St. Edwards Secondary School
@ May Park
History
St. Edwards Secondary School — Established 1922
Our Story
St. Edwards Secondary School was founded on February 6, 1922, in response to the growing need for Catholic secondary education in Freetown. At the time, pupils completing Sixth Standard had no Catholic secondary school to attend. After several delays, the Catholic Mission opened St. Edward’s using the middle floor of a newly constructed building on Howe Street.
The school began with seven foundation students: Anthony Tucker, Sylvester Tucker, James Massallay, Edward Farrah, Albert Margai, Willie Luke, and Joseph Luke.
The founding Principal was Rev. Father Michael O’Connor, assisted by Rev. Father Cornelius Mulcahy, who had transferred from Sherbro Land. Later in 1922, Father O’Connor returned to Europe due to ill health, and Father Mulcahy assumed leadership.
Under Father Mulcahy’s long principalship, St. Edwards gained national recognition for excellence in academics, athletics, scouting, and character formation. His influence on both the school and the wider Freetown community was profound. He served until his passing in 1941.
In 1943, the school adopted a house system, establishing Blanchet, O’Gorman, Wilson, and Brown Houses.
Following World War II, St. Edwards Secondary School was relocated in 1945 to Brookfields, where former Army huts were repurposed as classrooms. This transition took place under the leadership of Rev. Father Holly. When Father Holly went on leave in 1948, Rev. Father Kearney served as Acting Principal.
Meanwhile, the primary school remained on Howe Street until 1960, when it moved to Fort Street.
The present secondary school campus was completed in 1959, marking St. Edward’s permanent relocation to Kingtom.
The Origin of “May Park”
Driven by a passion for student development through sports, Father Mulcahy sought to secure a permanent playing field for the school. In 1934, he negotiated with prominent builder Mr. A. Golley to acquire land in Kingtom. The purchase was finalized in May, and the grounds were cleared and developed into a sporting field.
Father Mulcahy named it “May Park.”
Today, May Park stands as a lasting symbol of Edwardian pride, athletic excellence, and community spirit.
Proprietorship
St. Edwards Secondary School is owned by the Catholic Mission. Since the 1940s, the local head of the Mission has been a Bishop or Archbishop, including:
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Bishop Ambrose Kelly (deceased)
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Archbishop Thomas Brossnahan (deceased)
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Archbishop Joseph Henry Ganda (Emeritus)
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Archbishop Edward Tamba Charles (current head)
Former Principals of St. Edwards Secondary School
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Rev. Fr. Michael O’Connor — Founding Principal (1922)
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Rev. Fr. Cornelius Mulcahy — Principal (1922–1941)
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Rev. Fr. Clarkin — Principal (served during the post-war period; exact years being confirmed)
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Rev. Fr. Holly — Principal (mid-1940s; led the Brookfields relocation)
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Rev. Fr. Kearney — Acting Principal (during Father Holly’s leave, late 1940s–early 1950s)
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Rev. Fr. O’Reilly — Acting Principal (mid-1950s)
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Rev. Fr. Jeremiah O’Sullivan — Principal (1956–1979)
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Mr. A. J. Robinson — Principal (appointed 1979)
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Rev. Fr. Curran — Principal (service years being confirmed)
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Rev. Fr. Hamelberg — Principal (service years being confirmed)
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Mr. M. A. C. Renner — Principal (service years being confirmed)
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Mr. J. P. Kamara (“Tizzo”) — Principal (served around 2000)
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Mr. Johnson Cole
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Mr. Freddie R. Wyse — Principal, Senior Secondary School (served for several years; exact dates being confirmed)
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Mr. Eustace Wachukwu John — Principal (appointed 2024 – present)
Each of these leaders contributed uniquely to the growth, resilience, and legacy of St. Edwards Secondary School.
Note: Exact service dates for some principals are currently being confirmed from archival school and Old Edwardians Association records.
Student Life at May Park
At St. Edwards, student life extends far beyond the classroom. From morning assembly to athletics at May Park, from music rehearsals to community service, students grow in confidence, discipline, and teamwork.
Our programs emphasize:
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Academic engagement through active, student-centered learning
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Athletics and wellness that build resilience and leadership
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Arts and creativity that develop voice and expression
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Service and character that cultivate empathy and responsibility
Together, these experiences shape well-rounded Edwardians—prepared for higher education, careers, and service to society.
Support the Rebirth
Rebuilding St. Edwards is a shared responsibility.
Through the Joint Chapter Consolidated Modernization Project and the Edwardian Million-Dollar Endowment, alumni, families, and partners worldwide are investing in modern facilities, strong faculty, and expanded opportunities for every student.
Your support directly advances:
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Safe, inspiring learning spaces
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Teacher development and instructional excellence
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Student programs in academics, athletics, and the arts
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Sustainable operations for long-term impact