60th Anniversary of English Martyrs’ Catholic School

May 2023 and June 2025 mark an amazing 60 years since the construction and opening of English Martyrs’ Catholic School.

​Over the next two years, we will be organising a range of events to celebrate our 60th anniversary.

Our first event took place on 10th July 2023 and was a wonderful exhibition of photographs illustrating 60 years of school life: It was great to step back in time and see the fashions, technology and buildings change before your eyes! 

Our anniversary celebrations will culminate on Saturday 3rd May 2025 when we will host a special open day, again inviting all past staff, students and their families.

We are sure you have lots of photos and stories to share of your time at English Martyrs’ and would love to compile these as part of the celebrations.  In particular, we are hoping to collect a complete set of official year group photos. 

If you think you can help, or if you would like to register your interest to be kept informed of upcoming events, please email us: 60years@englishmartyrs.org

Down Memory Lane-EMCS 1963-2023

60th Anniversary Open Day- Saturday 3rd May 2025

 

On Saturday, 3rd May, English Martyrs School proudly celebrated its 60th anniversary. This special milestone was marked with a community open day, welcoming past pupils, former staff, parents, and friends of the school to join in commemorating six decades of excellence in education and service.
The day began with a morning Mass in the chapel celebrated by former student, Fr Liam. Following the service, the school grounds came alive with a variety of activities including wonderful music, visits to subject areas, raffles, market stalls, food vans, games on the field—such as mini golf—and exciting opportunities to win prizes. It was a vibrant and memorable morning enjoyed by all.
At 11:00am, visitors gathered for the official opening and blessing of the new English Martyrs Jubilee Prayer Garden. We were honoured to welcome back Father David O’Malley, who led the opening ceremony, alongside former headteacher Mr. McLean and our current Principal Mr. Calen. The event concluded with our school chaplain, James, releasing butterflies—nurtured from caterpillars by students in our Inclusion Department.
The celebrations continued into the afternoon with outstanding performances from our schola, school orchestra, and the drama and dance departments, including a lively preview of our upcoming production of Grease the Musical. Throughout the day, it was heart warming to hear the many kind words shared by former students, staff, and visitors, who commented on the warm atmosphere and the beautiful presentation of our school, which clearly still held a special place in their hearts.
 We are truly grateful to everyone who attended, from far and wide, helping to make the day so special – particularly to some of the school’s very first students who had fascinating tales to tell! It was a fitting celebration of our school’s proud history, and we look forward to many more years of serving our community.
Make sure you are kept informed of future events by joining our alumni.
To see the gallery below in full view click on any photo

Class of 64 Reunion

In June 2024 had the pleasure of welcoming back some past pupils of the very first year group at English Martyrs from 1964 to recall stories and fond memories from their time here.

Included is a special interview with retired teacher Paul Jones who was a teacher at the school in 1964.

This is, part of ongoing events and celebrations throughout the year to mark the 60th Anniversary of English Martyrs Catholic School.