St Anne's Church and School

The story of our school begins in the heart of the East End in the nineteenth century. St Anne’s was originally founded as an institution for poor boys under the care of the Marist priests, serving families who had arrived in London seeking work and a better life.

One of the most significant figures in our history is Brother Walfrid (born Andrew Kerrins in County Sligo in 1840). Having experienced poverty first-hand after his family emigrated to Glasgow during An Gorta Mór (the Great Famine), he dedicated his life to educating and supporting the poorest children. In Glasgow, he became headteacher and famously founded Celtic Football Club to raise funds for disadvantaged families.

In 1893, Brother Walfrid came to London to become headmaster of St Anne’s School and parish priest of St Anne’s Church. Over the next fifteen years, he transformed the school community, instilling in pupils the virtues of hard work, study and teamwork — alongside his lifelong love of football.

At the same time, the Marist Sisters established provision for poor girls, first in Spicer Street and later in Underwood Road. In time, the Sisters of Mercy continued this important work. The school operated for many years across two sites — St Patrick’s Infants and St Anne’s Juniors — before eventually amalgamating into a single primary school serving children from Nursery to Year 6.

Guardian Angels Church and School

Just a few miles away, another important story was unfolding. Guardian Angels Catholic Church in Mile End was opened on 8th December 1868 by Archbishop Henry Manning. The building had previously been known as the Salem Chapel, but through the generosity and vision of a Catholic layman, it became a centre of faith for local families.

That benefactor was Charles Walker, a businessman and member of the Society of St Vincent de Paul. Having realised that Catholics in Mile End had no nearby church, he purchased the chapel and gave it to the Church. Walker quietly funded and supported numerous churches across London, including Notre Dame de France, St Charles Borromeo Church, and The English Martyrs Church. He lived simply and gave generously, embodying Catholic Social Teaching long before the phrase was widely used.

Guardian Angels began modestly. The church building was in poor condition and the school was overcrowded. Under the leadership of dedicated parish priests and with the extraordinary generosity of Lady Margaret Howard and her family, a new school was built in 1896 and, in 1903, a beautiful new church designed by architect Frederick Arthur Walters was opened in the distinctive perpendicular Gothic style.

From these humble beginnings, Guardian Angels School grew as a place of faith, education and social outreach, serving the families of Mile End with resilience and hope.

Coming Together: One School Community

In September 2020, the two historic primary schools — St Anne’s and Guardian Angels — formally amalgamated on the St Anne’s site, becoming St Anne’s and Guardian Angels Primary School. Two proud histories, rooted in service to the poor and in deep parish life, were united to form one strong Catholic community.

The newly formed school adopted the mission statement:

“Excellence Together with Christ at the Centre.”

This reflects the spirit of Brother Walfrid’s commitment to education and opportunity, and the generosity and social mission embodied by Charles Walker and the Howard family.

In December 2024, the school joined Lux Mundi Catholic Academy Trust, strengthening partnerships across our deanery and the Diocese of Westminster. As part of the Trust, we continue our long-standing tradition of providing high-quality Catholic education in the East End of London — welcoming families of all backgrounds and nurturing every child to flourish academically, spiritually and socially.

Our Legacy Today

In 2026, we stand on foundations laid more than 150 years ago — foundations of faith, generosity, courage and service.

From the Marist brothers and sisters, to visionary benefactors, to parish priests and dedicated teachers, countless individuals have shaped the school we are today. Their belief that every child deserves dignity, opportunity and hope continues to guide us.

As we look to the future, we do so with gratitude for our past and confidence in our mission:
to pursue excellence, together, with Christ at the centre of all we do.