BACON'S COLLEGE

The philosophy of the College was high expectations, a strong ethos based on Christian principles and a belief that social deprivation never equalled under-achievement. Bacon’s approach is still inclusive, now that it has become an Academy (September 2007): it welcomes students of all faiths and of none, but it stresses that the College is a Church of England foundation. As an Academy, the College still adheres to its Christian values and traditions and is welcoming of all, valuing diversity and difference, whilst celebrating the achievement of each individual.

The Story of Bacon's College is a hardbacked book which can be purchased from Ann Nuckley

Josiah Bacon, a leather merchant, born in the Parish of St Mary Magdalen, Bermondsey, made provision in his will for a school: he died in 1703 and the school that was founded catered for poor children whose parents were unable to provide for their education. It taught students free of charge to read English, and do arithmetic such that they were fit for a trade or to keep merchants’ books.

This legacy has continued to the present day and the CTC that opened in 1991 owed much to the spirit of its founder. Lord Harris of Peckham, like Josiah Bacon before him saw education as the key to social change ‘It gives bright kids who lack opportunities a chance in life’. He, along with the LDDC became the sponsors of the CTC; it offered a new form of education with joint management by the Church of England and the business sponsors, ensuring high educational aims and an emphasis on science and technology in the curriculum.