History
Father Patrick Byrne, Parish Priest of Beckenham, founded the school on 4 May 1950. It is accommodated in the historic building known as Shortlands House – the oldest building in Shortlands. The school takes its name from Bishop Richard Challoner (1691–1781), Vicar Apostolic of the London District, who was the leading figure in the Roman Catholic Church in England during the 18th century.
The school started as a junior school but quickly grew. In 1956 a senior wing was added. More classrooms and an assembly hall/gymnasium followed in 1963. The Art block was opened in 1968 and another block – now the Junior Block – was opened in 1980. Challoner became co-educational in the Junior School in 1992, later extending into the Senior School. At the same time a Nursery was opened.
The Trustees of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Southwark, a registered charity, own the school. The Archbishop is the principal Trustee and President of the school. The Trustees appoint a Board of Governors who are responsible for the running of the school.
Read more about this topic: Bishop Challoner School
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