St Francis of Assisi Catholic Academy Trust News Feed - Trust News

Easter Blessings and New Beginnings

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 14:08:32 GMT

May this season of hope and renewal bring peace, happiness, and new beginnings to all our pupils, families, and staff across St Francis of Assisi Catholic Academy Trust.

Young Entrepreneurs Shine at Charity Marketplace at St Joseph’s (Bishop’s Stortford)

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 13:11:59 GMT

The school hall of St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School in Bishop’s Stortford, part of St Francis of Assisi Catholic Academy Trust, was transformed into a lively marketplace. Pupils enthusiastically sold their handmade products and organised fun games to attract young shoppers — their fellow pupils.

Enrichment Opportunity at St Paul’s with a Visit to the British Museum

Tue, 17 Mar 2026 11:51:17 GMT

A group of Year 1 pupils from St Paul’s Catholic Primary School in Cheshunt recently visited the British Museum for their annual school trip, accompanied by their teachers and parent volunteers. The visit was designed to enrich pupils’ understanding of their History topic ‘Toys from the Past’, through first-hand experiences and object-based learning.

Pupils Across the Trust Explore Curiosity During British Science Week 2026

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 15:16:47 GMT

Schools across the Trust enjoyed a fantastic week celebrating British Science Week 2026, inspired by this year’s theme: ‘Curiosity — What’s Your Question?’. The Science Week was held from 9 to 13 March.

Chaplaincy Teams Gather for Year of St Francis Mass

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 09:26:27 GMT

Over 100 Chaplaincy team members and pupils across from the St Francis of Assisi Catholic Academy Trust gathered on 11 March 2026 to attend the Year of St Francis Mass, celebrating the start of the Year of St Francis.

Young Author Zanna Inspires Over a Thousand Pupils Across the Trust

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 14:28:11 GMT

Invited by St Francis of Assisi Catholic Academy Trust, Zanna, a young Year 5 author studying at St Paul’s Catholic Primary School in Cheshunt, one of the Trust’s schools, recently visited all Trust schools to share her writing journey with more than a thousand pupils.

Schools across the Trust Celebrate World Book Day

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 08:55:22 GMT

Pupils and staff across the Trust celebrated World Book Day yesterday with a range of fun and inspiring activities that promoted a love of reading.

St Joseph’s (Hertford) Officially Opens New School Library ‘The Book Nook’

Wed, 4 Mar 2026 15:06:36 GMT

On 2 March, St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School in Hertford proudly celebrated the official opening and blessing of its brand-new school library, ‘The Book Nook’.

A reflection from St Mary's Headteacher after Attending the Reception of Installation and Pontifical Mass

Mon, 2 Mar 2026 10:29:51 GMT

Deirdre McHugh, Headteacher of St Mary's Catholic School in Bishop's Stortford, recently shared her reflections about attending the Reception of Installation and Pontifical Mass of The Most Reverend Richard Moth.

Archbishop Moth Installed as Archbishop of Westminster

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 11:41:57 GMT

The Most Reverend Richard Moth was today installed as the Twelfth Archbishop of Westminster during a Mass of Installation at Westminster Cathedral on 14 February 2026.

Author Visit Inspires Pupils at St Joseph’s (Bishop’s Stortford)

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 11:28:08 GMT

St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School in Bishop’s Stortford recently welcomed author Natalie Newman for a special visit.

Siblings at St Mary’s Win Cross Country Gold

Fri, 13 Feb 2026 09:03:28 GMT

Two siblings from St Mary’s Catholic School in Bishop’s Stortford have won gold medals at the recent Hertfordshire Schools Cross Country Championships held in St Albans.

Pupils Step Back in Time with Ancient Egyptian Day

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 09:02:41 GMT

Year 3/4 pupils at St Thomas of Canterbury in Puckeridge recently enjoyed an exciting Egyptian Workshop Day led by the organisation History Off the Page.

Year of St Francis: A Time of Reflection and Celebration

Wed, 11 Feb 2026 08:54:11 GMT

Pope Leo XIV has recently proclaimed a special “Year of St Francis” (Jubilee Year) to mark the 800th anniversary of the saint’s death (1226–2026). The jubilee honours his legacy of peace, poverty and care for creation, and offers plenary indulgences for pilgrims who visit Franciscan churches. A range of related events, including the display of his relics, will also be held, encouraging the faithful to imitate the “Poor Man of Assisi” in a world marked by division and conflict. The Year of St Francis will run from 10 January 2026 to 10 January 2027. Throughout the year The St Francis of Assisi Catholic Academy Trust will have a series of events to celebrate, bringing together its schools and communities to honour his spirit and mission.

