The college is named after Blessed Thomas Holford, a 16th-century priest from Cheshire. Thomas Holford (sometimes called Thomas Acton) (1541–1588) was an English Protestant schoolteacher who became a Catholic priest during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. He was martyred at Clerkenwell in London, and is recognised by the Catholic Church as having the status of Blessed.

We are situated in the Borough of Trafford in Altrincham. Blessed Thomas Holford Catholic College was founded by the Diocese of Shrewsbury to provide education for children of Catholic families.

We serve the parishes of St Vincent’s, St Hugh’s, St Margaret Ward, St Joseph’s, Holy Family, All Saints, Our Lady of Lourdes, English Martyrs, St Monica’s, St Hugh of Lincoln, St Ann’s , Our Lady of the Rosary, St Teresa’s and St Alphonsus. 

The evolution of the Blessed Thomas Holford Catholic College crest reflects our deepening commitment our Catholic identity and mission. The original motto, "Christi Crux Mea Lux" meaning "The Cross of Christ is My Light", emphasised the centrality of Christ's sacrifice as a guiding light for the school community. This theme of Christ at the centre has been thoughtfully preserved and expanded upon in the current badge and college motto.

The present motto, "May God's Love Be Our Guide," broadens the focus from the singular symbol of the cross to emphasise the encompassing love of God, guiding the college's journey. This shift is visually represented in the crest, which retains key elements from the school’s original design while introducing new symbols to convey a more comprehensive message of faith and guidance.

Monstrance: A Symbol of Christ's Presence

A prominent feature retained in the current crest is the monstrance. In Catholic tradition, a monstrance is a sacred vessel used to display the consecrated Eucharistic host during adoration and benediction, symbolising the Real Presence of Jesus Christ. The term "monstrance" derives from the Latin "monstrare," meaning "to show" or "to display," underscoring its purpose in manifesting Christ to the faithful.

Incorporating the monstrance into the school crest serves as a powerful reminder of our dedication to placing Christ at the centre our community. It visually communicates our commitment to making Christ's presence known and revered within our educational environment.

Central Cross: Faith at the Heart of the Community

The current college badge features a cross centrally positioned within the letters "BTH," symbolising that Christ and faith are at the heart of the Blessed Thomas Holford family. This design choice reflects the school's mission to integrate faith into all aspects of our community life, ensuring that Christ's teachings and example remain foundational to our identity and operations.

Rainbow Colours: Covenant and Community

A new addition to the crest was the inclusion of rainbow colours, reminiscent of the hues found in traditional monstrance designs. The rainbow holds significant meaning in Catholicism, originating from the story of Noah, where it served as a sign of God's covenant and promise of faithfulness. By incorporating the rainbow into the crest, the college draws a parallel between this divine promise and our own commitment to fostering a faithful and united community.

The rainbow also symbolises diversity and unity, reflecting the school's dedication to embracing and celebrating the unique God given gifts of each member our community while remaining united in faith and purpose.