Headteacher’s Welcome
Mrs Marie Lanaghan: Headteacher
Venerable Catherine McAuley, the foundress of the Sisters of Mercy in 1831, instructed her community to “be shining lamps, giving light to all around us”. This quote is at the heart of our school life today and inspires us to be the very best version of ourselves. We believe every child is unique, with God given gifts and talents, and through our Christ-centred approach to education we encourage all in our school community to pursue excellence. As a Catholic girls’ school with the Mercy tradition and ethos at the heart, we strive to create an inclusive environment where all are nurtured, understood and cared for, to ensure they are supported both academically and pastorally, to achieve the very best outcomes.
At St Anthony’s we believe that education has the power to transform lives. We have an outstanding reputation and a strong track record of academic achievement. It is regularly in the top 100 non-selective state-funded schools in England. Many of our students go on to some of the best universities in the country, whilst others excel in the world of work. Whatever their chosen pathway, our experienced and dedicated staff will go the extra mile to support our young people achieve their ambitions. We provide an extensive programme of extra curricular and enrichment activities to develop the whole child, with the aim of raising aspirations and broadening their life experiences.
It is important to us that home and school work together in partnership, to achieve the best possible outcomes for all students. We set high standards of behaviour and work, and promote a culture of excellence for all. We have a long tradition of carrying out Catherine McAuley’s mission of serving the poor and our charitable work is something we are very proud of at St Anthony’s. Caring for one another and treating each other with kindness is the sign of a true Antonian.
Catherine McAuley was courageous, compassionate and a woman of her time. As a Mercy Academy, we are proud to carry on her mission, educating young women in the 21st century, so they can take their place in society, equipped with the knowledge, skills and confidence to make a difference, as people of Mercy.