“God is at the centre of everything”. That’s the first thing you need to know about St Philomena’s Primary School.
St Philomena’s Primary School is more than just a school. It is a community. It is a place where faith and learning go hand in hand. The school is located in St Mary Cray near Orpington. This is on the outskirts of London.
St Philomena’s is a Catholic school. It welcomes just over 200 children. The school prides itself on being a happy and caring place. Every child can reach their full potential here. They can make the most of their God-given gifts.
The dedicated staff and governors work closely together. They ensure the children are respected. They help children feel valued and secure in their Christian community.
At St Philomena’s, the love of God is shared every day. It is shared in everything they learn, do, and say. The school follows the teachings of Jesus. St Philomena’s promotes Catholic values. They work together with children, families, and the parish.
The school inspires children to fulfill their potential. It enriches learning opportunities. St Philomena’s fosters self-esteem and pride. They celebrate the achievements of all children. The school instills a lifelong love of learning. It empowers children to participate fully in society. They embrace their personal responsibility to care for our world.
Faith in God is a key theme here. God is part of their daily lives. The pupils seek guidance and reassurance from God. They trust that God will look after them. They know God loves them no matter what.
Another key theme is work and achieve. The children strive for excellence. They grow to be good people. They take care of their environment. They know God is walking beside them.
Belief in themselves is another important theme. They love and trust themselves. They try their best always. They believe anything is possible. The pupils are confident and positive. They praise and encourage each other. They have the courage to manage challenges. They look for gifts and talents in everyone.
The final key theme is love for each other. They are fully part of God’s wider family. They follow Christ’s example. They love everyone no matter their colour or creed. They treat others as themselves. They are caring and respectful of everyone. They show compassion and forgiveness. They look out for each other.
St Philomena’s became an academy converter on 1 October 2014. Miss Veronica Maher is the Headteacher. The school has a capacity of 208 pupils. As of January 2025, there were 208 pupils enrolled.
Approximately 16.3% of the pupils are eligible for free school meals. This indicates a low level compared to nearby schools. A significant proportion of pupils are from ethnic minority backgrounds at 68.4%.
St Philomena’s Primary School is more than just bricks and mortar. It’s a place where children grow in faith and knowledge. It is a place where they learn to love God and each other. This caring community shapes the future, one child at a time.