75 Years
of Beaulieu on Wellington Hill

75 Years of Beaulieu on Wellington Hill

This year marks a significant milestone in the life of Beaulieu as we celebrate 75 years on our current site on Wellington Hill. It is a moment to pause, reflect and give thanks for the generations of students, staff, families and sisters who have shaped Beaulieu into the vibrant, values-driven community it is today.

To mark this anniversary, Sister Geraldine, one of our Governors, has shared a message below from Saint Méen on behalf of the Council of the Sisters of the Immaculate Conception, and especially Sisters Marie-Louise, Aline, Hélène, Marie-Thérèse (Mary Teresa) and Sister Marie-Louise, who was cook for many years. All of these sisters worked at Beaulieu and hold deep affection for everyone with whom they lived and worked.

From St Matthieu to “Un Beau Lieu”

As Sister Geraldine reminds us, the story of Beaulieu began long before Wellington Hill. The Sisters of the Immaculate Conception settled in St Matthieu in 1924 and, a few years later, were able to begin a school with Mrs Du Feu. During the Second World War, the convent was requisitioned and the school relocated to St Peter’s Valley. When the sisters returned to St Matthieu after the war, they faced the considerable task of repairing the damage caused during the occupation years.

However, they soon realised that St Matthieu’s isolation meant they were losing contact with the many new families they had encountered during the war. With courage and foresight, the sisters made the brave decision to move to St Helier so that the school could grow, thrive and reach more families. They purchased a house and chapel surrounded by trees and fields, describing it as “un beau lieu” - a beautiful place. In 1951, Beaulieu was born.

A Community Built on Love and Service

Despite initial reservations from their superiors in Saint Méen and the financial challenges such an ambitious project presented, the commitment, love and service of a small group of sisters, alongside Mrs Du Feu, inspired the local Catholic community. Parents entrusted the sisters with their children, and a powerful partnership grew between the school, families, volunteers and students.

Together, they created a school with a unique ethos, shaped by what we now describe as “Toute de Charité” - the charism of the Congregation lived out in daily life. Sister Geraldine highlights the lasting influence of Sister Marie-Louise, whose positive outlook and deep belief in the goodness of each individual left a lasting impression. She saw every person as special, encouraged everyone to give of their best, and ensured that all who passed through Beaulieu were valued for who they are and for their contribution to the wider community.

75 Years of Growth and Impact

From those early beginnings, Beaulieu has grown and evolved, educating and inspiring generations of young people. The school has sent out many independent, compassionate and committed women and some men who have gone on to contribute in their own unique ways to our Island and to the wider world.

Now, in 2026, as we celebrate this landmark anniversary, we join with the Sisters in giving thanks to God for all who have contributed to Beaulieu’s success over the past 75 years. Beaulieu remains firmly in the thoughts and prayers of the Sisters as the school continues its journey into the future.

Sister Marie-Louise, who served as Headmistress and is now 101 years old, still lives by the words she often shared: “Ever better, ever higher, ever happier.”

Her message to the Beaulieu community today reflects the spirit of the Congregation: enjoy the year ahead, give thanks for the road travelled over the past 75 years, and look forward with hope. Be true to the Gospel values that lie at the heart of Beaulieu, and continue to play your part in building a better future for generations to come.

As we celebrate 75 Years of Beaulieu, we honour our past, rejoice in our present, and look forward with confidence and gratitude to all that lies ahead.