The History of Coloma

Every great story begins with a vision. Ours began in 1869, with three Sisters, one pupil and a belief in the power of education to transform lives.

On 2 August 1869, Coloma Convent Girls' School opened its doors in Croydon, founded by three Sisters of the Congregation of the Daughters of Mary and Joseph (also known as the Ladies of Mary). What began as a small school with a single pupil would grow into a thriving community, educating generations of girls and young women and helping them discover their potential.

From the very beginning, Coloma was built on a belief that education should be about more than academic achievement. It should develop character, nurture faith, encourage curiosity and give young women the confidence and opportunities to make a difference in the world.

That belief continues to shape who we are today.

A vision that travelled across generations

The roots of Coloma reach back to Belgium in 1817, when the Very Reverend Canon Van Crombrugghe, one of the great educationalists of his time, founded the Congregation of the Daughters of Mary and Joseph.

His vision of education and the development of young people inspired the Congregation's work beyond Belgium. At celebrations marking the Golden Jubilee of the Institute in 1867, the intention to establish a convent in England was announced.

Just two years later, on 17 June 1869, three Sisters arrived in Croydon and took up residence in a small house called Poplar Villa, in Wellesley Road. On 2 August, the school welcomed its first pupil.

As its reputation grew and more families sought an education for their daughters, the school moved in 1871 to larger premises in Tavistock Road and adopted the name Coloma. The name has its origins in the Spanish Count of Santa Coloma, a former owner of the Daughters of Mary and Joseph's property in Malines, Belgium.

From these modest beginnings, a remarkable journey had begun.

Growing, evolving and embracing new opportunities

Throughout its history, Coloma has continued to evolve, responding to the changing world while remaining true to the principles on which it was founded.

In July 1965, the school moved from Tavistock Road to its present site in Shirley, opening a new chapter in its development. In 1978, it became a Voluntary Aided Roman Catholic Comprehensive School for girls aged 11–18.

Further changes followed as the school continued to grow and develop. After a period as a Grant Maintained School from 1994, Coloma returned to Voluntary Aided status in September 1999.

In September 2000, the school expanded from four-form to five-form entry and opened a new Sixth Form Centre, strengthening its commitment to providing opportunities and aspirations for young women beyond their GCSE years.

Today, Coloma is a vibrant and ambitious learning community of approximately 1,050 students. Modern facilities, including our Performing Arts Studio and 3G all-weather football pitch, reflect our commitment to providing a rich and varied education, where academic achievement sits alongside creativity, sport, personal development and service to others.

Our history has taught us that progress comes from being prepared to embrace new opportunities while holding firmly to the values that matter most.

A legacy of leadership and inspiration

For almost 160 years, generations of dedicated leaders, teachers, Sisters, governors, families and students have contributed to the story of Coloma.

Each generation has built upon the work of those who came before, creating new opportunities and helping the school respond to the needs and aspirations of young women in their time.

In July 2019, as we celebrated our 150th anniversary, Coloma was reaccredited with World Class Schools status. This recognition celebrated our commitment to innovation, ambition and excellence, and our determination to provide an education that prepares young women not simply for the world as it is, but for the world as it could be.

Our story is one of continuity and change: a willingness to look forward, to challenge ourselves and to ensure that every generation of Coloma students has the opportunity to flourish.

Celebrating 150 years of Coloma

On 11 July 2019, the Coloma community came together to celebrate a very special milestone: 150 years of education, faith and achievement.

In beautiful sunshine, an outdoor Mass was celebrated on the school field by the Most Reverend Archbishop Peter Smith. Students, staff, governors, clergy, former pupils and guests gathered to give thanks for the generations of people who had made Coloma what it is.

In his homily, Archbishop Peter Smith spoke about the purpose of education as enabling human flourishing – a belief that has always been central to the life and mission of Coloma.

We were also deeply honoured to receive the Apostolic Blessing of His Holiness Pope Francis, uniting him in thanksgiving with our pupils, parents, staff, Headteacher and Governors.

The celebrations included the opening of our prayer garden, a peaceful space for reflection, prayer and contemplation, as well as an exhibition of photographs and memorabilia capturing the school's remarkable journey.

It was a wonderful opportunity not only to celebrate how far we had come, but also to recognise the responsibility and privilege of continuing this legacy for future generations.

Our history. Our values. Our future.

Almost 160 years after those three Sisters opened the doors to their first pupil, much has changed. The world our students are growing up in is very different, opportunities have expanded and the challenges facing young women continue to evolve.

Yet the heart of Coloma remains constant.

Our Catholic faith continues to place Christ at the centre of everything we do. We believe in the dignity and potential of every individual, in the importance of kindness and compassion, and in the responsibility to use our talents in the service of others.

Our motto, Laborare est Orare – To work is to pray – expresses a belief that learning, effort, dedication and service are all meaningful expressions of faith.

We are proud of the generations who have shaped Coloma, grateful for the opportunities they have created and excited by the possibilities that lie ahead.

Our history is not simply something we look back on. It is something we carry forward – in the confidence, character, ambition and achievements of every young woman who is part of Coloma today.

Our journey through time

1. 1817 – A vision is born

   Canon Van Crombrugghe establishes the Congregation in Belgium.

2. 1869 – The beginning of Coloma

   Three Sisters open the school in Croydon with one pupil.

3. 1871 – A growing community

   The school moves to larger premises in Tavistock Road and takes the name Coloma.

4. 1965 – A new home

   Coloma moves to its present site in Shirley.

5. 1978 – A new chapter

   Coloma becomes a Voluntary Aided Catholic Comprehensive School.

6. 2000 – Looking ahead

   The school expands to five-form entry and opens its Sixth Form Centre.

7. 2019 – Celebrating 150 years

   A special anniversary Mass celebrates the Coloma community and its legacy.

8. 2026 – Continuing the story

   Almost 160 years on, Coloma continues to inspire and prepare young women for the future.