This year is an exciting time for The Oratory as it is 160 years since the school was founded by Blessed John Henry, Cardinal Newman in Edgbaston, Birmingham. The school began on 2 May 1859 with 9 boys. 

Richard Bellasis was the first boy in the register. This extract from the accounts book, written by Cardinal Newman himself shows that the early curriculum included Greek, Latin, Algebra, Geometry, French and English Literature. Further down the list, we find itemised visits to the dentist, a straw hat and fishing tackle! Bellasis was obviously an energetic boy, as two lots of boot repairs are followed in the account by “purchase of strong boots.”



We will hold an anniversary celebration on 22 June - more details to follow. 

There is also the opportunity to join in with a social media campaign which asks the Oratory family to sum up what the Oratory means to them in three words. Please do have a look on Facebook and Twitter and send us your images.