MARGARET ROPER CATHOLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL in Croydon, Purley

Education Centre Information: Margaret Roper Catholic Primary School:

Establishment Type:Voluntary Aided School
Phase of Education: Primary
Status: Open
Local Authority: Croydon
Boarders: No Boarders
Sixth Form: Does not have a sixth form
Urban/Rural Description: Urban > 10k - less sparse
Special Classes: No Special Classes
Religious Character: Roman Catholic
Diocese: Archdiocese of Southwark
Nursery Provider: No Nursery Classes
Total Pupils: 222
Number of boys: 108
Number of girls: 114
Age Range: 4-11
Gender: Mixed
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Background:

Situated on a hill overlooking Purley town centre, Margaret Roper Catholic Primary School opened in 1963 in building dating from the early 1900s and includes several Grade II listed buildings. Margaret Roper shares its site with St Thomas More secondary school. The grounds house mature trees, several of which are preserved by order. Facilities include a covered swimming pool in the grounds, enabling all children from the age of four to have swimming lessons. Sport and music are strong elements of the curriculum with nine sports and nine instruments offered. The school regularly wins trophies for soccer, netball, cross-country and swimming. A new computer suite and extensions opened in July 2001 and all classes have internet access. French is taught from Year 4 and Latin in Y6. There are class community links and much fundraising for charities, and the children always respond to international disasters. The PTA is very active and supportive. Students from at least five local colleges train at the school and college links are greatly valued. The school places emphasis on spiritual and moral development though academic achievement is also very high. There is emphasis on European connections and every year the top class spends a week in the continent, most recently in The Netherlands. The school was recently one of the first to be awarded the NAACE award for its high quality computer work. The school aims to be a community permeated by faith in Jesus Christ, which recognises, celebrates and raises awareness of the richness of other cultures and faiths. It fosters knowledge, skills and the talents of each child, in order to develop excellence across the whole curriculum. Self-discipline, courtesy, good manners, and, especially, respect, concern and care for others will be greatly valued.