(ANS – London) – Work has begun in recent days building the new Salesian school at Battersea. Archbishop Peter Smith joined Fr Martin Coyle SDB, Provincial of the Salesians in Great Britain together with Headmaster, Mr Simon Uttley, to put the first spade in the ground at the site of a new Catholic school in London.

Saint John Bosco College in Wandsworth, is a Roman Catholic School for students from 11-18 years old, in the London Borough of Wandsworth and opened just over two years ago in temporary accommodation. It was judged a Good School with ‘outstanding leadership’ in a Ofsted inspection, on March 2013.

Last September 10, the Planning Council Commission in Wandsworth approved the Salesian development plan, and by autumn 2015, there will be a new school in Surrey Lane with much more space, more room to take in pupils and much more suited to the current needs of young people.

A voluntary-aided school within the trusteeship of the Salesians of Don Bosco and the Archdiocese of Southwark, its ethos is based on the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church and the educational approach of Saint John Bosco. Whilst the admissions policy gives priority to children from Wandsworth Catholic primary schools, it welcomes students from other faiths and backgrounds, and gives particular emphasis on respecting diversity and celebrating the dignity of each and every person.

Simon Uttley said: "in an era where children and young people are increasingly commodified in terms of their perceived economic benefit - or lack thereof - it is ever more crucial that we place their humanity and dignity front and centre".

Published on 12/02/2014