The schools were founded in 1714 by Dr William Worth, Rector of Northfield. They are thought to be the oldest church schools in Birmingham. Since that time the schools have provided a Christian education for the people of Northfield and surrounding parishes. In many local families, several generations have attended the schools.
Over the years the schools have expanded to their present three forms of entry, giving a school roll of 270 in the Infant School and 360 in the Junior School. The Junior School moved to its present spacious site in 1964 and the Infant School in 1972.
The schools are Voluntary Aided and have a close relationship with the lovely old St Laurence Church. They have a strong sense of Christian purpose, which is reflected in relationships, worship and general school ethos.
The majority of the Governors are representatives of the Church of England, and traditionally have had greater responsibility for the management of the schools than other Governing Bodies. They are responsible for admissions to the schools, determine the nature of the religious teaching and worship, and decide the general curriculum policy for the schools.
The old St Laurence School
The schools are owned by the Diocese, and the Governors, unlike those in most schools, are responsible for finding a proportion of the money for repairs and improvements. Parents are asked to contribute to a Governors’ collection once a year to help meet these financial commitments.
