Add to clipboard

What it's like

Founded in 1950 by two local parish priests, it is single-site and semi-rural on 4.5 acres and combines nursery, junior and senior schools. In the intervening years there have been numerous extensions to the original house to provide good modern facilities. A sound education is given. About 50% of pupils are Roman Catholic. Assemblies are religious, Mass is said regularly and the curriculum incorporates religious education to A-level. Fencing and chess are especially strong. There is a variety of trips abroad.

Pupils & entrance

Pupils: Total age range 2ý-18; 386 day pupils (266 boys, 120 girls). Senior department 11-18, 221 pupils. Entrance: Main entry ages 2ý, 4, 11 and 16. Own entrance exam used; for sixth-form entry, 5 GCSEs at least grade C (grade B in sixth-form subjects). No special skills or religious requirements but majority are Roman Catholic. Some 50% of senior intake from own junior department.

Scholarships & bursaries

6 pa academic scholarships, value 25%-50% fees (3 each at 11 and 16); also music scholarships. Some bursaries available for financial or other hardship. Parents not expected to buy textbooks.

Head & staff

Headteacher: John de Waal, in post since 2000. Educated at St Joseph's College, Beulah Hill, and at Bedford College London (history) and St Mary's Strawberry Hill (PGCE religious studies). Previously Deputy Head of St Mary's High School, Croydon, and Head of History at Bishop Thomas Grant School, Streatham. Teaching staff: 27 full time, 9 part time. Annual turnover 8%. Average age 40.

Exam results

GCSE: 44 in Year 11, 71% gained at least grade C in 5+ subjects. Average GCSE score 47. A-levels: 14 in upper sixth. Average final point score achieved by upper sixth formers 202.

University & college entrance

80% of sixth-form leavers go on to a degree course. 20% took courses in science and engineering, 60% in humanities and social sciences. Others typically go straight into careers.

Curriculum

GCSE, AS and A-levels. 16 subjects to AS/A-level, 1 vocational A-level. Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level, 3 at A-level. Key skills integrated into sixth-form courses. Vocational: Work experience available (1 week in year 10). Special provision: Dyslexic pupils given special help. Languages: French (from age 8) and Spanish (from age 12) to GCSE and A-level. ICT: Taught as a discrete subject. 22 computers for pupil use (12 hours a day), with email and internet access. All pupils take GCSE IT or business communications systems.

The arts

Music: Up to 40% of senior school learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Musical groups: instrumental ensemble, string group, choir. Students encouraged to perform at Beckenham and Bromley festivals. Drama: Majority of pupils are involved in school productions and house/other productions. Recent production of four plays by Shakespeare. Art and design: On average, 10 take GCSE, 4 A-level. Design also offered.

Sports & activities

Sport: PE, soccer, rugby, cricket, athletics compulsory. Optional: fencing, basketball, tennis, hockey. GCSE may be taken. National and county fencing winners; national and county soccer and swimming representatives. Activities: Up to 15 clubs, eg chess, art, computers, drama, fencing.

School life

Uniform: School uniform worn except in the sixth form. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses, in-house competitions. Prefects and head boy or girl appointed by the Headteacher after consulting school. School Council. Religion: Roman Catholic school. All attend religious assemblies. Regular masses for Catholics. Social: Organised trips abroad for skiing, classics, languages, adventure etc. Pupils allowed to bring own car, bike or motorbike to school. Meals formal. No tobacco or alcohol allowed.

Discipline

Pupils failing to produce homework once might expect loss of free time to do the work and/or be put on report; those caught drinking or smoking cannabis on the premises could expect expulsion.