Martin de Porres was born in 1579 in the city of Lima, South America. 
His father originally abandoned his family, leaving them poor and
outcast, but he later relented, and Martin was able to study medicine
and devote his skill to the care of the lowliest sufferers.

At the age of 22, he was received at the Dominican Priory in Lima and
became a Laybrother, devoting himself to the poor and hungry, and
providing for the waifs and strays of Lima.  He built a great orphanage
and hospital such as none other dare dream of.

Martin died in 1639 and in 1837, the Pope solemnly declared him
''Blessed''.  He was canonised on 6th May, 1962.

The school

St. Martin of Porres R.C. Primary School is a one-form entry school, with a part-time nursery for 3-4 year olds.  There are thirty children in each year group and a total of 52 children in the nursery.  The school opened in 1972 and a nursery was added in 1980.  It is situated in the western end of the London Borough of Haringey and the school is very close to the London Borough of Enfield and the London Borough of Barnet boundaries.

The school is situated within the parish of St. Paul the Apostle Church, Wood Green and the school''s extensive catchment area is from this parish.  It is a "family school" with the majority of children attending the school from nursery through to year 6.  The children wear a school uniform, which is royal blue and grey.  The school badge was designed by one of our past pupils.

Each class has a Class Teacher, with Reception Class and the Nursery both having full-time Nursery Nurses.  The school also has a part-time teacher, who teaches Music as well as supporting groups of children.  There is also additional staff for PE & Games and for French, this subject is taught to years 4, 5 & 6.  Apart from the Headteacher and Deputy Headteacher, we also have a full-time Welfare Assistant, Administrative Staff, Caretaker and S.M.S.A.s.  London Borough of Haringey peripatetic teachers for violin, piano and guitar visit the school each week.  In November 2001 the school was awarded a Healthy School Standard and in January 2004, an Active Mark Award.

The school has a very firm partnership with the parents and they are encouraged to take an active part in their child''s education and the life of the school.  The school also has a very supportive and active "Friends of the School", which arranges numerous family events throughout the year.  The Friends of the School give very generously to the school and they raised the funds for the ICT suite.