The
London Oratory School is a
Roman CatholicThe Catholic Church, also known as the Roman Catholic Church, is the world's largest Christian church. With more than a billion members, over half of all Christians and more than one-sixth of the world's population, the Catholic Church is a communion of the Western, or Latin Rite Church, and...
,
voluntary aidedA voluntary aided school is a state-funded school in England and Wales in which a foundation or trust contributes to building costs and has a substantial influence in the running of the school.- History :...
,
comprehensiveA comprehensive school is a state school that does not select its intake on the basis of academic achievement or aptitude. The term is commonly used in relation to the United Kingdom, where comprehensive schools were introduced in the late 1940s to the early 1970s. It corresponds broadly to the...
secondary schoolSecondary school is a term used to describe an educational institution where the final stage of compulsory schooling, known as secondary education, takes place. It follows on from elementary or primary education....
in
FulhamFulham is an area of west London in the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham, located south west of Charing Cross. It is situated in between Putney and Chelsea...
,
London[]London is the capital of England and the United Kingdom. It has been a major settlement for two millennia, and the history of London goes back to its founding by the Romans, when it was named Londinium. London's core, the ancient City of London, the 'square mile', retains its medieval boundaries...
. The Headmaster is David McFadden.
Introduction
The London Oratory School aims to assist parents in fulfilling their obligation to educate their children in accordance with the principles and teachings of the Roman Catholic Church. The School admits 160 boys to the first-form strictly without reference to ability. The School educates boys in the age range of 7-16 and boys and girls in the age range 16-18 (the sixth form). There are around 1350 pupils including about 350 in the
sixth formThe sixth form , in the English, Welsh and Northern Irish education systems, Commonwealth West Indian countries such as Barbados, Belize, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago, and Malta is the final two years of secondary schooling when students are sixteen to eighteen years of age and normally prepare...
. The proportion of
minority ethnicA minority is a sociological group that does not constitute a politically dominant voting majority of the total population of a given society. A sociological minority is not necessarily a numerical minority — it may include any group that is subnormal with respect to a dominant group in terms of...
students is much higher than in most schools, with over 50 first languages represented. The School shares its religious and cultural identity with the Congregation of the Oratory who founded the School and are its trustees. The close connection with the Brompton Oratory helps ensure its strong links with the Catholic community.
The
Good Schools Guide said that there is "Much that is excellent but also much potential for building this school – in bricks and mortar terms as well as educationally and spiritually. Destined for stardom."
The school, where over a third of its pupils study a musical instrument, is especially noted for its high standards in music and its internationally renowned boys' choir. The Ofsted report published in 2006 states that "provision for music throughout the school is outstanding and the specialist music course enables talented students to achieve excellent standards."
History
Founded in 1852 by the
London OratoryThe London Oratory is a Catholic oratory, a community of lay-brothers and the name given to the London Congregation of the Oratory of Saint Philip Neri...
Fathers, the school was first situated in King William Street in the
City of LondonThe City of London is a small area within Greater London, England. It is the historic core of London around which the modern conurbation grew and has held city status since time immemorial. The City’s boundaries have remained almost unchanged since the Middle Ages, and it is now only a tiny part of...
. In 1856 two parochial schools were opened in
ChelseaChelsea is an area of south-west London, England, bounded to the south by the River Thames, where its frontage runs from Chelsea Bridge along the Chelsea Embankment, Cheyne Walk, Lots Road and Chelsea Harbour. Its eastern boundary was once defined by the River Westbourne, which is now in a pipe...
, West London. In 1863, a boys school was started in Chelsea, at the request of Cardinal Wiseman, and in 1870 a school for girls staffed by the
Daughters of the CrossDaughters of the Cross is a religious congregation of the Catholic Church founded in Liège in 1833. The foundress, Mère Marie Therese , sent her Sisters over to England in 1863. Its formal title is The Congregation of the Daughters of the Cross of Liège.Daughters of the Cross is constituted as a...
. The schools were fee paying until 1912 when they were amalgamated as Central Schools on a site in Stewart's Grove, Chelsea. In 1962 the Daughters of the Cross were withdrawn and, in 1963, the school became an all boys, four-form entry school
The school moved to its present site in Seagrave Road,
FulhamFulham is an area of west London in the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham, located south west of Charing Cross. It is situated in between Putney and Chelsea...
