About Us
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
(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"
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
Outstanding Preparation
At St Edmund's we provide a curriculum which is broad and balanced, challenging in its delivery and is based, where possible, on the everyday experiences of the students. At the heart of our curriculum is a strong emphasis on learning and teaching. We want our students to be involved, inspired and curious about the world around them. Our broad and balanced curriculum offers both traditional academic subjects and a range of applied learning courses so that all our students are able to be successful.
Through the personalisation of learning we aim to ensure that the needs of the learners are met, whether that is through academic or vocational courses, clear information, advice and guidance as well as individual mentoring sessions to ensure each individual makes progress.
Stimulating lessons as well as continuity and progression ensure that the learning experience is enjoyable, challenging, engaging and relevant. Our curriculum aims to ensure that students leave us as well-rounded individuals, with all the skills needed to be successful in life and fully prepared for their chosen careers.
"The schools curriculum reflects and supports pupils' interests and aspirations."
Ofsted 2016
A Commitment to Outstanding Individual Care
St Edmund's Catholic School values the quality of care extended to all members of our community. A happy student will make progress, with teachers who understand their needs as individuals and nurture positive relationships.
There is a significant focus on monitoring and evaluating progress, attendance and the emotional well-being of all students. Our aim is to create a supportive family environment where every child feels safe and is challenged to achieved.
The partnership with parents is essential to our work and a key factor in ensuring that students are successful. This forms an important aspect of our personalised transition process.
"The underlying culture of respect and kindness for all underpins every element of pupils' experiences."
Ofsted 2016
About Saint Edmund
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.