Racial Justice Learning at St Joseph’s (Waltham Cross)

Fri, 6 Feb 2026 14:28:55 GMT

St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School in Waltham Cross recently presented a learning activity titled “Racial Justice Sunday”, centred on the theme of “Whoever loves God must also love his brother and sister”.

Art Week Inspires Creativity at St Joseph’s (Waltham Cross)

Fri, 30 Jan 2026 14:40:29 GMT

St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School in Waltham Cross recently held a vibrant Art Week, giving pupils across the school the opportunity to develop and apply a wide range of artistic skills.

Trust Primary Pupils Perform at Young Voices 2026

Tue, 27 Jan 2026 13:21:49 GMT

Pupils from primary schools within St Francis of Assisi Catholic Academy Trust joined thousands of children from across the country to take part in “Young Voices” at The O2, London.

New Art Installations Brighten St Joseph’s (Bishop’s Stortford)

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 11:01:59 GMT

The pupils and staff at St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School (Bishop’s Stortford) have expressed their sincere gratitude to the Governing Body for funding a series of new art installations across the school.

St Paul’s Pupils Shine in Radio Maria Competition

Fri, 16 Jan 2026 12:44:52 GMT

Students from St Paul’s Catholic Primary School in Cheshunt performed exceptionally well in the Radio Maria England 2025 “Young Broadcasters” and “Young Herald” national school competitions, held in December, showcasing outstanding creativity, faith, and confident communication. Their achievements have brought great pride to our school community.

St Mary’s Student Celebrates Strong Performance at U17 Women’s Indoor Pentathlon

Tue, 20 Jan 2026 14:32:06 GMT

St Mary’s Catholic School in Bishop’s Stortford is pleased to share and celebrate an exceptional sporting achievement by its Year 9 student, Gbemisola, who delivered an outstanding performance at a highly competitive indoor athletics event.

250 staff gather for Trust's biggest training day yet Behaviour strategies, SEN support, and curriculum leadership take centre stage at annual training day, January 2026

Tue, 20 Jan 2026 14:36:21 GMT

Teachers and teaching assistants from across the St Francis of Assisi Catholic Academy Trust came together at St Mary's Catholic School for the annual conference — this year expanded for the first time to include a dedicated programme for teaching assistants.

Season’s Greetings from St Francis of Assisi Catholic Academy Trust

Thu, 8 Jan 2026 14:11:10 GMT

St Francis of Assisi Catholic Academy Trust wishes everyone the peace and joy of Christ during this blessed season.

All Trust schools will be closed for the Christmas holidays and will reopen after the break.

May God’s peace and joy be with you and your loved ones this Christmas and throughout the New Year.

Nine Schools United in Song at the St Francis Trust Annual Carol Service

Thu, 8 Jan 2026 14:09:44 GMT

All nine schools came together to take part in our annual Trust Carol Service, held at St Augustine's Church. Each school contributed an individual carol, and we also enjoyed singing together as a Trust, alongside the wider congregation. Parents were warmly invited to attend, making the occasion a truly shared celebration.

How Data and Adaptive Teaching Are Transforming SEND Provision Across Our Trust Schools

Tue, 16 Dec 2025 09:54:39 GMT

The article "How data and adaptive teaching for SEND are making a difference at our trust schools", written by Emma Overett, SEND Executive Lead at St Francis of Assisi Catholic Academy Trust, explores how the Trust has transformed its SEND provision.

St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School (Bishop’s Stortford) Celebrates Outstanding Success in Catholic Schools Inspection

Thu, 8 Jan 2026 14:11:56 GMT

St Joseph's Catholic Primary School has achieved an overall grading of Outstanding with eight 'outstanding' out of nine possible ratings when Catholic Schools Inspectorate assessors visited the school in late November.

