1% of schools in England for student progress.
Holy Cross RC School is more than just academics. It boasts a thriving house system. Students are assigned houses named after Christian values. Each house has a color and a patron saint. House points foster competition encourage relationships across year groups and support charitable projects. The school even has a school uniform. The sixth form however enjoys a smart work dress code.
Holy Cross RC School has received considerable media attention. Projects sharing music and drama with Japan and collaborating with NASA scientists have garnered headlines. Unfortunately controversy arose in 1999 when NHS leaflets containing information on contraception were distributed to pupils. This conflicted with the school’s Catholic teachings. This caused some significant public discussion and debate.
Today Holy Cross RC School continues its mission. It educates and inspires young minds. It prepares students for a life of purpose and service. It maintains its Catholic identity. It remains a beacon of excellence in the heart of London. The school’s legacy is one of faith academic success and community. Its story is one of growth and adaptation while staying true to its founding principles. The school is a testament to the dedication of the Sisters of the Holy Cross and the countless individuals who have shaped its history. Holy Cross RC School stands as a vital part of the London community.