St Philomena's Catholic High School for Girls

St Philomena's School was first established in 1893, when the Daughters of the Cross purchased Carshalton House. This was advertised in The Times of 1859 as having "extensive and very complete arrangements for conducting an important scholastic establishment situated in finely timbered park grounds".

The school is situated in twenty-five acres of beautiful parkland and in buildings which include a refurbished Queen Anne Mansion. Since its foundation, the school has given its pupils every opportunity to develop spiritually, intellectually and socially in the context of a Catholic community which is forward looking while maintaining all that is best of traditional values.

St Philomena’s seeks to be a community where every member flourishes in the truth, wisdom and love revealed by Jesus Christ in the Catholic Church. Through our work and shared life together each member is enabled to respond to the unique call from God to grow in holiness, personal fulfilment and loving service. We seek excellence in teaching and learning in all aspects of school life and hold that each person is a gift from God, to be treasured and deserving of respect and dignity.

We aim to provide, for all students in all Key Stages, a broad and balanced curriculum which not only encompasses those elements required by law, but which broadens, enriches and stimulates individual learning. Additionally, at all Key Stages there is an extra-curricular programme that provides students with the opportunity to develop their skills and interests further. There is also the opportunity to undertake a wide range of leadership roles.

St Philomena's exists as a distinct community because it has Christ as its foundation. His teaching and example are the basis for its daily life, relationships and future hopes. It should be possible to meet Christ in all aspects of the life of the school and the spiritual dimension should underpin all its work:-

The example of service that Christ gave us when he washed his disciples' feet at the Last Supper should be what guides each person in the leadership of the staff and pupils for whom they have a special responsibility. Leadership in the school must reflect its Christian nature by putting the welfare and development of pupils and staff first and so putting Christ's example into practice.

The twin themes of love of God and love of neighbour should guide every member of the community, both pupils and staff. We should be a spiritual and not just a religious community so we can show our love of God through our relationship with him. It is through the respect, concern and care shown by all members of the school for each other, whether pupils or staff, that we can see love of neighbour in practice.