HISTORY OF EMMAUS CHURCH OF ENGLAND AND
ROMAN CATHOLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL

Croxteth Park is a private housing estate in Liverpool built on land which once formed part of the estate of the Earls of Sefton at Croxteth Hall. Building began over twenty years ago. The estate is served by the Roman Catholic parish of Our Lady Queen of Martyr’s, built in 1968, and the Anglican parish of St. Cuthbert’s, built in 1988.

Despite there being two school sites allocated within the estate, the amount of theoretical surplus places in surrounding schools prohibited any proposal for a school for the park. However, there was political support for the church to try its hand. Discussions ensued with the Archdiocese and Diocese, leading to the idea of a joint school.

A meeting in the Curial Offices in February 1992 galvanised the idea into a one form entry school. This was eventually seen as being inadequate and was later expanded into a two form entry school at a meeting at the Archbishop’s house in June 1994.

DfEE approval finally came through in February 1995 and a Temporary Governing Body was established in November 1995, comprising of four foundation governors from each denomination and plenty of help and goodwill from Education Directorate, the Diocese and Archdiocese.

The Instrument of Government came into being in December 1997 and so the first formal meeting of the Governing Body took place in February 1998, with the parent and teacher governors in attendance.

The school opened in September 1997, with the official opening on Friday 8th May 1998. The Archbishop of Liverpool, Patrick Kelly and the Bishop of Warrington, John Packer, took part in the service, together with Revd. Trevor Latham, Chair of Governors, Father Sean O’Connor, Vice Chair of Governors and the children of Emmaus.

Description of the School Logo as written on the Entrance doors of the School

The scallop shell is an ancient symbol of pilgrimage: a physical and spiritual journey.
As an emblem for Emmaus it reminds us of our common baptism and that we are called to journey together, following our Lord who calls diverse people into community.

The cross is the sign of Christ. Our cross was part of the coat of arms of the Sefton Family of Croxteth Park and reminds us that our call is rooted in this time and this place. As we make this journey in partnership may we discover in each other generous companions and Our Lord walking along side us.