Didn’t a spirit once watch over this place? That’s right. We’re at St Michael’s Catholic College. It is more than just a school. It is a place with a past and a promising future.
St Michael’s Catholic College was built in 1960. It was established as a diocesan school. This was to manage the growing student population in London. The school’s patron saint is St Michael the Archangel. Interestingly St Michael is not a person but a spirit. A statue of St Michael once stood here. It greeted visitors at the building’s front. Sadly it fell into disrepair and had to be removed.
In September 2010 St Michael’s School became St Michael’s College. The evolution continued. September 2011 marked the start of the Sixth Form College. By November 2012 St Michael’s became an Academy. St Michael’s Catholic College specialises in business and enterprise. It also focuses on modern foreign languages. The college caters to students aged 11 to 18.
The college underwent rebuilding in January 2011. This was part of the Building Schools for Future BSF program. In September 2018 a new teaching block opened. This allowed St Michael’s Catholic College to expand. It aimed for a maximum capacity of 1050 students by 2023.
St Michael’s Catholic College has a strong academic record. In 2014 its examination results exceeded the national average. Ofsted rated the college as outstanding in both 2011 and 2013.
The college embraces its Catholic identity. St Michael’s aims to be distinctive and effective. It provides high quality spiritual development. Faith formation is underpinned by Gospel values. The Salesian values of respect understanding affection and humour are central.
St Michael’s Catholic College operates a house system. Six houses foster community and competition. These houses are named after significant religious figures. They are Saint John Bosco Saint Mary Mazzerello Saint Dominic Savio. Also Blessed Laura Vicuña Blessed Michael Rua and Blessed Alexandria Da Costa. Each house competes for house points.
The college strives for academic excellence. It fosters confidence and a love of learning. St Michael’s encourages students to reach their full potential. The curriculum is broad and balanced. It challenges students academically and enriches them culturally. It also develops them morally and spiritually.
St Michael’s is more than bricks and mortar. It is a place where students grow. They mature into responsible adults. Learning happens within a Catholic community. Religion reason and kindness are at the heart of its ethos.
St Michael’s College is a successful and caring college. It provides high standards of teaching. The college offers pastoral support and enrichment activities. It embraces spiritual values. These include serving others tolerance fairness and forgiveness.
Remember Bejay Mulenga MBE a former student. He is an entrepreneur creative consultant and public speaker. St Michael’s Catholic College helps to shape future leaders.
So as we leave St Michael’s Catholic College remember its history. It started as a diocesan school. It evolved into an academy. The college continues to uphold its values. St Michael’s remains a beacon of learning and faith.