St Catherine’s School Review: Rankings, Fees And More

St Catherine’s School, Bramley, is a leading independent girls’ school in Surrey, offering exceptional academics, diverse extracurriculars, and a strong pastoral care system. With a rich history since 1885, the school provides a supportive environment where students thrive academically and personally.

St Catherine's Bramley

Table of Contents

St Catherine's School Summary

  • Age range: 3-18
  • Type: Girls school (day and boarding)
  • Pupils: 625; sixth formers: 166
  • Fees: Day £8,450 + £375 compulsory lunch per term; Boarding £14,578 + £375 compulsory lunch per term (inclusive of VAT)
  • 2024 GCSE Results: 84% 9-7
  • 2024 A Level Results: 62% A*-A

St Catherine's School Overview​

St Catherine’s School was founded in Bramley in 1885. Since then, it has established itself as a prestigious independent girls’ school that promotes inclusivity, diversity, and personal growth. Its aim is simple: to help each girl develop confidence, grow, and pursue her ambitions in a supportive community. These efforts have been well recognised, and the school is proud of its many alumnae who are now studying at top institutions such as St Andrews, SLU Madrid, Harvard, and UCL.

St Catherine's School Courses

St Catherine’s School offers a broad and challenging curriculum designed to prepare students for university and beyond.

GCSE and IGCSE

Students follow a balanced mix of GCSE and IGCSE subjects, with a strong emphasis on core academic disciplines. The curriculum includes:

  • Core subjects: English Language, English Literature, Mathematics, and Science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics).
  • Humanities: History, Geography, Religious Studies.
  • Languages: French, Spanish, German, Latin, and Greek.
  • Creative and practical subjects: Art, Drama, Music, Design & Technology, and Food & Nutrition.
  • Additional qualifications: Microsoft Office Specialist Certification and a short course in Religious Studies.

A Level

In Sixth Form, students choose from 28 A Level subjects, tailoring their studies to their interests and career aspirations. Popular subjects include:

  • Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics)
  • Mathematics and Further Mathematics
  • Humanities (History, Geography, Politics)
  • Languages (French, Spanish, German, Latin, Greek)
  • Arts (Art, Drama, Music, Photography)
  • Social Sciences (Psychology, Economics, Business)

Students typically study three A Levels, with some opting for a fourth. The school also offers subsidiary subjects like Spanish Film and French Business for additional enrichment.

Beyond the Classroom

St Catherine’s enhances academic learning with subject-specific study clinics, career guidance, and university preparation. The school’s strong focus on independent thinking and creative problem-solving ensures students are well-prepared for higher education and future careers.

St Catherine's School Fees

Registration & Deposit

  • Registration Fee: £180 (UK students), £300 (Overseas students)
  • Acceptance Deposit:
    • Day girls: £1,000
    • UK Boarders: £2,000
    • Overseas Boarders: One full term’s fees
    • Withdrawal after acceptance: A full term’s fees payable

Boarding Fees (Per Term)

  • Middle & Senior (Years 7-13): £14,578 + £375 compulsory lunch
  • Occasional Boarding:
    • 1-4 nights: £84 per night
    • 5-7 nights: £633 in total

Day Fees (Per Term)

  • Pre-School (5 mornings): £3,685
  • Pre-School (5 full days): £4,535
  • Reception: £4,595 + £300 compulsory lunch
  • Year 1: £4,924 + £300 compulsory lunch
  • Year 2: £5,878 + £300 compulsory lunch
  • Years 3-6 (Prep School): £6,986 + £300 compulsory lunch
  • Years 7-13 (Senior School): £8,450 + £375 compulsory lunch

Additional Notes

  • Fees cover curriculum-related trips and creative arts materials (U3-U4).
  • Fees must be paid termly by direct debit.
  • Late payments may incur interest charges, and non-payment could result in refusal of admission.
  • Pre-School fees are VAT-exempt.