Bishop Paul Leads 130th Anniversary and Feast of the Immaculate Conception Mass at St Mary’s Catholic School

Thu, 8 Jan 2026 14:12:23 GMT

The school community of St Mary’s Catholic School in Bishop’s Stortford came together in a spirit of gratitude and celebration yesterday as the school marked both the 130^th anniversary year of the school and the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. The whole-school Mass, led by Bishop Paul, was a deeply moving and memorable occasion—one that highlighted the unity, faith, and vibrant spirit that define our school.

St Mary’s Catholic School Celebrates Successful Inter-House Activities

Tue, 2 Dec 2025 16:44:56 GMT

St Mary’s Catholic School recently celebrated a successful series of Inter-House activities, including Girls’ Football, Boys’ Rugby, and the annual Cross Country Competition. Students from Years 7 to 11 demonstrated impressive energy, teamwork, and House spirit across all events, creating a vibrant and supportive atmosphere.

Trust Development — Message from the CEO

Fri, 21 Nov 2025 15:02:28 GMT

This week Cardinal Vincent Nichols contacted all schools within the Westminster diocese with news about the future development of the Academy Trust model that began ten years ago and for us almost five years ago. The success of the approach has brought about collaboration and support that has strengthened and sustained the development of Catholic education. across the Diocese.

Young Author Donates Published Books to Inspire Pupils Across the Trust

Fri, 21 Nov 2025 10:21:37 GMT

A gifted Year 5 pupil from St Paul’s Catholic Primary School in Cheshunt is donating copies of two children’s books she has written and published, hoping to inspire pupils across the schools of St Francis of Assisi Catholic Academy Trust to enjoy reading, creativity, and early STEM learning.

Lego Workshop Inspires Young Builders at St Thomas of Canterbury

Fri, 21 Nov 2025 10:20:57 GMT

Pupils from Year 1 to 6 at St Thomas of Canterbury Catholic Primary School in Puckeridge enjoyed an exciting Lego workshop packed with creative challenges and hands-on learning.

Trust Schools Commemorate Remembrance Day

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 14:45:20 GMT

Nine schools across St Francis of Assisi Catholic Academy Trust observed Remembrance Day through a range of services and activities held within their school communities. Each school marked the occasion in a meaningful and reflective way, helping pupils to understand the importance of remembering those who have served and sacrificed.

Celebrating the Jubilee of Education in Rome

Fri, 7 Nov 2025 11:41:30 GMT

From 27^th October to 1^st November 2025, the Jubilee of Education took place in Rome, bringing together Catholic educators from around the world. As part of this significant event, Pope Leo XIV launched an important new document on Catholic education – an Apostolic Letter titled “Drawing New Maps of Hope”.

Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School Celebrates Cultural Diversity and Outdoor Learning

Fri, 24 Oct 2025 16:09:59 GMT

Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School in Ware recently celebrated a vibrant and enriching mid-October, bringing together pupils, parents, and staff through cultural learning and joyful outdoor play.

Six Catholic Schools set to Join St Francis of Assisi Catholic Academy Trust

Fri, 19 Dec 2025 11:51:06 GMT

We are pleased to confirm that six Catholic schools in the Enfield Deanery are applying to join the Trust in a significant expansion that will strengthen Catholic education provision across Hertfordshire and North London.

Trust Members Take Part in Jubilee Pilgrimage Walks in Westminster

Fri, 24 Oct 2025 18:55:20 GMT

St Francis of Assisi Catholic Academy Trust took part in two Jubilee Pilgrimage Walk organised by the Diocese of Westminster Education Service on 10^th and 17^th October 2025 – one for Headteachers, and another for staff members under the Trust. Both groups followed the same pilgrimage route.

Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School Awarded Primary Science Quality Mark

Mon, 20 Oct 2025 12:45:41 GMT

Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School in Ware is proud to announce that it is one of 310 schools awarded the Primary Science Quality Mark in October 2025. The nationally recognised accreditation celebrates schools’ commitment to developing excellence in science leadership, curriculum design, teaching, and learning.

St Joseph’s (Hertford) Wins Overall Prize in 2025 Children’s Art Competition

Fri, 24 Oct 2025 14:03:16 GMT

St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School (Hertford), part of the St Francis of Assisi Catholic Academy Trust, has been awarded “The Overall Winning School” in the 2025 Children’s Art Competition, receiving a £500 prize in recognition of pupils’ outstanding artistic achievements.

