Our History
A School Built on Faith, Courage and Community
At St Joan of Arc Catholic Primary School, our history is about much more than the date our buildings were constructed. It is the story of a faith community, inspired by one extraordinary young woman whose courage continues to shape our school today.
Every day our pupils walk through the doors of a school that bears the name of one of the Catholic Church’s most remarkable saints. For more than a century, the parish and school have been places where children have been encouraged to grow in faith, knowledge and service to others.
The Story of St Joan of Arc
St Joan of Arc was born in the small French village of Domremy in 1412. As a young teenager, she believed God was calling her to help the people of France during one of the most difficult periods in the country’s history.
Despite her young age, Joan demonstrated extraordinary courage, determination and faith. At just seventeen years old, she led French troops in a series of important victories during the Hundred Years’ War. Although she was later captured and executed in 1431, her unwavering faith and bravery inspired generations of Christians across the world.
Nearly five hundred years later, on 16 May 1920, Pope Benedict XV canonised Joan, recognising her as a saint of the Catholic Church. Today she is remembered not only as a courageous leader but also as a symbol of faith, hope and service.
The Beginning of Our Parish
The story of our school begins with the parish community of St Joan of Arc in Highbury.
The first Catholic Mass in Highbury was celebrated in 1918 in the Carmelite Chapel on Highbury Park. As the local Catholic community continued to grow, a temporary church was built in Kelross Road and officially opened in October 1920, only a few months after St Joan of Arc had been canonised.
Historical records suggest that this church was believed to be one of the very first churches in the world dedicated to St Joan of Arc following her canonisation. This gives our parish a unique place within the history of the Catholic Church.
Under the leadership of the first parish priest, Father James McCarroll, the parish quickly became the centre of a thriving Catholic community.
monument to the glory of God has been realised in the flourishing parish we have in Highbury today.
Growing Together
Throughout the 1920s and 1930s the parish continued to expand. After the Second World War, Highbury welcomed many new families, particularly from Ireland and Italy, who came to London to work and build new lives.
As the Catholic population increased, so too did the need for a larger church and a school where children could receive an education rooted in the Gospel.
Plans for a new church and school were approved in 1959. Construction began the following year and the foundation stone for the present church was laid by Cardinal William Godfrey on St Joan of Arc’s feast day, 30 May 1961.
The new church was officially opened in September 1962.
On 23 September 2012 we celebrated the golden jubilee of the present church, with the Archbishop of Westminster Vincent Nichols presiding at this important community occasion. The vision of the priests and parishioners who worked so hard to establish this
The Story of Our School
Although our current buildings date from the early 1960s, the school itself has earlier roots.
Historical records show that St Joan of Arc School first operated as a wartime emergency school in Highbury before later becoming associated with Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Primary School during the late 1940s.
On 2 September 1963, pupils moved into the purpose-built school on Northolme Road that continues to serve our community today.
Since then, generations of children have learnt, prayed and grown together within these walls.
Over the decades the school has continued to develop to meet the changing needs of pupils while remaining true to the vision of those who first established it: providing an outstanding Catholic education centred on faith, excellence and service.
A Living Partnership
Today, St Joan of Arc Catholic Primary School continues to work closely with St Joan of Arc Church and serves families from three parish communities:
- St Joan of Arc, Highbury
- St Thomas More, Manor House
- Our Lady of Good Counsel, Stoke Newington
Our pupils regularly celebrate Mass in church, take part in parish events and live out their faith through prayer, worship and service.
This close relationship between parish and school remains at the heart of everything we do.
Our House Saints and Values
Our four school houses reflect key moments in the life and legacy of St Joan of Arc.
Together these houses encourage every child to live out the values of Love, Service, Courage and Respect each day.
Domremy
reminds us of Joan’s family, childhood and the importance of love.
Fleur de Lys
represents service, recalling Joan’s commitment to serving others with courage and humility.
Rouen
symbolises bravery, remembering Joan’s steadfast faith even during the greatest challenges.
Benedict
celebrates the canonisation of St Joan of Arc by Pope Benedict XV in 1920, recognising the Church’s acknowledgement of her holiness.
Our Mission Continues
More than one hundred years after the parish was established, St Joan of Arc Catholic Primary School remains a vibrant learning community where every child is known, valued and encouraged to flourish.
While much has changed since the first Mass was celebrated in Highbury in 1918, our mission remains the same: to nurture young people who are inspired by the example of St Joan of Arc and who seek to make a positive difference in the world.
Every pupil who joins our school becomes part of a story that began over a century ago—a story of faith, courage, service and hope that continues to be written every day.