Struggling with education, street children found hope. Saint John Bosco College stands as a beacon. It honors John Bosco’s dedication. He improved the lives of disadvantaged youth. This college carries his legacy forward.
Saint John Bosco College is a coeducational Roman Catholic secondary school. It includes a sixth form. The college is in Battersea. Battersea is a part of the London Borough of Wandsworth.
The college’s story begins before 2011. Salesian education has a long history in Battersea. The college is on the site of the former Salesian College. The Salesians of Don Bosco founded that college in 1895. They arrived in Battersea in 1887. Their goal was to establish a Salesian presence. This would extend to Great Britain and the British Empire.
The parish church of Sacred Heart is next to the school. It was built in 1875. Fr Edward McKiernan, Fr Charles Macey and Br Rossaro were the first Salesians. They arrived in 1887. Salesian College closed in August 2011. Stephen McCann was the Headship. Saint John Bosco College then opened.
Saint John Bosco College emerged to create a single co-educational Roman Catholic school. It serves the Borough of Wandsworth. The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Southwark and the Salesians of Don Bosco are joint Trustees. Saint John Bosco College opened in September 2011. Dr Simon Uttley was the first Headteacher. Mr Paul Dunne succeeded Dr Uttley in January 2017. Initially, the school was at the former John Paul II School. This was while the new building was constructed in Battersea. The school moved to its current location in October 2015.
Today Saint John Bosco College continues to grow. It has gained a strong reputation. The college is near Battersea Square. It is a short walk from Clapham Junction and Battersea Bridge.
Saint John Bosco College is part of a worldwide family of Salesian schools. The Salesians have over 3000 schools. These schools are in over 130 countries. Saint John Bosco College has five sister schools in England. They are in Bolton, Bootle, Chertsey, Croxteth and Farnborough. The school has links to Salesian schools around the world. These include schools in Turin, Borgomanero, Darjeeling, Bethlehem and Madrid.
The college operates as a voluntary aided school. It welcomes students aged 11 to 18. The local authority is Wandsworth London Borough Council. As of December 2022, the enrolment was 852. The college has a capacity of 1050 students.
Saint John Bosco College stands as a testament. It reflects the enduring legacy. It embodies the commitment to education. It fosters the development of young people. The college provides a nurturing environment. It is rooted in Roman Catholic values and the Salesian tradition. It prepares students. They can contribute positively to society. The college is not just a place of learning. It is a community. It is inspired by the vision of Saint John Bosco. The college aims to empower every student. They achieve their full potential.