Is St. Benedict’s a school?
St. Benedict’s is not a school. We are a fee-paying education centre, offering part time tuition in some subjects, under the guidance of the Canons of the Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest. As the primary educators of their children, it is the responsibility of parents to ensure they receive a full education.
What is the Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest?
The Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest is a Society of Apostolic Life of Pontifical Right whose goal is the honour of God and the sanctification of priests in the service of the Church and souls. Its specific aim is missionary: to spread the reign of our Lord Jesus Christ in all spheres of human life. They are under the patronage of the Immaculate Conception, to whom the Institute is consecrated. Their other patrons are St. Benedict, St. Francis de Sales and St. Thomas Aquinas.
United and integrated with the Institute of Christ the Sovereign King Priest and sharing its spirituality, the Sisters Adorers of the Royal Heart of Jesus Christ Sovereign Priest have the particular vocation to pray for the sanctification of priests, especially those of the Institute, and to support them in their apostolates.
When are you open?
We are open on Tuesdays and Thursdays during term time, from 9.30am to 3.45pm.
Is it possible to attend Mass?
There is a traditional Latin Mass at St. Walburge’s Shrine Church at 8.30am. Children attending this Mass are the responsibility of parents.
What do you teach?
The subjects taught depend on the needs of the children and the availability of staff. The teaching of the Catholic Church forms the basis of everything at St. Benedict’s as all subjects lead us to Christ. Some subjects are shared with parents.
Currently we offer: English, maths, science, French, Latin, art, singing, catechism and enrichment activities, depending upon the age and ability of the child.
Who do you teach?
We teach students from Year 1 to A Level. We do not have early years provision. St. Benedict’s is unable to accept children with special educational needs.
How much does it cost?
As a registered charity, St. Benedict’s aims to keep fees as low as possible. The fees are reviewed annually and are paid monthly by standing order. The current fees are available in a separate section.
Who are the teachers?
We are fortunate to have Canons of the Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest, Sister Adorers of the Royal Heart of Jesus Sovereign Priest and lay people teaching at St. Benedict’s. The Principal is a Canon. All staff have been checked for safeguarding purposes and are well-qualified and experienced. We have qualified first aiders and fire wardens.
What are the premises like?
We use the first floor of the former Talbot School on the same site as St. Walburge’s Shrine Church, the presbytery, former convent and halls. We start and end each day with prayers in the church. We have a playground with swings and a safe surface for break times and a large room where we eat lunch together. Recently renovated, the premises are fully fire and safety compliant. We are on the edge of Preston city centre, within walking distance of the railway station and buses. Preston has a central location in the north west and excellent transport links making travelling in possible.
Which external exams do the children take?
The responsibility of preparing children for external exams and entering them rests with the parents. In some subjects, we follow GCSE courses and are available to offer advice. Children who have attended St. Benedict’s have taken GCSEs in English language and literature, maths, science, ancient history, French, Latin and Greek and other subjects which they have studied elsewhere. Please contact us for more information.
How Can I Help?
We ask for your prayers for which we are very grateful. If you are interested in volunteering or fund raising please contact the Principal. St. Benedict’s relies on the generosity of benefactors as the fees do not cover our costs. If you would like to help in this way, we can accept cheques made payable to St. Benedict’s (ICKSP) or bank transfer (St. Benedict’s (ICKSP), account number 81850318, sort code 40-45-14 ) Or contact us: ( St. Benedict’s Cultural Centre, St. Walburge’s Presbytery, Weston Street, Preston, PR2 2QE ) Donations can attract gift aid, please ask for a form. Thank you very much for your generosity.