Drawn by an emblem of green let me tell you about St. Aloysius College. It is a Roman Catholic school for boys in Islington. St. Aloysius College has a rich history. It is the oldest surviving foundation of its kind in the Archdiocese of Westminster.
St. Aloysius College’s story began in 1879. The Brothers of Mercy founded it as a private boarding and day school. It was also a grammar school. In 1960 the De La Salle Brothers took control. The college turned comprehensive in 1971. It merged with St. William of York in the 1980s.
The school faced challenges in the 1990s. Academic standards declined. The sixth form closed. However St. Aloysius College reopened its sixth form in 2010. Girls were admitted in small numbers. The school earned Sportsmark and Artsmark awards. It even appeared in a Channel 4 documentary called Undercover Teacher.
Pupils at St. Aloysius College typically take 10 or 11 GCSE subjects. The sixth form collaborates with other local schools. This collaboration is the Islington Sixth Form Consortium. In 2012 students could choose from fourteen AS Level subjects. They could also choose four A2 subjects and several BTEC courses.
Ofsted inspected the school in 2018. St. Aloysius College received a Grade 3 meaning “Requires Improvement”. Leadership and management were rated as ‘good’. Personal development was also rated as ‘good’. In 2022 St. Aloysius College achieved a ‘good’ rating.
In 2019 students protested outside St. Aloysius College. They wanted a review of the dress code for sixth formers. They also wanted an end to compulsory study time. The school agreed to review the dress code. It also ended compulsory study time.
Many notable people attended St. Aloysius College. Actors Ronald Shiner Michael Gambon Peter Sellers Nonso Anozie and Daniel Kaluuya. Footballers Gary Breen and Joe Cole. Writers John Harvey and James Herbert. These are just a few of the college’s famous alumni.
St. Aloysius is the patron saint of Catholic youth and students. He was born in Italy in 1568. Aloysius was from a wealthy family. He wanted to become a missionary. He renounced his title to join the Society of Jesus. Aloysius cared for plague victims. He contracted the plague himself and died at age 23.
History is a key subject at St. Aloysius College. Students explore events and changes. They study the lives of ordinary and extraordinary people. The History Department organizes trips. Year 9 students visit battlefields in France. Students also visit a local synagogue.
A crucifix stands at the front of St. Aloysius College. It marks the 125th anniversary of the college’s founding in 1879. Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O’Connor blessed it in 2004. The figure of Christ was donated by the Consolata Fathers. It followed the closure of their Missionary College.
St. Aloysius College continues to evolve. It adapts to the changing needs of its students. The college remains committed to its mission. It provides a quality education. It fosters a strong sense of community. St. Aloysius College prepares students for success.