The Handmaids

Our History 

Saint Christina’s School was founded in 1949 by the Handmaids of the Sacred Heart of Jesus as an Independent Catholic School in the Archdiocese of Westminster. Since then, it has flourished, always striving to meet the needs of its pupils in a changing world. The school belongs to a charitable trust (Handmaids of the Sacred Heart of Jesus) and is part of a global family founded by Saint Raphaela Mary in the nineteenth century. To view our Sister Schools, click here. For more on St Raphaela Mary, visit the ACI England website.

The Handmaids of the Sacred Heart of Jesus are an international order with convents and schools in 25 countries, including Saint Christina’s in London. 

 
  
Founded by St Raphaela Mary in 1877, the Handmaids are eucharistic women called to partner with Christ in bringing reconciliation and healing to people, their relationships, and creation. They strive to make the Mass come alive in worship, life, and ministry, sharing a sense of awe and helping others know Jesus Christ. 

As educators, they teach with love, believing education is a vocation and schools are sacred spaces. St Raphaela Mary saw teaching as more than a profession; for her it was a priestly function. She also believed education could transform society and lift the poor from poverty. 

Passionate about people, especially the disadvantaged and displaced, the Sisters follow Ignatian Spirituality, striving to be women with and for others, finding God in all things. Above all, they are “contemplatives in action,” dedicating hours each day to prayer, wrapping the world, and Saint Christina’s, in God’s loving care. 
In London, four Sisters, Sr Eileen, Sr Noella, Sr Anne, and Sr Jo, support Saint Christina’s with great devotion.

2019 marked 70 years since the School’s founding. We are always keen to reconnect with past pupils and parents to gather photos, history, and memories. If you or someone you know attended Saint Christina’s, please contact us on 0207 722 8784, email office@saintchristinas.org.uk, or join our LinkedIn group. 
  
 
 
 
 
 

Sister School

The Handmaids of the Sacred Heart of Jesus are an international order with schools and convents in 25 countries. Being part of this global network helps us ensure our pupils leave Saint Christina’s as global citizens. 

We are proud to belong to the Province covering Portugal, France, Ireland, and the UK. 

Each year, a different school in our Province hosts an Education Conference to strengthen connections, broaden global perspectives, and support staff development. Saint Christina’s was honoured to host the last gathering, where delegates enjoyed a welcome assembly, school tours, and themed lessons on Awe and Wonder in Learning and Leadership. Fr Adrian Porter SJ delivered an inspiring keynote on purpose and achieving the best for our pupils.

Handmaid schools also support one another in times of need, and we are exploring ways to assist our schools in South and Central America. 

See the map below for our Sister School locations: