St Mary's Menston Catholic Voluntary Academy (formerly St Mary's Catholic High School) is an 11–18 mixed, Roman Catholic, secondary school and sixth form with academy status in Menston, West Yorkshire, England. It was established in 1964 and adopted its present name after becoming an academy on 1 March 2013. It is part of The Bishop Wheeler Catholic Academy Trust and is located in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Leeds. History Early years: 1964–1972 Canon Charles J Murray, Governor, negotiated with the West Riding County Council and Department of Education and Science for forward planning of the school and had by 1960 secured a site. In October 1960, it was announced that a school would be built in the 1962-63 building programme, and the governors invited Weightman & Bullen, to prepare plans for a three-form entry secondary school. At that time no more than 75 boys and girls per year were expected so the plans were for a building for 360 pupils in the initial contract, with provision for extension to 450. West Riding County Council acquired of land from the Regional Hospital Board and work started on the site in July 1962. The original buildings, to which pupils were admitted in November 1964, were officially blessed and opened by George Dwyer, Roman Catholic Bishop of Leeds on 3 July 1965. The first chairman of governors, who presided was E. Malone. St Mary's opening led to a reorganisation of Catholic schools in the area, as they became primary schools. The school colours of purple, yellow and grey have remained unchanged since the opening. Subjects available in 1965 included: English Mathematics Science History Geography French Art and Craft Woodwork Metalwork Technical Drawing Housecraft Needlework Physical Education The Morse building (named after Saint Henry Morse) can be seen as the school is approached from the main road. The three units comprised the hall, small hall, Chapel, and gymnasium, a three-storey academic and administrative block and practical areas. The total cost was £180,000 of which the Local Authority contributed £39,000. The Chapel, financed without grant aid, cost a further £9,000. Throughout the 1960s the Diocesan Schools Commission and the West Riding County Council recognised that the only sound future for the school would be as part of a comprehensive system, and to provide a sufficient range of facilities it would have to grow. Expansion: 1973–1979 St Mary's is well placed for transport and the