School History, Our Patron Saint and Parish

School History 

St Agnes’ Catholic Primary School has a long and proud history of serving the Catholic community of Cricklewood. Founded in 1892 in Childs Hill, the school moved to Gillingham Road in 1939, on the site of St Agnes’ Parish Church, before moving to its present home on Thorverton Road in 1992. For over 130 years, St Agnes’ has provided generations of children with a caring, faith-centred education, growing alongside the local community while remaining rooted in its Catholic mission. Today, we continue this rich tradition, inspired by the example of St Agnes and committed to helping every child love, learn and grow together as a follower of Jesus.

Who was St Agnes?

St. Agnes was a Roman girl who was only thirteen years old when she suffered martyrdom for her Faith. Her love for the Lord was very great and she hated sin even more than death! Since she was very beautiful, many young men wished to marry Agnes, but she would always say, “Jesus Christ is my only Spouse.”

The Governor’s son became very angry when she refused him. He had tried to win her for his wife with rich gifts and promises, but the beautiful young girl kept saying, “I am already promised to the Lord of the Universe. He is more splendid than the sun and the stars, and He has said He will never leave me!” In great anger, the Governor’s son accused her of being a Christian and brought her to his father, the Governor. The Governor promised Agnes wonderful gifts if she would only deny God, but Agnes refused. He tried to change her mind by putting her in chains, but her lovely face shone with joy. She was condemned to death.

Crowds cried to see such a young and beautiful girl going to death. Yet, Agnes was as happy as a bride on her wedding day. Then she prayed and bowed her head for the death-stroke of the sword.

What can we learn from St Agnes?

St Agnes teaches us the importance of remaining faithful to God, standing firm in our beliefs and having the courage to do what is right, even when it is difficult. Her life reminds us that holiness is not about being powerful or famous, but about living with love, courage, humility and trust in God. At St Agnes’ Catholic Primary School, we seek to follow her example by treating others with kindness and respect, standing up for what is right and growing together as followers of Jesus.

St Agnes’ Parish

The school has well established links with the Parish church of St Agnes and the Parish priest  Fr Chinedu Udo is a great source of support to our school.
He is actively involved in the strategic work of our school, seeking to help shape long term aims and goals. Fr Chinedu plays an active role in the spiritual development of our pupils – this is through celebration of both whole school and class masses.

Fr Chinedu is a frequent and welcome visitor to the school, meeting with staff and pupils – thereby really knowing the community of children and families that St Agnes’ School serves.

St Agnes’ Parish is a vibrant, multicultural community of faith centered on our church which is a real house of prayer.

Visits to  St Agnes Church

We are lucky enough to be situated very closely to Saint Agnes Church and the Parish Priest, Fr. Chinedu plays an active role in our school with regular visits. We also come together as a community in school and in the Church for Mass. We mark special liturgical celebrations in the Church’s calendar such as Holy Week, Easter, Advent and Christmas.