St Catherine's School Results

St Catherine’s School, Bramley, delivered strong 2024 results, with 84% of GCSE grades at 9-7 and 62% of A Level grades at A-A*. These results reflect the school’s high academic standards and supportive learning environment.

St Catherine's School Boarding Experience

Boarding is at the heart of life at St Catherine’s School, offering a supportive, structured, and enriching environment that fosters independence, confidence, and lifelong friendships. Whether full, weekly, or occasional boarders, students benefit from a strong sense of community and round-the-clock access to the school’s excellent facilities.

Boarding Houses & Structure

Boarding is arranged by age group across four dedicated houses:

  • Bronte (Ages 11-13)
  • Symes (Ages 13-14)
  • Keller (Ages 14-16)
  • The 6 (Ages 16-18) (Sixth Form boarding, similar to university halls)

Each house is led by a resident Housemistress, who provides pastoral care, academic support, and personal guidance. Boarders also belong to one of the school’s six school houses, integrating them into the wider school community.

Boarding Life & Activities

Boarders enjoy a vibrant schedule of activities, both on-site and through organised trips. Weekends are filled with excursions to London, Oxford, Cambridge, Brighton, and Windsor, alongside visits to museums, theatres, sports events, and theme parks.

Activities also include:

  • Paintballing, go-karting, trampolining
  • Charity events and outdoor challenges
  • Art, baking, board games, and chess evenings
  • Relaxed social time with friends

Benefits of Boarding at St Catherine’s

  • Independence & Confidence – Girls learn to manage their time, responsibilities, and relationships.
  • Global Friendships – A diverse boarding community with students from over 19 nationalities.
  • More Time for Activities – With no commute, boarders fully engage in sports, arts, and clubs.
  • Academic & Personal Support – Housemistresses work closely with students and parents to ensure well-being and progress.
  • Parental Involvement – Parents receive regular updates, and key events are live-streamed worldwide.

Pastoral Care And SEN Support

Pastoral Care

St Catherine’s places student well-being at the centre of school life, ensuring every girl feels supported academically, socially, and emotionally. The school fosters a caring and inclusive environment, where students are encouraged to develop confidence, resilience, and independence.

  • House System – Each student belongs to one of six school houses, creating a sense of belonging and mentorship across year groups.
  • Dedicated Housemistresses – For boarders, Housemistresses act as both pastoral leaders and academic mentors, offering guidance on daily life, studies, and personal development.
  • Chapel & Spiritual Support – As a Church of England school, St Catherine’s offers weekly chapel services, and students can join the Guildford Cathedral Girls’ Choir.
  • Health & Well-being – The school provides on-site medical support through trained nursing staff and qualified counsellors for emotional well-being.
  • Peer Support & Inclusion Initiatives – Students are encouraged to engage in student-led groups, such as the Straight and Gay Alliance (SAGA) and EDI Sixth Form Prefects, to promote diversity and inclusion.

SEN (Special Educational Needs) Support

St Catherine’s supports students with a range of learning needs and neurodiverse profiles, ensuring that every girl receives the help she needs to thrive.

The Learning Support Team provides tailored support for conditions such as:

  • Dyslexia
  • Dyspraxia
  • Dysgraphia
  • ADHD
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
  • Hearing impairments
  • Mental health challenges

Other SEN measures:

Specialist teaching and study clinics to help students develop effective learning strategies.

Collaboration with parents and external specialists to create individualised learning plans.

Exam Access Arrangements where applicable, ensuring fair and equitable assessment conditions.

St Catherine's School Application Deadline

Boarding applications must be submitted by September of the year before the intended start date. For example, students applying for the next academic year must complete their applications by September.

St Catherine's School Extracurricular Activities

St Catherine’s offers a comprehensive selection of extracurricular activities so that every girl has opportunities to explore new interests, develop skills, and build confidence beyond the classroom.

