St Anselm’s is the Parish School of St Vincent’s Church, Dartford. The very strong parish community links are an important aspect of St Anselm’s school.

Our school has a strong commitment to the faith. By placing Christ at the centre of all that we are and all that we do, our school is more than just a place where children are equipped with learning and skills for the workplace and responsible citizenship. We are a community where the spiritual, cultural and personal worlds within which our children live combine to form the roots from which grow the values, motivation, aspirations and morals that will inform choices and actions as people.

As well as having Mass in school once a fortnight, we also  have a school Mass once a term (six times a year) in the Parish Church on a Sunday. This is a celebration of the children, their work and the Catholic faith that unites parents, children, teachers and the local community through Jesus Christ.

In addition to this, Fr Pat offers the Sacrament of Reconciliation in school during Advent and Lent.

Preparation for the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist is carried out by the Parish catechists. This is a two-year programme.  Before the pandemic, the school supported the parish by running the Bible Club one evening per week after school for children in Year 2. The children in Year 3 attend the Communion Club in the Parish Hall one evening after school ot at the weekend. Although parish catechists run the programme, it is fully supported by the school.  The First Holy Communion celebration itself is one of the highlights of the school calendar; our staff attend and children in Key Stage 2 give up their time to sing at this special celebration. 

Staff and children also take part in other services and acts of worship at St Vincent’s Church: Christmas Carol Service, Stations of the Cross, Masses on Holy Days of Obligation as well as Masses to mark the beginning and end of the school year.

The School also actively supports the Parish Christmas Bazaar and Summer Fete.