St Boniface’s origins can be traced to 1856, when Bishop Vaughan founded a college of that name in Plymouth’s Wyndham Square. Thirty-one years later responsibility for the college was assumed by the Christian Brothers, who obtained more spacious premises at Beacon Park. In 1946 that school was awarded Direct Grant status- a tribute to its facilities and academic excellence.
At this time, Secondary Modern education for boys and girls was provided by two ‘intermediate schools’ in separate parishes, one at the Cathedral, the other at Keyham Barton. These were superseded in 1963 by a new co-educational school on the present Crownhill site, which was named Bishop Vaughan Catholic School.
In 1981, St Boniface’s Catholic College and Bishop Vaughan Catholic School were amalgamated into a Voluntary-Aided boys’ Comprehensive school at Crownhill, which then became the Grant Maintained St Boniface’s Catholic College. In 1999 the College reverted to Voluntary Aided status.
Our badge proclaims the College’s origins. The cross of St Andrew represents the Old Cathedral Church of Plymouth, the Bishop’s staff represents the patronage of St Boniface; and the cross keys of St Peter represent the Catholic Church, towards which the College owes its allegiance. The badge’s blue background echoes the College’s connections with the sea.
The College motto ‘Bona Facite’ is Latin for ‘Do Good’.
The school tie, as worn by students in Year 7-11, is mainly purple to represent the Bishop. The diagonal silver band flanked with gold on either side denotes loyalty to the Holy See, whilst the thin red lines between purple and gold commemorates the martyrdom of St Boniface.
In 2008, the College address changed from Tavistock Road to 21 Boniface Lane, after Councillors agreed to Bladder Lane's renaming. This saw a change to the College address, stationary and website from January 01, 2008.