Students and staff members at St Anthony’s Catholic Primary School welcomed the Rt Hon Bridget Phillipson MP, Secretary of State for Education, and Liam Conlon, MP for Beckenham and Penge, for an official visit on 6 October.
The visitors met with Headteacher Danielle Gayle and Executive Headteacher Jonathan Sims to discuss the school’s achievements, community engagement, and ongoing commitment to providing high-quality Catholic education within the borough of Bromley, touring government-funded construction works for the creation of a new nursery. St Anthony's is part of the St Oscar Romero Catholic Academy Trust, within the Archdiocese of Southwark.
They toured classrooms, spoke with pupils and staff, and heard first-hand about the innovative approaches being taken at the school and across the multi-academy trust to enhance teaching and learning as well as support offered for families.
Ms Gayle said: “The visit was a wonderful opportunity to showcase the vibrant spirit, strong values, and deep sense of community that define our school.
"Our pupils and staff were immensely proud to demonstrate the love, faith, and commitment that underpin everything we do at St Anthony’s. We were especially proud of our leaders – our Head Boy, Head Girl, and their Deputies – who showed remarkable confidence and maturity as they posed thoughtful questions to the Secretary of State and shared inspiring reflections on their own journeys into leadership.
"It was a memorable and uplifting day that brought a great sense of pride to the entire St Anthony’s family – one we will cherish for many years to come.”
Mr Sims said: “We are absolutely delighted that St Anthony’s has been selected as one of the first schools in the country to receive this funding. This investment will make a huge difference for local families — supporting children’s early learning, helping with the cost of living, and ensuring that more children start school confident and ready to thrive.”
Clare Verga, Interim Chief Executive Officer of the multi-academy trust, said: "We were honoured to be able to showcase our wonderful school, which included a visit to our extended school-based year-round nursery provision, due to open in 2026. This is in line with the government’s plans to support working parents and provide children with a seamless transition into their primary education. We are delighted our guests commended the building project and they also enjoyed the students’ rendition of St Anthony’s school song to close the visit”.
The visit highlighted the strong partnership between local schools, the Diocese, and the Department for Education in ensuring that every child receives the best possible start in life.
Find out more about Catholic education in the Archdiocese of Southwark