Sports

Sport plays a key role in school life, with opportunities for both recreational and competitive participation. Girls can enjoy a wide range of sports, including:

  • Lacrosse – The school has a strong reputation in lacrosse, regularly competing in national championships.
  • Netball & Tennis – Both feature strong teams and high-level coaching.
  • Swimming & Fitness – Includes access to a 25m indoor pool and a fitness suite.
  • Other Sports – Badminton, trampolining, table tennis, rounders, cricket, equestrian, and sailing.

Girls are encouraged to balance enjoyment and competition, with expert coaching available for those aspiring to regional and national levels.

Music

Music is highly valued at St Catherine’s, with over 600 music lessons taught weekly. Opportunities include:

  • Individual instrumental & vocal lessons
  • School ensembles & orchestras
  • 12 choirs across all age groups
  • Regular performances, including choral evensong at Winchester Cathedral and the Guildford Cathedral carol service
  • Music scholarships & awards, with free tuition and performance opportunities

Drama & Performing Arts

  • Whole-school musicals run every two years, involving students from Year 7 to Sixth Form.
  • GCSE & A-Level Drama are popular choices, with professional-grade facilities.
  • LAMDA exams for those interested in performance and speech.
  • Technical theatre opportunities for students interested in lighting, sound, and stage management.

Clubs & Societies

With over 100 clubs and activities, students can pursue their passions or try something new. Some options include:

  • STEM & Academic Clubs – Chess, Coding, Middle School Science Club, Medical Reading Club.
  • Creative Arts – Art Club, Ceramics, Textiles, Photography.
  • Debating & Public Speaking – Includes Model UN and Philosophy Club.
  • Social & Interest Groups – Christian Union (‘Explore’), Board Games Club, and The Straight and Gay Alliance (SAGA).

Leadership & Development

  • Duke of Edinburgh Award (DofE) – Gold awardees are celebrated on a ‘Wall of Honour’.
  • Sixth Form Prefects – Focus on Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI), well-being, and student engagement.
  • Charity & Community Involvement – Girls take part in fundraising events, including Guildford’s Race for Life.

St Catherine’s encourages every girl to become involved, develop leadership skills, and find activities that inspire them, ensuring a well-rounded and enriching school experience.

 

St Catherine's School Reviews

Amelie
5/5

I love boarding because of the huge sense of a big happy family, it is always great to have all your friends around you, who you consider your family.

Mrs C. (Parent)
5/5

All of the staff I have dealt with at St Catherine’s have been kind and supportive. I have most contact with my daughter’s Boarding Housemistress and I have found he to be fair, kind and firm. When I have raised any queries or concerns, I have found her eager to find the answer and provide support. She acts as a far-away mother figure and is polite band supportive words every girl in the Boarding House.

Mr & Mrs Z (Parents)
5/5

I think it speaks to the high quality of care provided by the school and our daughter’s increased maturity that she has taken this decision to board, especially whilst looking ahead to Sixth Form.

Remi
5/5

Sixth form boarding was living with my best friends, being able to pop next door to get help with my homework, having easy access to early morning and after-school activities, and occassionally sleeping in until the bell for first period.

St Catherine's School Contact Information

  • Official Website: https://www.stcatherines.info
  • Location: St Catherine’s School,
    Station Road, Bramley, Guildford, Surrey GU5 0DF
  • Email address: schooloffice@stcatherines.info
  • Phone: 01483 893363

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, St Catherine’s is both a day and boarding school. It offers full, weekly, and occasional boarding, with dedicated boarding houses for different age groups. Boarders enjoy a strong sense of community, excellent facilities, and a full weekend activity programme.

St Catherine’s consistently achieves strong GCSE and A Level results. In 2024, 84% of GCSE grades were 9-7, and 62% of A Level grades were A-A*, reflecting the school’s high academic standards and strong teaching support.

St Catherine’s offers over 100 clubs and activities, including competitive sports, music, drama, debating, STEM clubs, and leadership programmes. The school is known for its national-level lacrosse teams, award-winning choirs, and whole-school musical productions, ensuring every student has opportunities to explore their talents.

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