Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT ARE YOUR SCHOOL’S ENTRY POINTS?
Entry is sometimes possible throughout the School; however, the usual entry points are Year 3, Year 5, Year 7 and Year 12.
ARE YOU CURRENTLY OPEN FOR TOURS?
Yes, private tours can be arranged; please contact our Admissions Manager at admissions@stcatherineschool.co.uk. You may also wish to book onto one of our Open Events.
ARE YOU CURRENTLY ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS?
Yes, please contact our Admissions Manager at admissions@stcatherineschool.co.uk for more information.
CAN WE TALK TO OR MEET THE HEADMISTRESS?
Yes, it is possible to arrange a phone conversation or meeting with the Headmistress; however, many parents first attend an open event. If you are not able to do so, or have a special question to ask, please contact our Admissions Manager at admissions@stcatherineschool.co.uk.
WHAT LANGUAGES ARE TAUGHT AT ST CATHERINE’S?
Girls in Prep are taught French; Year 6 girls also have Spanish lessons.
Year 7 girls learn French, German and Spanish; Year 8 girls take two of these, and in Year 9-11 one or two languages, depending on ability and interest.
WHAT IS THE ADMISSIONS PROCESS FOR PREP?
Parents seeking admission for Prep should complete the registration form and return it to our Admissions Manager at admissions@stcatherineschool.co.uk with a cheque, or make a bank transfer, for the registration fee. They will then be invited to meet the Head of Prep, who will show them around the department, and the Headmistress, for an interview.
For entry into Years 3 through to Year 6, applicants will be invited to sit age-appropriate assessments in Maths and English.
DO YOU OFFER BURSARIES?
Bursary applications can be made for Senior School places (Years 7-12); bursaries are reviewed annually. To find out more information about Bursaries and the application process please go to our web page LINK or contact the Assistant Bursar, at bursaries@stcatherineschool.co.uk.
WHAT DOES ST CATHERINE’S OFFER AS A CATHOLIC SCHOOL?
We are proud to offer a values-based education to girls of all faiths and to welcome all pupils into a Christian community that focuses on friendship and belonging. The faith life of the school is built around these principles and helps girls to consider deeper values and to grow in self-worth, compassion and service of others.
DO NON-CATHOLIC GIRLS FEEL AT HOME AT ST CATHERINE’S?
Yes, our community is a very welcoming and friendly one. Approximately 40% of the girls are Catholics, with girls from other Christian denominations making up a little less than that. We are also pleased to have girls from other faiths, who enrich our school community, and all girls join together in school events, and are encouraged to appreciate the different faiths and family backgrounds of their friends.
WHAT FACILITIES DO YOU HAVE ONSITE?
St Catherine’s has excellent onsite facilities for the girls from Prep to Sixth Form. Our Interactive Map showcases some of these facilities, including our own indoor Swimming Pool, large playing fields and Sixth Form Centre.
WHAT BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL CARE DO YOU PROVIDE?
Our wrap around care begins with our very popular breakfast club held daily in the dining room from 7.30am. A hot and nutritious breakfast is available for all pupils of Prep and Senior School under the supervision of our Breakfast Club Manager.
Our After School Club runs every day from 3.30pm to 6.00pm for all girls from Year 3 to Year 6. The girls are supervised by qualified, experienced staff and enjoy a variety of creative activities in a safe, calm and caring environment.
Homework supervision is provided for our older pupils and a light tea is provided upon request. Our working parents have commented on how reassuring it is to have their daughters looked after safely in school and have appreciated spending time with them in the evening, homework free!
WHAT CO-CURRICULAR OPPORTUNITIES DO YOU OFFER?
We have a wide range of sporting, creative and performance activities. Our Activities vary over the year and there are options for every year group.
WHAT IS THE ADMISSIONS PROCESS FOR YEAR 7?
Year 7 is our main entry point to the Senior School. Once you have applied (November deadline each year), an interview with the Headmistress is arranged which takes place in the Autumn Term, and then examinations, on Saturday 30 November 2024.
WHICH SUBJECTS ARE COVERED IN THE ENTRANCE EXAMINATIONS?
Year 6 girls complete two papers: English and Maths.
WHEN IS THE EXAMINATION DAY?
Saturday 30 November 2024.
HOW MANY YEAR 7 CLASSES WILL THERE BE AND HOW MANY GIRLS IN EACH?
Year 7 is usually formed of three classes, each with approximately 20 girls. Offers for September 2024 will be made in February 2024, following applications, interviews and examinations.
IS EVERY CANDIDATE INTERVIEWED?
Yes – this is a very important part of the process (and the Headmistress’s favourite); it is an opportunity for a conversation and for the Headmistress to answer any questions. It is a relaxed process and does not include any assessment.
WHAT IS THE HEADMISTRESS LOOKING FOR WHEN SELECTING GIRLS FOR YEAR 7?
The Headmistress (and the whole process) places great emphasis on the whole child. For this reason, the interview with parents and with the prospective pupil, is very important, as is the reference and most recent school report. Data from the Entrance Examinations is also used; however, we are aware that girls are coming from many different schools and therefore subjects may have been covered in a variety of ways.
WHAT SCHOLARSHIPS ARE AVAILABLE?
Academic, Drama, Art, Music and Sport scholarships are available.
