Headteacher’s Welcome
Welcome to St William’s Catholic Academy, part of the Bishop Hogarth Catholic Education Trust. We are a thriving, faith-filled school community rooted in Gospel values, where every child is known, nurtured and celebrated.
At St William’s, we love and learn together in the light of the Lord. This mission, developed with staff and pupils, is not just a statement — it is a way of life. It is lived out daily through our ST WILLIAM’S acrostic prayer, which guides our behaviour, relationships and aspirations. Our school is a place where Christ is at the centre, and where children grow spiritually, academically and socially in a safe, inclusive and joyful environment.
We are proud to be described by both Ofsted and the CSI as a welcoming, family-centred school where pupils feel safe, respected and valued. Inspectors noted that our pupils behave with maturity, treat each other kindly, and thrive in a culture of high expectations and compassion. One parent beautifully summed up our ethos:
“St William’s is a fantastic school, leading my child through her journey with Christ.”
Our Catholic life and mission are strong and vibrant. Pupils actively lead prayer and liturgy, take part in Mini Vinnies and Faith in Action groups, and engage in charitable work such as supporting food banks and fundraising for CAFOD. Our newly developed outdoor prayer space, created by pupils, is a testament to their ownership of faith and their desire to deepen their spiritual journey.
Academically, our pupils achieve well. Outcomes in reading, writing and mathematics are consistently above national averages, and our curriculum is enriched with real-life experiences that make learning memorable. From running a bakery to exploring the world through literature, our children are confident, capable learners. Reading is a particular strength, with a culture of reading for pleasure embedded across the school.
Our Religious Education is of high quality, with pupils showing enthusiasm, pride and deep engagement. Teachers are skilled, passionate and committed to ensuring every child flourishes. Pupils with SEND are fully included and supported to access the same ambitious curriculum as their peers.
We are proud of our inclusive ethos, where every child is recognised as a unique gift from God. Staff are exceptional role models, and our pastoral care ensures that all children feel safe, supported and loved. As one pupil said:
“Our school is one big family, and everyone knows each other here.”
We work in close partnership with the Parish of Blessed Edmund Duke, and our links with the parish priest and community are central to our mission. Worship is meaningful, regular and child-led, and our pupils understand that prayer is a time to “tell God what is in your heart.”
Our governors and trust leaders are deeply committed to our school’s success. They provide strong support and challenge, ensuring that our Catholic identity and educational standards remain at the heart of everything we do.
Whether you are a prospective parent, visitor or member of our wider community, I warmly invite you to come and experience the joy, warmth and excellence of St William’s for yourself. Please contact our school office to arrange a visit — we would be delighted to welcome you.
Michael Tiplady
Headteacher
