St Richard Reynolds Catholic College

From the ashes of an old girls’ school and then part of Richmond Adult Community College, rises St Richard Reynolds Catholic College. St Richard Reynolds Catholic College stands here as a testament to community perseverance and a touch of irony. Did you know this very site has a history intertwined with education, but not always Catholic education? The location was once home to Twickenham County School for Girls. Later, it became part of Richmond Adult Community College. The land itself holds echoes of generations of learners who walked these grounds before the familiar red brick and modern architecture of St Richard Reynolds graced this spot. St Richard Reynolds Catholic College was born from a community campaign. Local Catholics and others championed the cause, leading to its formal proposal by the Diocese of Westminster and Southwark in 2012. This followed a 2010 election pledge by the local council. The council’s purchase of the site for £8.45 million in 2011 marked a significant step forward. Yet, the path wasn’t without its bumps. A debate sparked about the type of school this should become. A local campaign group, RISC, argued for a community academy. Despite this, the council sided with the dioceses’ vision for a Catholic institution in May 2012. The college is named after St. Richard Reynolds, a Brigittine monk from Syon Abbey, located right here in Twickenham. He was executed in 1535 for refusing the Oath of Supremacy to King Henry VIII. Now, his legacy lives on in this vibrant educational institution. The school proudly carries his name and his motto, “Videte bona Domini,” meaning “See the good things of the Lord.” This motto encourages students to appreciate the gifts God has bestowed upon them and to discover those gifts through their studies and within themselves. It’s quite fitting, wouldn’t you say, that a school named after a martyr who stood up for his beliefs is now a place where young minds are nurtured and encouraged to seek truth and goodness? St Richard Reynolds Catholic College opened its doors in September 2013, a victory for the local Catholic community. Its Ofsted ratings have consistently shone, a testament to the dedication of its staff and students. The college isn’t just bricks and mortar. It represents a community’s unwavering commitment to faith-based education and the enduring legacy of St. Richard Reynolds himself.