Our Archdiocese including Ed Service
Archdiocese of Southwark
The Archdiocese of Southwark is a major ecclesiastical territory of the Roman Catholic Church in England, encompassing the London boroughs south of the Thames, the entire county of Kent, and the Medway Unitary Authority. Established in 1850 following the restoration of the Catholic hierarchy, it is centered at St George’s Cathedral in Southwark and is currently led by Archbishop John Wilson. Within this expansive archdiocese lies the unique parish of St Francis de Sales in Hartley, which serves as the home to the Shrine of Our Lady of Hartley. This shrine is of particular historical and spiritual significance to the archdiocese; established in 1913 by Miss Beatrice Davies-Cooke within a converted 17th-century thatched barn, it remains one of the few places in England to house a statue formally titled by a Pope. Pope Benedict XV granted the title and a plenary indulgence during World War I, transforming this humble Kentish barn into a recognized Marian shrine and a vital spiritual landmark within the Southwark province.
Catholic Education Service
The Catholic Education Service (CES) serves as the national voice for Catholic education in England and Wales, representing the Bishops' Conference to safeguard and promote the distinctive identity of the 2,300 Catholic schools across the region. At a local level, this mission is brought to life through multi-academy trusts like the Kent Catholic Schools’ Partnership (KCSP). Established in 2012 by the Archdiocese of Southwark, KCSP acts as a supportive family for over 30 schools, focusing on high-quality, faith-led education that ensures every child can flourish. Our Lady of Hartley Catholic Primary School is a proud member of this partnership; as an "Outstanding" rated school, it integrates the national standards of the CES and the collaborative strength of KCSP to provide a nurturing environment where Gospel values are at the heart of daily learning.