, West London in 1970. It became an all ability school for boys from 11+, admitting 180 boys in the first year. Girls are admitted in the sixth form. In September 1996, a Junior House was opened which admits 20 boys for a specialist musical education with an emphasis on Catholic liturgical music. Also opened in 1996, the Arts Centre (renamed as the '
John McIntoshJohn McIntosh, OBE, MA, FRSA, HonFCP, HonFASC was Headmaster of The London Oratory School for 29 years until his retirement on 31 December 2006.He was educated at Ebury School, Shoreditch College and Sussex University...
Arts Centre' in December 2006, in honour of the recently retired Headmaster) provides music and art facilities for the pupils. In 1998 the school became a
voluntary aided schoolA voluntary aided school is a state-funded school in England and Wales in which a foundation or trust contributes to building costs and has a substantial influence in the running of the school.- History :...
continuing in the trusteeship of the Fathers of the London Oratory, who own the building and grounds and appoint the majority of the governors, having been a grant maintained school since 1989.
In 1999, John McIntosh, a former headmaster at the school, asked parents to pay a voluntary monthly contribution, following the school's grant maintained status being removed by the Education Department. The changes meant the school had a 250,000 pound deficit. Parents were asked to pay 30 pounds for one child and an extra 15 pounds for a second child. McIntosh considered commercial sponsorship if not enough money was raised.
David McFadden, an Oratory old boy and former Biology teacher at the school, took over as headmaster on 1 January 2007, after the retirement of
John McIntoshJohn McIntosh, OBE, MA, FRSA, HonFCP, HonFASC was Headmaster of The London Oratory School for 29 years until his retirement on 31 December 2006.He was educated at Ebury School, Shoreditch College and Sussex University...
. McIntosh had been at the school for just over 39 years, (29 as headmaster). Mr McFadden was previously headmaster of the Christian Brothers College in
Fremantle, Western AustraliaFremantle is a port city in Western Australia, located southwest of Perth, the state capital, at the mouth of the Swan River on Australia's western coast. It was the first settlement of the Swan River colonists in 1829...
.
Academic standards
The school's most recent
OfstedThe Office for Standards in Education, Children's Services and Skills is the non-ministerial government department of Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Schools In England . All the powers belong to HMCI or to Her Majesty's Inspectors of Schools who are appointed by Order in Council and are thus...
report, published on 23 April 2009, classed the school as
outstanding, the highest possible grade. Separately, the
sixth formThe sixth form , in the English, Welsh and Northern Irish education systems, Commonwealth West Indian countries such as Barbados, Belize, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago, and Malta is the final two years of secondary schooling when students are sixteen to eighteen years of age and normally prepare...
was also assessed as
outstanding. The report said: "The London Oratory School provides an outstanding education in all areas of its provision. This first class education is offered to pupils drawn from across London. Standards are exceptionally high at the end of each key stage, and pupils' performance in external examinations in in the top five percent of schools nationally. The leadership and management of the school are exemplary"
In the 2009 examinations, 94.5% of pupils attained five or more
GCSEThe General Certificate of Secondary Education is an academic qualification awarded in a specified subject, generally taken in a number of subjects by students aged 15–16 in secondary education in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland...
s, Grade C and above, including English and Maths. This compared with a national mean of 46.7%. 86% of pupils secured at least two GCSEs, grade C or above, in the sciences.
Junior House
Twenty seven-year old boys are admitted to the Junior House for a specialist musical education, including instrumental tuition. Some of the boys are admitted as choristers and sing in The Schola. Boys admitted to the Junior House are full members of the school and are expected to continue their education at the school until the age of eighteen.
Pupils are selected on the basis of their musical aptitude and general ability and are required to take part in musical and, in the case of choristers, choral activities arranged outside normal school hours, including weekends and holidays, and to learn at least one musical instrument.
London Oratory School Schola
The
London Oratory School Schola is a notable choir that was established in 1996. The current director of the Schola is
Lee WardLee Ward BMus ARCO is a British organist, conductor and teacher.He first studied the organ with Ian Tracey at Liverpool Anglican Cathedral and was appointed Assistant Organist at Chester Cathedral at eighteen years of age....
.
