History of the school

Our Lady of the Rosary School in Staines-upon-Thames has a rich history deeply intertwined with the local Catholic community. In 1890, a chapel dedicated to Our Lady, Help of Christians, was established in Gresham Road, serving the growing Catholic population in the area. By 1893, the chapel was renamed Our Lady of the Rosary, reflecting the devotion of the parishioners. 

Recognising the need for education within the community, a school was opened in 1893, providing Catholic education to local children. The original chapel now serves as the parish hall, with the former sanctuary area identifiable by its distinctive wood block flooring. 

In 1925, Father Francis Hackett became the parish priest and served for 27 years. During his tenure, he oversaw the construction of a new school building on the site of the present car park, which stood until 1986. 

The original church was expanded in 1932 to accommodate the growing congregation. Designed by architect T.H.B. Scott, the new church featured a three-bay nave and a sanctuary with a semi-circular apse. The interior was designed to be light and compact, reflecting the architectural style of the 1930s. 

In 1986, significant renovations were undertaken to modernise the facilities. The old church was converted into a church hall, and additional spaces were created to meet the needs of the parish and school community. These changes included the addition of aisles and the conversion of the presbytery's dining room into a weekday chapel. 

Today, Our Lady of the Rosary School continues to serve the Staines community as a one-form entry Catholic primary school and nursery. Situated within the parish of Our Lady of the Rosary, the school remains committed to providing a nurturing environment, where every child is supported to fulfill their God-given potential.