Views of Our Parents

Mrs Tessa Rice - There is far more to St Catherine's than strong academic results

When we were first looking for secondary schools for our eldest daughter we were considering London Day Schools. However, having visited a number of London Day Schools it quickly became apparent that there was a huge demand for each place, and the pressure on the girls to perform academically and to grow up fast in London was immense. This made us rethink our strategy and look beyond London. After a little research we discovered St Catherine's which suited our needs perfectly:-

1) Firstly it offered the academic excellence of the London Day Schools without the pressure on places.
2) There was a flexi boarding policy, which meant that the girls could come home on a Friday night and return on a Monday morning.(We were very keen to keep the family together at weekends)
3) There was a very proactive extra curricular programme, which as boarders the girls could fully participate in as they would not be wasting their time commuting.
4) Most importantly the school had a great atmosphere and the girls seemed happy and relaxed.

Now as current parents, I can safely say, that if we had our time again we would make the same decision and send the girls to St Catherine's. We have 2 girls with very different talents and the school has developed the strengths in both of them whilst offering them a broad and challenging education. There is far more to St Catherine's than strong academic results.

Mrs Diane Weyman - Boarding in the Sixth Form

Our daughter had never boarded before this term and has found it a very positive experience. We are both pleased with the confidence and enthusiasm it has given her in such a short time.

She feels that boarding has given her a greater sense of community within the school and an opportunity to strengthen the bonds with her peers. It has encouraged her to take more personal responsibility for herself and her work, while still benefiting from the structure and discipline of school life. There seems to be just the right balance between freedom and security and she feels that it is a good preparation for university life. Having been at St Cats since she was four, she was ready for a change and a challenge and keen to spread her wings a little. Boarding in the Sixth Form has enabled her to do this without the disruption of changing schools.