The Schola sings at the Brompton Oratory, London, every Saturday evening in term time and on major feast days throughout the year, as well as daily in the school's chapel. The choir is unique as it gives Catholic boys aged 7–18) the opportunity of a choral education within the state education system. Such an opportunity is made possible by the close association of the London Oratory School and the Brompton Oratory. The tours abroad at least once a year, and performs in concerts across the UK. To date the choir has visited the USA, France, Italy, Poland, Germany and the Czech republic. The choir is due to tour Ireland, where they will perform a sell out concert with the Irish group
The PriestsThe Priests are a Classical musical group made up of three Roman Catholic priests all from Northern Ireland. Fr Eugene and his brother Fr Martin O'Hagan are originally from the village of Claudy, County Londonderry with the family now residing in the city of Derry whilst Fr David Delargy is from...
in aid of the Irish charity
TrócaireTrócaire is an Irish non governmental organization development agency. The charity is registered in the Republic of Ireland under Irish Charity No. CHY 5883.-Origins:*The Irish word means 'compassion' in English....
.
In addition to liturgical and concert performances, the choir has recorded film soundtracks and audio albums.. The choir is most famous for its contribution to the double-platinum award winning soundtrack to
The Lord of the Rings film trilogyThe Lord of the Rings film trilogy consists of three live action fantasy epic films: The Fellowship of the Ring , The Two Towers and The Return of the King...
. The choir also works extensively for charity, helping raise thousands of pounds for various charities including Macmillan Cancer Support, Save the Children and Sharon Osbourne Colon Cancer Program.
The Patronal Festival
The
Patronal FestivalA patron saint is a saint who is regarded as the intercessor and advocate in heaven of a nation, place, craft, activity, class, or person. Patron saints, because they have already transcended to the metaphysical, are able to intercede effectively for the needs of their special charges...
is the highlight of the School year. Staff and Students assemble in the Brompton Oratory Church to honour the School's Patron, Saint Philip Neri . The School celebrates its
Patronal FestivalA patron saint is a saint who is regarded as the intercessor and advocate in heaven of a nation, place, craft, activity, class, or person. Patron saints, because they have already transcended to the metaphysical, are able to intercede effectively for the needs of their special charges...
with a
Pontifical High MassIn the context of the Tridentine Mass of the Roman Catholic Church, a Pontifical High Mass, also called Solemn Pontifical Mass, is a Solemn or High Mass celebrated by a bishop using certain prescribed ceremonies. The term is also used among Anglo-Catholic Anglicans.-Origins:In the early Church,...
on the feast of Saint Philip Neri, 26th May, or on the nearest Friday that falls in term time. The Mass is followed immediately by the distribution of prizes to Award Winners and the presentation of Ties and Badges of Office are presented to the
Senior PrefectsSenior Prefects are a variant form of prefect taken by students in the British education system.In some British schools the student body or the head teacher appoints a member of the highest grade or form to perform a series of duties to help the organisation of the school. Normally a few select...
. The official handing over of duties from the outgoing
Senior PrefectsSenior Prefects are a variant form of prefect taken by students in the British education system.In some British schools the student body or the head teacher appoints a member of the highest grade or form to perform a series of duties to help the organisation of the school. Normally a few select...
to the incoming
Senior PrefectsSenior Prefects are a variant form of prefect taken by students in the British education system.In some British schools the student body or the head teacher appoints a member of the highest grade or form to perform a series of duties to help the organisation of the school. Normally a few select...
occurs when the
Senior PrefectsSenior Prefects are a variant form of prefect taken by students in the British education system.In some British schools the student body or the head teacher appoints a member of the highest grade or form to perform a series of duties to help the organisation of the school. Normally a few select...
Badges and Ties of Office are issued. All members of Staff traditionally wear full
academic dressAcademic dress or academical dress is a traditional form of clothing for academic settings, primarily tertiary and sometimes secondary education, worn mainly by those that have been admitted to a university degree or hold a status that entitles them to assume them...
(gowns and hoods) on this occasion.
The Principle Celebrant is usually a high ranking official of the Catholic Church. Recent Celebrants have included: The Very Reverend Robert Byrne, Provost of the Oxford Oratory (2009);
The Right Reverend Patrick O’DonoghuePatrick O'Donoghue, was the 5th Bishop of the Diocese of Lancaster in England. Bishop O'Donoghue retired on the 1st May 2009 with a special Mass at St Peters Cathedral Lancaster...
, Bishop Emeritus of Lancaster (2008) ; The Right Reverend Dom Aidan Bellenger, Abbot of Downside (2007) ;
Archbishop Maurice Couve de MurvilleMaurice Noël Léon Couve de Murville was the seventh Roman Catholic Archbishop of Birmingham from 25 March 1982 until his retirement on 12 June 1999, having formerly been a priest of the Diocese of Arundel and Brighton and chaplain of Fisher House, Cambridge.-Early career and priesthood:Maurice...
