Our Historical Background
The story of St. Mary’s Private School began with the establishment of St. Mary’s Convent and the arrival of Catholic missionaries in Lagos.
In 1863, Fr. Francesco Borghero arrived in Lagos, marking the beginning of Catholic missionary education in the region. Ten years later, in 1873, four dedicated Sisters from France — Sr. Veronique Peissonneaux, Sr. Claire Maysson, Sr. Colette Vessiere, and Sr. Joseph Jasserand — arrived to establish a school for girls.
In March 1873, the school formally opened its doors, welcoming its first pupils — children of Brazilian returnees in Lagos. As the demand for quality education increased, parents sought improved academic standards. In response, Sr. Arcade Harding and Sr. Valentine Mechan (both Sisters of Our Lady of Apostles) established St. Mary’s Private School in 1926 as a fee-paying institution alongside the existing free school. Sr. Arcade Harding became the first Headmistress.
Other pioneering Sisters who contributed significantly to the school's growth included Sr. Basse Ruber, Sr. Benedict Kelly, Sr. Augusta Murphy, and Sr. Ignace Bastian. Since its inception, the Sisters of Our Lady of Apostles have faithfully and successfully managed the school, ensuring the preservation of its strong Catholic identity and high academic standards.
Faith & Moral Formation
As a Catholic institution under the guidance of the Sisters of Our Lady of Apostles, we provide:
Sound religious instruction
Daily prayers and moral guidance
Sacramental preparation
Character formation programmes
We believe education is incomplete without strong moral and spiritual foundations.
Our Core Values
Faith in God
Academic Excellence
Discipline
Integrity
Service
Respect for Diversity
Since the inception, Our Lady of Apostles sister have been managing the school successfully. Subsequently, the “free-school” and the “fee-paying” school continued to function side by side in their very limited space on Broad Street.
St. Mary’s Private School continues to provide its pupils with a sound religious and moral foundation, while maintaining the highest academic standards. In sports and cultural activities, it remains second to none. Its commitment to all sections of society is evident in the scholarships awarded to pupils who come from less privileged backgrounds.
In recent years just as in the past, the pupils of St. Mary’s Private School sustain the winning streak in academic performances. In 2015, a pupil-Mukaram A Danmola was presented with a Certificate of Merit as one of the best participants in an International Children’s Art Exhibition organized by Creative Connection, an international Cultural Education Program. Tashie Chizoba, another pupil in Basic Six contested in Nigeria’s Child Genius Competition organized by Child Genius Nigeria and was awarded the Best Candidate. This started from the 2nd of April, 2015 and was concluded on the 27th of May, 2016. In 2025, one of our learners in Basic five, Makililo Oghenekome Isaac won Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA)Essay Competition to mark the International Maritime Organizations day and some many others.
Our Management Team:
His Grace, Most Rev. Dr.
Alfred Adewale Martins
The School Proprietor
Sr. Francisca Onuwabhagbe Iyorah
School Supervisor
Mrs. Chukwuemeka Maureen
Senior School Head
Mrs. Adikea Obiageli Sandra
Junior School Head
Mrs. Nwachukwu Lucy Nkechi
Nursery School Head
At St. Mary’s Private School, Lagos, we are more than an institution of learning — we are a community rooted in faith, guided by excellence, and committed to nurturing the whole child. From the earliest years through to higher levels of learning, we strive to form confident, compassionate, and capable young individuals who are prepared to make a positive difference in the world.
With a strong foundation in Catholic values, dedicated educators, and a supportive partnership with parents, we continue to uphold our mission of providing quality education in a safe, disciplined, and inspiring environment.
We invite you to become part of the St. Mary’s family — where every child is valued, every talent is nurtured, and every future is shaped with purpose.