Our Lady

Our Patron Saint – Our Lady

At Our Lady School, we are blessed to be guided by our patron saint, Our Lady, the mother of Jesus and a shining example of faith, love, and devotion. Her presence is at the heart of our school’s identity, and her life continues to inspire us in all that we do.

A Model of Faith and Grace

Our Lady teaches us to live with faith, humility, and courage. She said “yes” to God with trust and love, even when the path ahead was uncertain. In our school, we encourage children to follow her example—to be brave in their learning, kind in their actions, and open-hearted in their relationships.

Living Like Mary

Through prayer, reflection, and daily acts of kindness, we strive to live as Mary did:

• With compassion – caring for others and showing empathy in all we do.
• With strength – facing challenges with resilience and hope.
• With faith – trusting in God’s love and guidance.

Our Lady reminds us that greatness lies not in status or power, but in quiet acts of love and service. She teaches us to listen, to care, and to walk humbly with God.

A Presence in Our School Life

Her influence is woven into the fabric of our school:

• We gather in prayer and liturgy to honour her and seek her intercession.
• Her image and story are present in our classrooms and around our school.
• Her values shape our ethos, helping us build a community rooted in love, respect, and faith.

Growing Together Through Mary

At Our Lady School, we look to Mary, Our Lady as a guiding light for how we live out our values each day. She teaches us to be kind, through her gentle care and compassion for others; to create a safe and nurturing environment, just as she protected and supported Jesus; to be respectful, by honouring God and showing humility in all she did; and to be reflective, taking time for prayer, thoughtfulness, and trust in God’s plan. Through her example, we are inspired to grow as a community rooted in love, faith, and grace.

Our school was originally founded in 1906 by four sisters from the French Order of the Sisters of the Sacred Heart.  

The French Order of the Sisters of the Sacred Heart, founded by St. Madeleine Sophie Barat, is a Catholic religious congregation dedicated to education, spirituality, and service. St. Madeleine Sophie Barat established the order with a vision of providing education, particularly to young women, and promoting devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. 

The order has a rich history of educational endeavours, establishing schools and institutions across the globe. The sisters are known for their commitment to holistic education, emphasising the intellectual, spiritual, emotional, and social development of their students. 

Over the years, the Sisters of the Sacred Heart have expanded their mission beyond education to include various forms of social and pastoral work, such as serving in healthcare, social services, and spiritual formation. 

Throughout its history, the order has faced various challenges, including political upheavals, social changes, and shifts in the Church. However, the sisters have remained steadfast in their commitment to their charism and mission. 

Today, the Sisters of the Sacred Heart continue to be active in numerous countries, operating schools, colleges, retreat centres, and other ministries, striving to make a positive impact on society through their dedication to education, spirituality, and service. 

The Our Lady School’s old site was in Nightingale Road, Hitchin. Numbers rapidly increased after the war, and in 1967 our new school opened in Old Hale Way.