, Archbishop Emeritus of Birmingham (2006); The Right Reverend Dom Cuthbert Brogan, Abbot of Farnborough (2005) ;
The Right Reverend Bishop Alan HopesAlan Stephen Hopes, is a Roman Catholic Bishop in Great Britain. He currently serves as Auxiliary Bishop of Westminster and titular Bishop of Cuncacestre. He was born in Oxford, England on 14 March 1944....
, Auxiliary Bishop of Westminster (2004); The Right Reverend Bishop George Stack, Auxiliary Bishop of Westminster (2003) ; His Eminence Cormac Cardinal Murphy-O’Connor, Archbishop of Westminster (2002) ;
The Right Reverend Bishop Arthur RocheArthur Roche is an English prelate of the Roman Catholic Church. He is the ninth and current Bishop of Leeds.-Early life and ministry:...
, Bishop of Leeds (2001) ; Bishop Victor Guazzelli, Auxiliary Bishop of Westminster (2000) ; The Abbot of Ampleforth (1999) ; The Catholic Chaplain to Harrow School (1998); the Provost of the London Oratory (1997); the Apostolic Nuncio (1996); His Eminence George Basil Cardinal Hume (1995); Dom Stanislaus Hobbs of St Benedict’s Abbey, Ealing (1994); the Master of St Benet’s Hall, Oxford (1993); and the Provost of the Oxford Oratory (1992). Traditionally the Principle Celebrant also preaches on the life of Saint Philip, although this is not an absolute rule. It is customary, however, for concluding comments to be directed to those pupils leaving the School.
The
Guard of Honour-Military and diplomatic:A ceremonial guard of honour is a military practice to honour the fallen in war, or to honour visiting foreign dignitaries. A guard of honour is also a ceremony for public figures who have died....
is a tradition employed by The London Oratory School for the Principle Celebrant of the Mass. It is customary for the
Combined Cadet ForceThe Combined Cadet Force is a Ministry of Defence sponsored youth organisation in the United Kingdom. Its aim is to "provide a disciplined organisation in a school so that pupils may develop powers of leadership by means of training to promote the qualities of responsibility, self reliance,...
, consisting of the
ArmyAn army An army An army (from Latin armata "armed (things)" via Old French armée, "armed" (feminine), in the broadest sense, is the land-based Military of a nation. It may also include other branches of the military such as the air force via means of aviation corps...
and RAF divisions to perform the Guard of Honour before the Mass as the Principle Celebrant enters the Brompton Oratory Church. The
Schola CantorumThe London Oratory School Schola was established in 1996 and is a choir for catholic boys. The current director of the Schola is Lee Ward. The choir's patrons are HRH Princess Michael of Kent, the barrister Cherie Blair, the actor Simon Callow and the composer James MacMillan .-Directors of the...
and Chamber Choir, directed by
Lee WardLee Ward BMus ARCO is a British organist, conductor and teacher.He first studied the organ with Ian Tracey at Liverpool Anglican Cathedral and was appointed Assistant Organist at Chester Cathedral at eighteen years of age....
provide the beautiful music that enhances the Liturgical Celebration, assisted by The London Oratory Sinfonia.
Awards are offered for many aspects of School life, from the curricular to the extra-curricular life of the School. The Newman Awards are of particular prestige. They are named after Blessed John Henry Cardinal Newman. Newman Awards are awarded to pupils who have made an outstanding contribution to the School and the wider community in terms of participation and service. Recipients of the Newman Award have consistently shown a willingness to serve others and are acknowledges as embodying qualities of leadership, integrity and personal development.
The end of the
Patronal FestivalA patron saint is a saint who is regarded as the intercessor and advocate in heaven of a nation, place, craft, activity, class, or person. Patron saints, because they have already transcended to the metaphysical, are able to intercede effectively for the needs of their special charges...
is traditionally marked with the School and congregation singing the magnificent School Song, “Quam bonum est” . After Mass there is a reception for the Guests,
Senior PrefectsSenior Prefects are a variant form of prefect taken by students in the British education system.In some British schools the student body or the head teacher appoints a member of the highest grade or form to perform a series of duties to help the organisation of the school. Normally a few select...
, Award Winners and their parents in Saint Wilfrid’s Hall, which is adjacent to the Brompton Oratory.
