Archbishop Ilsley Catholic School

History Of  The School

In the early part of the twentieth century, Archbishop Edward Ilsley built the first church in the village of Acocks Green. The foundation stone was taken from the battlefields of Ypres, in Belgium. Two years later, a school was built, for children aged five to 14 years. In 1955, building began on what is now our school, and it opened in 1957. As Acocks Green expanded, so did the school. Drawing largely, but not exclusively, from immigrant Catholic families who came to find work in the post-war reconstruction of Birmingham, the School became, and remains, an important focal point of the community. It's a long way from the West Coast of Ireland, but that's where many of our students have their roots.

Mission

• Archbishop Ilsley is committed to developing the full potential of every individual. Unsafe practices are challenged and we are intolerant of anything that threatens the physical, emotional, spiritual or intellectual well-being of our pupils.  Our mission is based on Gospel Values as presented in the Beatitudes.
• Archbishop Ilsley fully promotes fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs. It is not necessary for schools or individuals to ‘promote’ teachings, beliefs or opinions that conflict with their own but nor is it acceptable for schools to promote discrimination against people or groups on the basis of their belief, opinion or background.

Our school actively promotes the British values of

• Democracy
• The rule of law
• Individual liberty
• Mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs

SMSC programme

Curriculum -  actively taught in subjects including RS, Citizenship, History and Law. Everyday practice and conduct in conjunction with the schools Behaviour Policy. Assemblies - delivered by Senior Staff and Heads of House. Pupils deliver assemblies on themes including justice. Whole School Parliament  - 82 elected pupil members from Years 7 -13. There are also smaller House Councils. Pupils discuss whole school issues and make decision through democratic means.