We have had it confirmed today by the Great Man himself, legendary basketball coach, Humphrey Long, our achievement has never been done before, 4 English Schools National titles in National Schools History.

Here is what he sent us: 

“This is a quick update on he ESBBA Roll of Honour. As of May note that St Bon’s has moved up the ‘league table’. Four wins is a record. Ellesmere Port Catholic High School previously had 3 wins in 2005. A unique achievement. Well done! “

Record breakers!

History was made this weekend as our Year 8s won their match against St Martin’s School from Brentwood in Belle Vue making it a clean sweep with us incredibly winning all four matches – a once in a lifetime feat.

The good news doesn’t stop there either.

With Year 7s already being named as Champions earlier in the year that makes us National England Basketball Champions in EVERY year – 5 titles now to our name.

Coach Senior explained: “This is massive for us. The boys come in early every morning for practice ready to work and improve and they really deserve this recognition. The buzz this weekend was amazing with everyone talking about one East London school dominating the national stage. Our support was phenomenal too and everyone was transfixed, keen to stay in the loop on our progress but we just kept winning. It was nice to have some parents travel up to Manchester too to support their sons. It was a truly memorable weekend.”

Head of PE, Chris Topping said: “I couldn’t be more proud. The boys worked so hard for this and wanted to win so much.”

Headteacher Mr Halliwell added: “This is not a fluke. This is the result of the hard work, dedication and enthusiasm of our staff and students. This has never happened in any school before. St Bon’s has made history this weekend.”

We were truly honoured to be be asked to perform at the swearing in ceremony for the new Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, at Southwark Cathedral on Saturday morning, May 7, 2016.

St Bonaventure’s was the only school to be chosen in the whole of London – a huge privilege. No other schoolchildren were invited. 

Miss Brocket hastily assembled the choir and held secret rehearsals on Friday afternoon. Even the boys didnt know what they were practising for. They only knew it was a top secret, high profile event.

After gathering at Stratford station early on Saturday morning, the 19 students ranging from Year 7s to Year 13s were told of their mission. The excited group were quizzed by Borough Market shoppers as they gathered outside Southwark Cathedral,  keen to find out what was going on inside the historic church. They deflected their questioning like true professionals and apologised and said they were not allowed to say. 

One inside the beautiful building and after a quick rehearsal,  the formal proceedings began. The atmosphere was one of excitement, joy and celebration as the students watched as Ed Miliband, Sir Ian McKellen, Owen Jones, Baroness Doreen Lawrence and the Met Police Commissioner all took their seats. Television cameras and photographers were in abundance,  all waiting to capture the historic moment.  

Once the new Mayor addressed the audience and signed the official declaration our students went up onto the altar to sing ‘Fight Song’ and ‘Hold Back the River’. The audience loved their song choices. 

Straight afterwards ‘Lord of the Rings’ actor Sir Ian made a beeline over to our students after Mr Halliwell had earlier asked him to meet the excited lads. He happily posed for selfies and photos and chatted.

Afterwards on the lawn,  the VIPs including our new Mayor himself were happy to pose for photos and selfies with our boys. 

It was a memorable morning indeed and the students were a credit to the school, their parents, Forest Gate, Newham and the whole of London.

The eyes of the world were on them and they behaved impeccably. 

Oh my days. Our Year 9 have won the England Basketball Premier Under 14 Schools Championship  after beating St Matthew’s RC High School from Moston in Manchester with a score of 72 – 59.

It is remarkable and Mr Ancora, Mr Robinson, Mr Bowers, Mr Onireti  and Mr Senior  were there to see them clinch the title.

That means we have won every title we have entered so far this weekend.

Mr Halliwell added: “This weekend has been amazing and I can’t wait to see all the medals and trophies back in school on Monday.”

One game remains to be played tomorrow, May 8, when our Year 8s play St Martin’s School from Brentwood.

Fingers crossed for a clean sweep.

News just in.

Our Year 10s have just been crowned the Under 15 Boys Premier National Schools Competition Champions.

They  were up against Saint Gabriel’s School from Lambeth in Belle Vue Manchester this evening, May 6, and won with a score of 83 – 70.

This is a magnificent achievement and we are very proud of the team and supportive staff.  

Headteacher, Mr Halliwell added: “Everyone has worked really hard for this, it’s been been a real team effort and our dedicated staff should be applauded for their committment to getting the team to the final. This is a great day for St Bonaventure’s.”

Well done to Lawrence Ssonko in Year 10 who was chosen last week to represent our school in the Jack Petchey Speak Out Challenge.

Four students were short-listed and they all gave passionate speeches but the judges decided Lawrence had the edge. He will now prepare to represent St Bonaventure’s in the Newham Final in a fortnight at Chobham academy.

Thanks to Ms Corriette for all her help with the competition and preparing the boys to speak so confidently and eloquently.

Our Year 10 basketballers travelled to Leicester yesterday, May 4, to play Liverpool’s Blue Coat School and came away victorious and looking forward to playing in the final against St Gabriel’s College from Camberwell.

The score was 90 – 59 and the lad’s played fantastically well.

Our cup runneth over with success this year as we have teams from Year 8, 9 and 11 as well as Year 10 in the finals in Belle Vue in Manchester this weekend. Our Year 7 already hold the National Champions title in the Junior NBA.

We wish all Years the very best of luck.  

The itinerary  tips off this Friday at 4pm when Year 10’s face St Gabriel’s. Year 11 face Reddish Vale High School from Stockport at 6pm. 

On Saturday Year 9 play St Matthew’s School from Manchester at 12pm. Sunday at 12pm Year 8 play St Martin’s School from Brentwood.

Headteacher Mr Halliwell added: “I don’t think there can be another school in the country that can have as many teams in the finals as we have. We are truly blessed.”

Oh my goodness, what a weekend!

The Year 10 victors met with Team GB Captain Drew Sullivan  after the game at Leicester yesterday, May 4, 2016

What a memorable week for our young basketballers.

Today our Year 11 under 16 Basketball Team beat Barking Abbey 90-87 in Double Overtime and now advance to the National Finals at Belle Vue in Manchester next Friday, May 6.

They are set to play Stockport’s Reddish Vale High School.

We are truly blessed.