About Us
Headteacher’s Welcome
I am blessed and honoured to serve and lead as Headteacher of St John Payne Catholic School. We have long enjoyed a glowing reputation as a community of learning and faith, both in the local community and beyond. It is a reputation that owes much to the wonderful formation students are afforded by our feeder schools, and has been forged by generations of students, teachers, parents and carers, and clergy whose association with the school continues to yield great warmth, affection, and the highest regard.
We are acutely aware of the guiding purpose that sustains our long standing record of academic success and pastoral care. Such success is attributed to the Gospel values that underpin all that we do, witnessed by the words above the entrance to our Chapel corridor: Be it known to all who enter here that Christ is the reason for this school.
Jesus’ words to those disciples who would deny the children access to him are prominent in our minds and hearts at St John Payne, where children are known and loved as individuals created in Christ’s image, and where we feel privileged to play a part in their education. We practise discipline with dignity whilst remaining resolute in the pursuit of high expectations to support students’ spiritual, social, moral and academic growth. We recognise parents and carers as a child’s first teachers, and are hugely appreciative of the support of the three way partnership between home, school and parish.
Throughout all that we do, students are supported and encouraged to fulfil their God given potential and to become the best versions of themselves: the people God created them to be. Visitors frequently comment upon our distinctive identity and sense of community. This is established by students’ positive attitude to learning, by their sense of belonging, and by their witness of our faith. Should you wish to visit they would love to show you around. They truly are our very best ambassadors.
We look forward to welcoming you.
Mr T. Coen
Headteacher
