Our History
Shaped by our past, inspired by our mission
On Wednesday, 2nd September 2026, St Mary’s will proudly celebrate its 175th anniversary. As one of the oldest Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Southwark, and among the longest-established state schools in Croydon, this milestone reflects a rich legacy of faith, education, and community service.
Humble Beginnings
St Mary’s School first opened its doors on 2nd September 1851 under the guidance of Fr. Vesque. Situated in the old church presbytery at 8 Broad Green, Croydon (now 247 London Road), the school began modestly, welcoming just eight pupils. Its first headteacher—or Chatelaine—was Mdlle. Rose Hauvelle, a family friend of Fr. Vesque, who travelled from Honfleur, France, to take up the post.
The original premises were described as small and temporary, staffed by a certified teacher, along with one or two uncertified assistants and pupil teachers. Despite its humble beginnings, the school laid the foundations for what would become a long and proud tradition of Catholic education in Croydon.
The school grew rapidly. As Fr. McLaughlin noted in 1938:
"The number of children with which it opened doubled in a week, increased six-fold in a month, and was destined to grow a hundred-fold in time.”
Like many Catholic schools of the time, St Mary’s School initially operated without state recognition or funding. This changed in 1862, and by 1863, with 63 pupils enrolled, the school began receiving government financial support.
Croydon’s Growing Catholic Community
The school’s founding came during a time of great change and challenge. The devastating Irish Famine (1845–1852) led to many Irish families migrating to England, including Croydon. These immigrants contributed significantly to the growth of the local Catholic community, which in turn supported the establishment and growth of institutions like St Mary’s School. Despite facing hardships and prejudice, the Irish community’s faith and resilience became an enduring part of Croydon’s social and cultural fabric.
A New Home
A major milestone came on 3rd July 1864, when St Mary’s moved to a purpose-built school behind the newly constructed Parish Church of Our Lady of Reparation. Located on what is now the present school's Lower Playground, this relocation marked the start of a new chapter in the school’s development.
The school's logbook for that day records:
"The new schoolroom on the chapel ground was opened and blessed by our dear Bishop (Bishop Thomas Grant) at 4.00pm. The children formed a procession with banners and lights and preceded the Bishop and a great number of the congregation. The ceremony was gone through, after which the Bishop addressed a few simple and beautiful words to the children, and at its close he received three hearty cheers from all assembled."
The Sisters of Mercy
In January 1888, the Sisters of Mercy were invited to assume leadership of St Mary's in response to growing concerns about the quality of teaching staff and high levels of pupil absence. The Sisters, already known for their effective school leadership, brought with them a deep commitment to Catholic education, as well as a spirit of structure, compassion, and devotion. Under their care, generations of children thrived—both academically and spiritually.
Sr. Mary Winifred was appointed Headmistress in January 1888, beginning a legacy of dedicated leadership that would span decades. She was succeeded by a number of devoted Sisters, including Sr. Mary Raymond, Sr. Margaret Mary, and Sr. Mary Evangelist. Among the most enduring figures in the school's history were Sr. Mary Dominic, who devoted 40 years to teaching at St Mary's, and Sr. Mary Philomena, who served faithfully for 30 years. Sr. Mary Bega and Sr. Mary Joseph also made lasting contributions, nurturing countless students with care and dedication.
Although the formal leadership of the school ceased in 1955, the influence of the Sisters of Mercy continued. Sr. Mary Attracta and Sr. Mary Dympna remained on staff for several years afterward, remembered fondly as beloved teachers and enduring symbols of the school’s founding spirit.
Faith Through Conflict
During the sisters’ tenure, two world wars left a deep mark on the school community:
-
At the start of World War I, St Mary’s School welcomed Belgian refugee children, offering them safety and education after fleeing the occupation of their country.
-
In World War II, the disruption was far greater. Pupils were evacuated in stages, first to Sussex and some to Cornwall, then to Surrey. Those who remained in Croydon were visited at home by teachers, who continued their education under extraordinary conditions.
As historian Patrick Battell wrote in St Mary’s Church 1862–1993:
"The school remained closed until September 1944 when it reopened, at first with a handful of pupils but numbers increasing week by week. During the V1 and V2 rocket bombardments, daily lessons were often interrupted as staff and pupils took refuge in the air-raid shelters built in the playground. No one kept a record of how many rosaries were prayed in those dark shelters — but it is certain the number was considerable."
This period in the school’s history stands as a powerful testament to the resilience, faith, and dedication of its staff and students.
CLICK HERE for the school's Roll of Honour for WWI & WWII
Expansion in the Modern Era
With the raising of the school leaving age to 15 in 1947, it soon became evident that St Mary’s existing facilities could no longer accommodate the growing number of pupils. In response to this pressing need, the Diocese of Southwark approved the construction of new school buildings adjacent to the parish church on Woburn Road, designated for students aged 11 to 15. Thus, St Mary’s Secondary Modern School was established.
The school opened on its current site in September 1955, with the formal opening held in February 1956, conducted by Bishop Cyril Cowderoy. Mr. Maurice Reaney was appointed as Headteacher—a role he fulfilled with remarkable dedication for 31 years, until his retirement in 1986.
In 1971, now designated as a comprehensive school, St Mary's was renamed St Mary's Catholic High School, marking a new chapter in its history. The following year brought further expansion, coinciding with the nationwide increase in the school leaving age to 16. To accommodate the rising number of students, new teaching blocks were constructed, including one spanning Woburn Road, extending the campus onto the original—by then vacant—1864 school site. This expansion once again linked the school's past with its evolving present, symbolising continuity and growth in the heart of our educational community
(*During the mid-1960s, both the Infant and Junior schools relocated to new premises on Bedford Park and Sydenham Road.)
Looking Ahead
In September 2025, St Mary’s Catholic High School will welcome its 175th intake cohort—an extraordinary milestone in our long and proud history. As we approach our 175th anniversary, we reflect with gratitude and pride on the generations who have shaped our story.
Looking ahead with faith and hope, we remain rooted in our Catholic values, committed to educational excellence, and dedicated to the growth and flourishing of every student in our care. St Mary’s continues to move confidently into the future—shaped by our past, inspired by our mission
