Introduction
"The school is honestly the most wonderful place for children to grow up and experience the joy of learning and being part of a huge family"
(Ofsted 2022)
St Edmund's Catholic School was established by the Roman Catholic people of Portsmouth to provide a Christian education for their children within the discipline and traditions of the Catholic Church.
The fundamental aim of the School today is to present a clear Christian philosophy and way of life, providing opportunities in which Christian values may develop. This is reflected in the School motto:
"Caelum Dives Ingredi"
(To enter Heaven enriched)
School Mission Statement
"I can do all things with the help of God who strengthens me."
(Philippians 4:13)
Our Aims
- Encourage spiritual development and understanding of the faith handed down to us by the Church.
- Create an atmosphere of order, discipline and respect.
- Build a family which cares for all its members and where understanding, mutual trust, friendship and collaboration are fostered.
- Enable every pupil to achieve their true potential.
- Maintain standards of excellence in teaching and learning and to provide a broad, balanced and relevant curriculum.
- Improve curiosity, imagination, creativity and a passion for life long learning.
"Outcomes for pupils are outstanding"
Ofsted 2016
A Universal Worshipping Family
"The spiritual and moral life of the school is outstanding"
(Section 48, 2016)
Our Chapel is open to anyone who wishes to use the space for quiet time, personal reflection, as well as an opportunity to talk to our Chaplain.
Our Catholic identity is apparent and universal as it permeates all aspects of our daily school life. A Sacrament is an outward expression or activity that reveals God at work in the ordinary function of everyday life. These Catholic or sacramental expressions are revealed through our Tutor Prayer each morning which helps to focus and prepare us for the day ahead. Our assemblies endeavour to explore and address real life issues in the context of our faith and prayer life. Sacramental Programmes are offered for First Communion and Confirmation. Many students participate in these, both through the school and in connection with their own local parishes.
Retreat days are provided for Year 7, 8 and 10 as well as for the Staff. All of these enable staff and students to take time to grow in appreciation of self, one another, the environment and God. This approach is also fostered across the curriculum and is evident by our Fair Trade status.
St Edmund's is proud of the many charities that we raise money for, both in our local area and overseas.
Whatever the faith background of our students, St Edmund's will ensure that they have the opportunity to explore and develop their spiritual life in a secure and positive environment, where tolerance, mutual respect and learning for one another are some of our guiding principles.
"Students' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is outstanding."
Ofsted Inspection.
About Saint Edmund
"Many pupils are actively involved in the school's chaplaincy"
(Ofsted 2022)
St Edmund was educated at the universities of Oxford and Paris and taught theology at Oxford.He was a man of study and prayer.
In 1233 he was elected Archbishop of Canterbury by Pope Gregory IX. St Edmund appointed as his chancellor Master Richard of Wich, known to us as St Richard of Chichester.
He died in 1240 near Pontigny in Burgundy calling God to witness: “I have sought nothing else but you”. He is buried in the Abbey church of Pontigny where he is known as St Edme.
His feast day is November 16th and here at St Edmund's Catholic School we celebrate the Feast of St Edmund's on this day.
