The decision to choose a new school name was in recognition of the changes in our school both as a Catholic community and as a successful “Good” school.(OFSTED 2024). It also reflects the newness of a new school site in Biddenham with the renovated building, which is fit for expansion, and the delivery of a cutting-edge curriculum.

Who is St Francis of Assisi?

St. Francis of Assisi was an Italian friar who lived in Italy in the 13th century. He lived a life of poverty (after renouncing his worldly goods and family ties) and was dedicated to Christian charity. He founded the Franciscan order, which became the largest religious order in the world. He was canonised as a saint of the Roman Catholic Church in 1228.

He and St. Catherine of Siena are the patron saints of Italy, and he is also a patron saint of ecology and of animals. 

Why did we choose to name our school St Francis of Assisi?

The previous Catholic Trust of schools in Bedford took its inspiration from St Francis of Assisi (St Francis of Assisi Academies Trust).

The name does have a historical context too. In addition, the building being used (the former St Gregory’s Middle site) has a strong history amongst the Italian community, who came over from Italy due to the expansion of the brick works outside Bedford in the 50s. This was a school originally chosen by so many of our Italian Catholics.

More than the historical context, though, is the inspiration of St Francis as an exponent of ecology and of the message of Laudato Si.

Our Trust has taken the 4th of October as Laudato Si day. It is the day that we gather as a Trust to reflect on the message of Laudato for our schools and to consider how we are living our Mission Statement in the light of this. We are overjoyed to now have St Francis of Assisi Catholic Primary School as part of our OLICAT family. We have the opportunity to pray with him for our world and the need for us all to make sustainable choices to conserve our beautiful world.