Catholic all-age academy launched

The school replaces two others on the site

The first Catholic state-funded academy to cater for children right through from the age of three to 16 is being formally opened in south London.

St Matthew Academy in Blackheath opened its doors to pupils last September, after replacing two existing schools on the site.

It is independent but receives state funding and is sponsored by the Catholic Diocese of Southwark.

Its £38m building is on the short list for an architectural award.

The academy specialises is business and enterprise and the sponsors say its motto, Let Your Light Shine, encapsulates the school's belief in the uniqueness of each student and its mission to encourage and develop each child's talents and strengths.

Stability

It is one of only a handful of "all through" state schools and replaces St Joseph's Boys and Our Lady of Lourdes Primary schools on the same site.

The academy's principal, Monica Cross, said: "We are immensely proud of our stunning new building with its 21st Century facilities.

"It allows students of all school ages to remain under one roof, offering stability, continuity and unique opportunities to all pupils. And its ordered learning environment is a great help to us as we teach our unique curriculum."

It was being formally opened on 30 April by Bishop Patrick Lynch.

At the ceremony Bishop Lynch was saying: "I am sure this wonderful new building we are opening today will help inspire students on their intellectual and spiritual journey to become lifetime learners with a strong sense of social and community responsibility based on Christian ethical principles". There are nine "all-through" academies, with a further five in the pipeline, according to the DCSF.