Boarding Awards
3rd in the UK for Girls’ Boarding Schools by A Level Results
Best-Schools have published in February 2023 their League Tables. St Catherine’s are placed 3rd in the UK with 78% of girls securing A*-A at A Level. The analysis can be found here. We are delighted to have been recognised for our academics and our boarding provision.
We are delighted that the Boarding Schools Association, which represents over 600 UK State and Independent Boarding Schools, has announced that St Catherine's is a Winner in its annual 'Supporting Excellence' Awards.
This recognition is for The 6 - our new home for Sixth Form day and boarding students which opened in Spring 2021. The judges said: "The new facilities are very impressive, matched only by the exceptional quality of the presentation. Of particular note was the naming of the spaces after inspirational women. It is hoped that the new facilities in 'The 6' will be an inspiration for the young women at St. Catherine's, Bramley!"
This is high praise, and we are delighted.
Designed by IID Architects, with alumna boarder Helen Whateley (Year of 2006) leading the process, our girls have swiftly made themselves at home in The 6 and Mrs Kate Hawtin, Head of Sixth Form, credits the design of The 6 as having enhanced community cohesion. Life in The 6 is, of course, about academic progress and personal development. The girls take great pride in 'their' building and have clearly risen to new challenges of leadership and responsibility as a result. With L6 and U6 together, the year groups support each other, encourage each other as Prefects, and share revision tips. The huge kitchen island has become a study space for a quick bit of Maths revision with the resident House staff; the Common Room is an impromptu rehearsal space for House Dance, and the kitchen is a place to share and enjoy each other's company.
One of the major benefits of boarding is the development of firm and lifelong friendships, as well as enjoying being part of a strong, supportive, happy and global community. The twin boarding bedrooms in The 6 are purposefully designed to prioritise girls' wellbeing. Room-sharing encourages consideration of others' views and opinions, co-operation and mutual support. Many beautiful shower areas and bathrooms are another feature of each storey of the building, along with smaller additional common room spaces.
Our girls deserve a building that recognises the role they play in School life as leaders, Prefects and role models and staff have been surprised by the multiple positive impacts of bricks and mortar on School life. It is wonderful that St Catherine's (and our girls in The 6!) have received this prestigious Award and we hope you will share in the pride we feel both in The 6 and in our boarding and day community. Life at St Catherine's is very special and your girls form a strong, supportive and vibrant community.
If you'd like to read more about The 6 and boarding click here and for more photographs of The 6 click here.