“Where every child is known, heard, seen and loved.”

At St Paul’s Academy, Catholic Life is at the heart of all we do. Every aspect of school life reflects our shared mission to live out the Gospel through prayer, service, and community.

Throughout the year, our students and staff take part in regular liturgies, collective worship, and assemblies linked to the Church’s liturgical calendar. Each gathering offers moments for reflection, prayer, and celebration, helping us to grow in faith together. Weekly staff prayer and our Friday Rosary at 10:40 a.m. are open to all and form a cherished rhythm of our week.

The Peace Garden, with its statue of Our Lady and new planting, provides a tranquil space for prayer and quiet reflection for students and staff alike. It stands as a reminder that faith flourishes in stillness and beauty — a place where our community can pause, breathe, and connect with God.

At St Paul’s Academy, we believe that faith is something to be lived and experienced through action, compassion, and service. Our students are encouraged to put their faith into practice by making a positive difference in the lives of others — in school, at home, and in the wider community.

Throughout the year, our community takes part in a wide range of activities inspired by Catholic Social Teaching and our school mission. From supporting local food banks and care homes to leading fundraising events for global charities, students are at the heart of our outreach.

Our Mini Vinnies, Justice & Peace Group, and Luminaries lead much of this work, promoting kindness, empathy, and courage in living out the Gospel values each day. They organise collections, awareness campaigns, and community visits, helping us to keep Christ’s message of love and service at the centre of school life.

 

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Faith in Action

Faith in Action is a key theme for our students. Whether through our annual Feast Day, Lenten campaigns, or our partnerships with local parishes and charities, every act of service helps build the sense of belonging and purpose that defines St Paul’s.

Our charitable work reflects our belief that small acts of kindness can have a lasting impact. Each term, students and staff come together to support both local and global causes, guided by the principles of Human Dignity, Solidarity, and the Option for the Poor.

Recent and upcoming initiatives include:

• Christmas Card Competition and Printing Project: our students design and produce the school’s official Christmas cards, with the winning entries shared across the Trust and local community.

• Supporting Mary’s Meals: as part of our Advent outreach, we sell Christmas cards on behalf of Mary’s Meals, helping to provide life-changing school meals for children living in poverty around the world.

• Dominican Friars Appeal for Jamaica: led by the Luminaries and Justice & Peace Group, this campaign raises funds to support education and outreach programmes overseas.

• Mini Vinnies Community Outreach: students deliver Christmas cards and messages of hope to residents and parishioners around the school and local parish.

• Primary School Christmas Liturgy: our choir, drama, and dance groups host a joyful and inclusive liturgy for local Year 5 pupils.

• Supermarket Bag Packing for Charity: Year 7 students volunteer their time to support local food bank fundraising.

• Mini Vinnie Bingo and Mentoring: an interactive activity where Year 10 mentors help younger students learn how to become Mini Vinnies and serve their community.

• Global Awareness Partnerships: through our ongoing links with CAFOD and Amnesty International, students learn about justice, human rights, and the importance of standing up for those in need across the world.

Through these initiatives, our students learn that faith is not just spoken — it is lived. They experience the joy of giving, the strength of community, and the deep sense of fulfilment that comes from serving others.