The Parish of St Michael’s, Ashford was founded in 1906 and is part of the Upper Thames Deanery.

The church, designed by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott, was built in 1928. The church, boundary walls and entrance screen were designated a Listed Building of Special Architectural or Historic Interest, Grade II on 23rd March 2016.

Thanks to a generous legacy the church was re-ordered in 2006. It wasconsecrated by Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O’Connor on 19th November 2006.

Saint Michael’s Catholic Primary School was established in 1953. We are a Voluntary Aided Catholic Primary School under the trusteeship of the Diocese of Westminster. We are a two form entry school and teach children from the age of 2 to 11. The school is maintained by the Diocese in partnership with Surrey County Council and serves the parishes of Saint Michael, Ashford and Saint David, Stanwell. Our maintained nursery was established in February 2016. Our vision for the nursery was to provide a gateway to learning for as many children as possible at a younger age. Through opening the nursery we have been able to extend our educational provision to 2, 3 and 4 year old children.

OUR FAITH IS UNIQUE

In Catholic Schools Religious Education is taught as an academic core subject. However, the whole life of a Catholic School has to be an expression in practice of Catholic belief and Catholic tradition. As they grow, the children are encouraged to put their faith into practice in their own lives.

In class, the children help to prepare and participate in masses and assemblies. Not only in the teaching, but also in the daily practice of the faith, our children are helped by the personal example of the staff. In handing on the faith, parents are the first and best teachers. By working together for the children, parents and teachers make this school a place which we can truly say

"OUR FAITH IS UNIQUE"

HOME/SCHOOL/PARISH PARTNERSHIP

We believe that the school alone cannot undertake a child’s religious education. Religious Education begins at home; the parents are the child’s first teachers and support the child with his/her first religious experiences. The school works in partnership with parents and parish to enrich the lives of our children.

We distribute Religious Education newsletters each term to inform parents about the forthcoming topics and notify parents of Masses and liturgies both in the school and the Parish.

Weekly, we send home Gospel Newsletters, creating a new opportunity for the Word to be present in the homes of our school community.

The weekly appearance of Gospel Newsletter in the home is also designed to act as a regular invitation to the Eucharist throughout the time that the family is connected to the life of the school. This is a most excellent way to support school families and a wonderful new way to enhance the Home, School and Parish partnership. 

St. Michael Catholic Primary School & Nursery regularly supports Parish events and fundraising e.g. CAFOD, Catholic Children’s Society, Missio, Manna foodbank, Advent appeals and Lenten appeals as well as many other charities.

LITURGY AND COLLECTIVE WORSHIP

Our Catholic faith is central to day to day life of our school and all aspects of the curriculum, and pupils are encouraged to recognise the importance of their faith and they respond to all forms of liturgy and collective worship with respect and reverence.

We have a rich liturgical life in that the experiences we provide are wide ranging and take place in school, out of school, in Church and the wider community, and engage and involve pupils, parents, staff, governors and the parish.

The Celebration of the Eucharist and prayer are central in our school.

Children attend Mass each half term to celebrate a week day mass with parishioners. In addition, we celebrate School Masses at the beginning and end of term and on other significant occasions.

CATHOLIC SOCIAL TEACHING

Catholic Social Teaching (CST) is based on the belief that God has a plan for creation, a plan to build his kingdom of peace, love and justice. It holds that God has a special place in this story for each of us, whoever we are. Our part in this plan isn’t just limited to things ‘spiritual’, or things we might do on Sundays, but that it involves every aspect of our lives, from the things we pray about, to how we live as responsible global citizens. Our part in this story is a kind-of vocation for the common good, a call to treat everyone as your brothers and sisters and is something that we all share. The 7 main principles of CST are:

DIGNITY

SOLIDARITY

THE COMMON GOOD

THE OPTION FOR THE POOR

PEACE

CARE FOR CREATION

THE DIGNITY OF WORK AND PARTICIPATION

Read more about some of the CST principles at:https://cafod.org.uk/Pray/Catholic-social-teaching and at https://www.caritaswestminster.org.uk/catholic-social-teaching.php