Celebrating the Feast of St Francis Across Our Trust Schools

Fri, 3 Oct 2025 21:03:51 GMT

Today, schools across the Trust celebrated the Feast of St Francis of Assisi, our Trust Patron Saint, with liturgies, reflections and creative activities in their own communities.

Chaplaincy Team across the Trust joined together for Reflection

Fri, 3 Oct 2025 13:43:12 GMT

Nearly 90 Chaplaincy members from the nine Trust schools gathered this morning for a time of reflection on the values of St Francis, in preparation for his Feast Day.

Mayor of Broxbourne visited St Paul’s Catholic Primary School

Thu, 25 Sep 2025 12:24:28 GMT

Councillor Patsy Spears, the Mayor of Broxbourne, recently visited St Paul’s Catholic Nursery and Primary School, Chestnut on 20^th September for its Open Morning for newly perspective Early Year pupils and their parents.

St Mary’s to Host Open Evening on Wednesday

Tue, 23 Sep 2025 11:15:24 GMT

St Mary’s Catholic School will host its Open Evening on Wednesday 24 September 2025.

St Paul’s History and Geographic Week Helps Pupils Explore the Local Area

Tue, 23 Sep 2025 09:26:57 GMT

St Paul’s Catholic Primary School in Cheshunt, part of the St Francis of Assisi Catholic Academy Trust, launched its first whole-school Geography and History Week to inspire pupils to explore the rich history and geography of their local community.

Education Sunday 2025 – “The Son of Man must be lifted up”

Tue, 23 Sep 2025 09:27:25 GMT

This year, Education Sunday will be celebrated on the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, with the theme taken from the Gospel reading of John 3:13 – 17: “The Son of Man must be lifted up.”

Back to School, a New Journey Begins

Tue, 23 Sep 2025 09:29:10 GMT

The nine Catholic School of the St Francis of Assisi Catholic Academy Trust have resumed classes in recent days. The Trust warmly welcomes all new students and their families, especially those joining Reception, Year 7 and Six Form, who are entering an exciting new stage of their learning journey.

St Mary’s Catholic School Celebrates GCSE Success

Tue, 23 Sep 2025 09:29:42 GMT

Students at St Mary’s Catholic School have shown remarkable determination and commitment in achieving the GCSE results they deserve this summer. There were heartwarming scenes of joy, relief, and celebration as students opened their envelopes and shared their success with parents, teachers, and friends.

St Mary’s Catholic School Students Celebrate Success in A Level Results

Tue, 23 Sep 2025 09:37:32 GMT

Year 13 students at St Mary’s Catholic School achieved excellent results in their A levels and KS5 qualifications, which saw them able to take up offers from top universities, apprenticeships and employment.

Warm Summer Wishes to Our Trust’s Family

Fri, 18 Jul 2025 13:34:35 GMT

As the school holidays begin, we would like to wish all our pupils, families, and communities a wonderful summer filled with joy, rest, and happy memories. Thank you for being such an important part of our Trust, your support means so much to us, and we look forward to welcoming everyone back in the new school year.

Trust Pupils Come Together for Sacramental Celebration

Tue, 23 Sep 2025 10:48:35 GMT

Over 170 pupils from across the nine schools within the Trust came together on 2^nd July 2025 for a joyful and reverent Sacramental Gathering at St Augustine’s Catholic Church in Hoddesdon. The event was a special celebration of the children who recently received the Sacraments of First Holy Communion and Confirmation.

St Francis of Assisi Catholic Academy Trust Welcomes St Paul’s Catholic Primary School

Tue, 23 Sep 2025 10:51:15 GMT

The St Francis of Assisi Catholic Academy Trust is delighted to announce that St Paul’s Catholic Primary School has officially joined the Trust as its newest member on 1^st July 2025. Located in Cheshunt and established in 1972, St Paul’s Catholic Primary School provides education for children from Nursery to Year 6. It becomes the ninth Catholic school to be part of the Trust family.

Trust Schools Join Festival of Hope at Westminster Cathedral

Tue, 23 Sep 2025 10:53:46 GMT

Representatives from all of our Trust schools gathered at the magnificent Westminster Cathedral in London to take part in the Festival of Hope liturgy, a joyful and uplifting celebration that brought together schools from across the Diocese to mark this Jubilee Year as “Pilgrims of Hope”. The event took place on 24^th June 2025.