Written by Danielle Gayle, Headteacher at St Anthony’s Catholic Primary School, Anerley
Faith has been my constant guide during my first 100 days as Headteacher at St Anthony’s Catholic Primary School, Anerley. From the outset, I have leaned deeply into our school’s core values of Faith, Resilience and Love. These values have not only shaped my leadership but strengthened my sense of purpose.
A supportive beginning
Starting as a new head is both exciting and challenging. I have been fortunate to be part of the St Oscar Romero Catholic Academy Trust, whose support has been consistent and reassuring. The central team’s expertise and guidance have enabled me to navigate leadership with confidence and clarity.
A particular highlight in these first months was a warm and inspirational meeting with Canon Victor, who embraced me so kindly in my new role. His encouragement and wisdom were deeply affirming and reminded me of the privilege of leading within such a supportive diocesan family.
A personal vocation
To lead a Catholic school community is, for me, a dream come true. Having grown up in Catholic education, I feel I am walking in the footsteps of the headteachers who inspired me as a child. As an alumna of Coloma Convent Girls’ School, I know the transformative impact of a faith-filled education. To now be able to shape and nurture that same experience for our pupils is both humbling and exhilarating.
Living our values
At St Anthony’s, our children truly live out the values of Love, Faith and Resilience each day. Their behaviour is exemplary: they show love through kindness and compassion, respect in their relationships, and resilience in their learning. It is a joy to see these values expressed not just in words, but in actions that build a strong, caring community.
Parish and community
A highlight of my first term has been working closely with our parish. We were blessed to share meaningful celebrations with Father John during his time as interim parish priest, including a memorable Year 6 Leavers’ Mass and a whole-school Mass. More recently, we have welcomed Father Joseph and look forward to deepening our parish links, so that both school and church continue to flourish together.
Looking ahead
The first 100 days have laid important foundations. Looking forward, I want St Anthony’s to be a beacon of excellence within the local community: a school where children feel happy, safe and inspired to achieve their best; where staff feel proud and joyful in their vocation; and where families know their children are growing in faith, character and academic success.
I am also excited to begin my Diocesan Induction to Headship course, which I know will help me grow further as a Catholic leader and ensure that I continue to serve our children, families and parish with faith-filled dedication.
If I were to describe St Anthony’s today in three words, they would be:
- Disciplined – reflecting our pupils’ exemplary behaviour.
- Aspirational – showing our high standards and goals.
- Thriving – capturing a school full of life, where children feel safe, respected and motivated.
Final reflections
As I reflect on these first 100 days, I feel both proud and humbled. The strength of a school lies in its people — the dedicated staff, the curious and resilient pupils, and the supportive families and parish community. Together we have made a strong start, but this is only the beginning.
I remain committed to building a school where every child can thrive, every voice is heard, and every achievement is celebrated. With Faith, Resilience and Love as our foundation, I look forward with hope and purpose to the journey ahead.