Political interference
In 1999, John McIntosh, the London Oratory School's headteacher at the time and member of a Tory education think tank, was accused of using his position as headteacher to embarrass Labour. In a letter to 1000 boys at the school, he asked parents to contribute at money to cover a deficit in the school's budget that he blamed directly on government policy. This was on the eve of Labour's party conference and McIntosh attracted much criticism.
Alleged abuse inquiry
In 2001, police and social workers investigated child abuse claims against Father David Martin, a former chaplain and governor at the school. Pupils alleged that they were abused by him. Anonymous letters were circulated to Church figures and the media. Numerous people contacted Childline and made specific allegations against Martin.
At least six pupils were alleged to have met with Martin in his rooms at the London Oratory church, which is affiliated with the school. Two boys were said to have expressed fears that they might have contracted the HIV virus from Martin.. The allegations were never proven and no evidence was ever found to support furthering the investigation
Pupil interviews
The governors of a local primary school complained about the admissions procedures at the London Oratory school. It also launched a separate complaint about the "clarity, fairness and objectivity" of the school's approach to over-subscription.
Adjucator Elizabeth Passmore decided to uphold the complaint about the school's interviewing procedures and confirmed that it has breached the new admissions code. The old code allowed the school to interview parents and prospective pupils to assess religious or denominational commitment. The new code says that interviews should not be used in any part of the application or admission process, except in a boarding school for a boarding place.
The London Oratory went to court to continue interviewing parents of prospective pupils. It won a case in 2006.
Terrance Higgins Trust
In November 2007, the London Oratory School dropped the
Terrence Higgins TrustTerrence Higgins Trust is a British charity that campaigns on various issues related to AIDS and HIV. In particular, the charity aims to reduce the spread of HIV and promote good sexual health ; to provide services on a national and local level to people with, affected by, or at risk of...
as the nominated charity for a World Aids Day concert. This was one month before the concert was scheduled to take place. (The Terrence Higgins Trust is a British charity that campaigns on various issues related to AIDS and HIV. It advocates the use of condoms to prevent AIDS and is a lead organisation in the England & Wales gay men's health promotion partnership).
McFadden wrote "The London Oratory school will always want to make sure its charitable fundraising work and its work … are done with organisations whose philosophy, aims and practices support Christian values. As the nominated charity does not meet this criterion it would be inappropriate for the school to financially support this charity from the proceeds of the concert."
McFadden did not explain why the Terrence Higgins Trust was nominated in the first place.
The replacement charity would be Surf, which helped survivors of the Rwandan genocide who had been "deliberately infected" with Aids, he added.
In response, Actor
Simon CallowSimon Phillip Hugh Callow, CBE is an English actor, writer and theatre director.-Early years:Callow was born in Streatham, London, UK, to Yvonne Mary Guise, a secretary, and Neil Francis Callow, a businessman...
threatened to resign as patron of a choir at the school in protest. He was also a patron of the Terrence Higgins Trust.
Notable former Oratorians
- Wayne Andrews
Wayne Michael Hill Andrews is an English footballer of Barbadian heritage who is currently a free agent.-Watford, non-league and Oldham:...
, footballer
- Hayley Atwell
-Background:Atwell was born in London, the only child of Allison, a motivational speaker, and Grant, a massage therapist and shaman. Atwell's mother is English and her father is an American from Kansas City, Missouri and of part Native-American descent. Atwell has dual citizenship of the UK and the...
, actress
- Kathryn Blair
- Euan Blair
Euan Anthony Blair , is the eldest son of Cherie Blair and former British Prime Minister Tony Blair.-Education:...
- Nicholas Blair
- Simon Callow
Simon Phillip Hugh Callow, CBE is an English actor, writer and theatre director.-Early years:Callow was born in Streatham, London, UK, to Yvonne Mary Guise, a secretary, and Neil Francis Callow, a businessman...
, actor
- Johnnie Jackson
John Alec "Johnnie" Jackson is an English footballer currently playing for Notts County. He usually plays as a central midfielder....
, footballer
- Diarmuid O'Neill
Diarmuid O'Neill , was a volunteer in the Provisional Irish Republican Army . O'Neill was killed in London in 1996 during a police raid on the hotel where he and two other IRA volunteers were staying...
, volunteer in the Provisional Irish Republican Army
- Edward Ross, Soprano Soloist for The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
- Joe Sheppard, Played Strange guy from No time for Goodbye
External links