Beneath where The Laurels School stands today, a chapter of history whispers of Virgo Fidelis Convent Senior School. This Roman Catholic school for girls once thrived here. Its story is etched in the very stones around us.
Virgo Fidelis Convent Senior School’s story began with Mother Saint Mary. Henriette le Forestier d’Osseville arrived in the United Kingdom in 1848. Her mission was to establish a school. Cardinal Wiseman supported her vision. Her father, Count Theodose le Forestier d’Osseville, provided the funds. In 1857, she acquired this site.
William Wardell designed the current building. Construction occurred in phases. The gothic style reflected the era. Virgo Fidelis Convent Senior School commenced its mission. The Sisters of Our Lady of Fidelity ran the school. This international Roman Catholic organization had been founded in France in 1831.
But let’s turn our attention to a more challenging period. Sadly, Virgo Fidelis Convent Senior School faced financial pressures. Funds for essential building repairs dwindled. The school closed at the end of the 2021 Summer term. A public consultation revealed the depth of the problem. The buildings were in poor repair and considered unfit for purpose. Pupil numbers had consistently fallen. The school budget was in deficit. The school struggled to deliver a broad and balanced curriculum. Admissions for September 2020 were suspended. Alternative places were offered to incoming Year 7 pupils.
The story of Virgo Fidelis is one of resilience, faith, and ultimately, change. The council worked to redeploy Virgo Fidelis staff. They sought alternative positions in other schools. Though Virgo Fidelis Convent Senior School closed, its legacy lives on.
Now, The Laurels School occupies this space. Established in 2013, The Laurels School relocated here in September 2021. It shares the site with The Cedars School for boys. Both schools use the same sports hall. The Laurels School is academically selective. It maintains a strong Catholic ethos.
Before Virgo Fidelis, this site had its own story. It began as a hunting lodge. In the late 1700s, the Earls of Bristol owned it. It was known as Norwood House. Mary Nesbitt, a notable socialite, resided here. In the early 1800s, it became the “Old Park Hotel”. The site is located at 147 Central Hill, Upper Norwood, London.
Consider Maura McGowan, a former pupil of Virgo Fidelis. She went on to become a High Court judge. Her success is a testament to the school’s impact. Virgo Fidelis Convent Senior School provided education to girls aged 11 to 16. In its final year, 217 pupils were enrolled. 24.6% of pupils were eligible for free school meals.
The story of Virgo Fidelis Convent Senior School reminds us that institutions, like lives, have seasons. Although Virgo Fidelis Convent Senior School is closed, its spirit of learning continues. It persists in the lives it touched.