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About our School
English Martyrs is a two-form entry Catholic Voluntary Aided Primary School situated to the west of Reading in Tilehurst. The school was opened on 16th January 1962 with 75 pupils! It was built in response to the growing number of young Catholic families in the Parish of English Martyrs wanting a Catholic Education for their children. Fr Patrick O'Donnell and parishioners spearheaded the mammoth fundraising task to build the school. In the formative years of the school the Parish's Union of Catholic Mothers, organised fund raising and social activities. Now this task has been taken on by our strong EMSA (English Martyrs School Association) consisting of parents, friends and staff.
The first Head teacher was Sr. Mary Anselm who was a nun in the order of Christian Schools of Mercy. She was our head for 20 years and retired in 1982. Past pupils still talk of 'doffing their caps' to Sister as they entered or left the school.
The second Head was Mr Paul Spindler who held the post for eighteen years. He brought the school to the end of the twentieth Century with its many changes to Education, for example the National Curriculum and SATS.
The school buildings currently consist of 14 classrooms, an assembly/gym/lunch hall, a library, an ICT suite, offices and staffroom. We have a sun safe area, pond garden and 3 memorial gardens for deceased pupils, staff and parents and in the Spring we have a "field of Hope" daffodil garden.
Currently we have 11 classes in the school: 1 Foundation Stage, 4 Key Stage 1 (infants) and 6 Stage 2 (juniors)
The Head teacher and staff have always strived to make this a happy school where children feel affirmed. We want them to gain confidence, develop a relationship with Christ and reach high standards of behaviour and achievement. Each child is seen as an individual with his/her own needs. Work is set for children according to their particular requirements.
In no time at all your child will have moved up through the school and looking for a place in a Secondary School. Be aware the time goes so quickly! On leaving English Martyrs the majority of children transfer to Blessed Hugh Faringdon Catholic Comprehensive School in Southcote.
Blessed Hugh Faringdon | 
