Business Details
St Francis Catholic Primary School in Braintree
St Francis Catholic Primary School is a nurturing educational institution rooted in Catholic values, dedicated to fostering holistic development through academic excellence and spiritual growth. Established to serve the Braintree community, our school follows the Diocese of Brentwood's educational vision, emphasizing virtues, community service, and environmental stewardship. Our curriculum integrates core subjects with creative arts, sciences, and religious education, ensuring a well-rounded foundation for children aged 4-11. With experienced educators like Headteacher Mrs. Vicky Jackson and Deputy Headteacher Mr. Damian Fannon, we prioritize personalized learning, inclusivity, and the development of critical thinking skills. Our facilities support diverse learning experiences, from science experiments to outdoor exploration in our Peace Garden.We actively engage families through parent-teacher partnerships, SEND support, and community-focused initiatives like CAFOD projects. Recognized for our commitment to safeguarding and child well-being, we maintain rigorous standards in both academic achievement and pastoral care. Our extracurricular programs, including after-school clubs and cultural events, enrich students' social and creative abilities. By blending traditional values with modern educational practices, we prepare children to become compassionate, responsible global citizens. This approach has solidified our reputation as a trusted institution in Essex's educational landscape.
Services
Primary Education
Religious Education
After School Clubs
SEND Support
Parent Engagement Programs
Highlights and features
- We follow the Diocese of Brentwood's educational vision with Catholic values at our core
- Our curriculum includes specialized programs in religious education and environmental stewardship
- Experienced leadership team with Mrs. Vicky Jackson and Mr. Damian Fannon
- Comprehensive SEND support and inclusive learning environment
- Recognized for excellence in child safeguarding and pastoral care
Services
Primary Education
Our primary education program delivers the National Curriculum through engaging, child-centred approaches. Qualified teachers create stimulating environments for ages 4-11, focusing on literacy, numeracy, and scientific inquiry. We integrate technology and hands-on learning to develop critical thinking skills while maintaining small class sizes for personalized attention.
Religious Education
Catholic religious education forms the school's foundation, covering scripture, sacraments, and moral values. Students participate in liturgical celebrations, prayer sessions, and community service projects. Our program aligns with Diocese of Brentwood guidelines while encouraging interfaith understanding and spiritual reflection.
After School Clubs
We offer diverse after-school activities including sports, arts, and academic clubs. These programs extend learning beyond the classroom while developing social skills and personal interests. Current options include music ensembles, science experiments, and creative writing workshops led by specialist staff.
SEND Support
Our Special Educational Needs Coordinator provides tailored support for children with learning differences. We implement individual education plans, sensory integration activities, and specialist equipment. Regular parent consultations ensure consistent progress monitoring and strategy development across home and school environments.
Parent Engagement
We foster strong home-school partnerships through regular communication channels and family events. Parent workshops cover curriculum topics and child development. Our 'St. Francis Fundraisers' initiative encourages community participation in school improvement projects and charitable causes.
People
Mrs. Vicky Jackson
Headteacher
Mrs. Jackson leads with over 15 years' experience in Catholic education, holding senior roles across Essex schools. She champions inclusive learning environments and curriculum innovation while maintaining strong links with the Diocese of Brentwood's educational network.
Mr. Damian Fannon
Deputy Headteacher
Mr. Fannon oversees curriculum implementation and staff development, bringing expertise in religious education and special educational needs. He coordinates cross-school initiatives and maintains the school's safeguarding standards with regular training programs for staff.
Questions
What age groups do you teach?
We educate children aged 4-11 across Reception to Year 6, following the Early Years Foundation Stage and National Curriculum frameworks.
Is religious education compulsory?
As a Catholic school, religious education forms part of our core curriculum, though we respect diverse family backgrounds and provide inclusive learning approaches.
What after-school provisions are available?
We offer varied clubs including sports, music, science experiments, and creative arts, operating Monday-Friday until 17:00 during term time.
How do you support special educational needs?
Our SENCo develops individual education plans, provides specialist resources, and coordinates multi-agency support while maintaining regular parent communication.
Can non-Catholic families apply?
We welcome applications from all families, though 50% of places prioritize Catholic applicants. Our school community celebrates diverse backgrounds while maintaining Catholic values.
