The Friary School

The Friary School is a mixed secondary school located in Lichfield, Staffordshire, England. The school serves pupils aged 11–18. The school became an arts and sports college in 2006 and despite this status being withdrawn by the DofE in 2010 the subjects remain high profile in the school and local community.The school shares its sporting facilities - including astro-turf pitches, a sports hall, a multi-gym, and a swimming pool - with Lichfield Council and the community use is very popular.The school is rated 'good' by OFSTED.HistoryDue to the reorganisation of secondary education in the period 1970-73, the former girls' school was closed and succeeded by the present school on a new site on the north side of the town. The former site, at the corner of Bore Street and St John Street, became an adult education centre with Staffordshire County Council.School HymnThe headmistress prior to re-organisation was Miss KCM Gent. She wrote the school hymn:To Mercia's ancient Kingdom came,Long years' ago St Chad whose nameWe hold in veneration.To thegn and serf, to young and old,He preached the faith of Christ and toldHis gospel of salvation.The soaring eagle, Mercia's crest,The sign of strength and warrior's zest,For them now gained new meaning.To Christ the Mercian people turned,The "eagle's wings" of prayer they learned,And knew God's love redeeming.When to our city's narrow waysThe Grey Friars came, a house they rais'dOf service, love and learning.In every man they saw their Lord;They fed the hungry, preached God's word,With zeal and courage burning.Saint Francis taught them how to loveAll birds and beasts; his sign the dove,Was emblem of his spirit.So may their peace and gentleness,Their joy in service, ever blessThe place which we inherit.