The Sisters of Mercy

The Sisters of Mercy arrived on Commercial Road on 2 March 1859 from County Offaly, Ireland, at the invitation of Father Kelly. They were entrusted with the care and leadership of the All Age Girls’ and Infants’ School in Johnson Street, East London. The boys’ school operated on the same premises and was led by secular male staff. The Headteachers of the Girls’ and Infants’ schools were always members of the Sisters of Mercy, whose dedication and vision shaped the early foundations of our school community.

Following the Second World War, the senior girls’ department became a separate school under the name Bishop Challoner. In 1932, the junior department was also established as a separate school, known as St Mary and St Michael.

On St Patrick’s Day in 1945, the school building suffered significant damage as a result of bombing during the war. In the years that followed, the school was rebuilt in Sutton Street and proudly reopened in September 1956. The infants’ school remained in Johnson Street until 1956, when it joined the junior school at the new Sutton Street site.

During the 1900s, the infants’ and junior schools were amalgamated to form one primary school, strengthening the sense of unity within our community. Sister Josephine Browne was the last Headteacher of the Infants’ School, and Sister Elizabeth O’Connor was the last Headteacher of the Junior School.

Today, we are proud of our rich heritage, built upon faith, resilience and a long-standing commitment to education in East London.