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Our Vision
Having realised, with your support, our vision for the first three elements of our campaign to Create the Future at St Catherine's, we are delighted to be planning the final stage of this exciting project - The CATalyst.
In 2017 The WonderLab was opened by Maggie Aderin-Pocock, providing a fabulous space where Prep School girls can explore Science in a fun, hands-on, purpose-built laboratory. In 2021 we opened The 6, welcoming girls into a building designed with them in mind - 44 study bedrooms, a fabulous kitchen and Common Room and all the hot water they could want for post-Lacrosse and early morning showers! In September 2022 we opened The Art & MakerSpace @ The John Palmer Centre, uniting all the Creative Art in a single space for the first time and allowing collaborative thinking and working for girls of all ages. While the School is committed to building The CATalyst, replacing West Block, and preparing girls in an even more focused way for careers in STEM, we are conscious too of the current economic climate and the effect that it has had on us all. Whilst the full £16m capital investment in the new building is not possible at present, the Governors have approved a much more modest start on the project with The CATalyst Phase 1.
Moving forward - The CATalyst Phase 1
This will prioritise work in the existing School Block with the creation of the Community Lab and a new Physics Lab to kick off the build. The Community Lab is a ‘super-Lab’ in size and has been designed specifically to accommodate both Prep and Senior outreach activity: the future location for Summer Science Camps, Coding Workshops and Science teacher training activity, building on the work that has already begun in the Prep School WonderLab. During the School day the Lab will be used by Middle and Senior School girls for core curriculum work and extra-curricular clubs such as Dissection Club, Astrophysics Club, Maths Challenge and the Sixth Form Medical Reading Club.
Join us on the journey
If you would like to support the development of St Catherine’s please contact our Development Manager 01483 899787.
If you would like to support the development of St Catherine’s please contact our Development Manager 01483 899787.
The Time is Now!
Our collective future depends on scientific advances in all areas of our lives - healthcare, food and water security, energy, transport, AI, global finance systems and more. A robust STEM education is becoming more and more important to our economy with employment in STEM occupations projected to grow in the coming years. Academic disciplines must collaborate and integrate to enhance our student's creativity, problem solving skills, critical thinking, experimentation and resilience.
In universities patterns for enrolment in STEM courses is changing. There has been a huge increase in women studying computer science in the space of a decade. According to UCAS figures there were 25,275 applications from women in 2021, up a colossal 103% from 12.475 in 2012. Engineering applications also rose at a substantial rate, by 70% to to 31,910. Each year there are now 20,000 applications from women to study mathematical sciences too.
Whatever their future academic and career paths, our girls will need scientific literacy and imagination to become creative problem-solvers and critical thinkers. We want to provide both our students and their outstanding teacher with an environment which matches their aspirations.
Our science and technology, maths and computing curricula are strong and our girls are taught by exemplary teachers with a range of backgrounds and experiences. But we currently can't provide the space, facilities and infrastructure to which we aspire. Our Science site was built in the 1960s for a school which was half the size it is today. The arrangement of the labs is fragmented which limits collaborative working and the exchange of ideas - both things which encourage the creative synergy that is vital to scientific discovery. We need a well designed, adaptable learning environment to support modern reaching and mirror the environment in which those girls who go on to further scientific education and beyond will find themselves.
Participation and results in STEM subjects are consistently high. Over 65% of our girls study three separate sciences at IGCSE, 58% study Maths at A Level and 51% a Science subject. In 2023 girls went on to study Physics at Exeter, Engineering at Durham, Pharmacy at Bath, Evoluntionary Biology at St Andrews and Animal Science at Reading. Both our students and teachers deserve first-rate facilities to match the level of success that they are achieving. 48% of our girls in 2024 are applying for STEM degrees at University - this excludes the social sciences.
A message from Dr Puech
If you consider any of the big problems facing us at the moment - be it pollution of the land or sea, global warming or the emergence of superbugs, and I can think of so many more - these can only be solved by Science.
Let’s look at the jobs of the future – everybody is talking about Artificial Intelligence these days or big data. Some people are beginning to talk about cognitive neuroscience. We can’t even imagine the jobs our children will have, but what we cansay for sure is that they will require scientific grounding. I am not saying that everyone will be a scientist. Even classic jobs like marketing, that have usually been associated with intuition or experience, are fast changing due to the prevalence of big data. I feel, very strongly, that in a world that is becoming ever more scientific, a firm grounding in these subjects will make our children far better equipped to compete successfully.
So why are girls under-represented in all this excitement? Actually at St Cat’s we do buck the trend. We do have a lot of girls opting for Maths and the Sciences. But I feel that now is the time to invest more in these subjects. Everywhere that we have invested in school – whether it is the amazing musical facilities or the sports facilities - we have seen huge returns in terms of participation, excitement and success. Now it is time for the same to happen to Science and Technology. If we want to inspire the girls, we need inspirational spaces. We need spaces where the sciences come together with Maths and Technology; spaces where interesting displays arouse curiosity and discussion, and nurture the scientists and innovators of the future. I believe that there is headroom for a girls' school that is distinctive in Science and Technology and I believe that can be us.
When I chose to study Physics at university, it was only because it was a subject I really enjoyed at school. If I were going around again, I’d make exactly the same choice, because Physics and the rest of the Sciences are going to lead the big developments of the future. They will shape our lives and we owe it to our children to ensure that they are fully geared up for it.
Dr Kathleen Puech, BSc, PhD Dublin, PGCE - Head of Physics
"I am honoured to be able to have the opportunity to be able to contribute in a small way to the community of St Catherine's, and to be able to support some of the strategy for the future. I am keenly aware from my work, my research, and indeed through having a daughter in Prep School at St Catherine's, of the need to develop all children for a future which will be significantly different from today. The rate of technology change continues to increase, alongside increasing penetration into all areas of our lives. It's hard to believe that 20 years ago 85% of the UK did not have Broadband; Facebook and YouTube weren't founded; Google hadn't gone public and you wouldn't find Google Maps for another 3 years; and believe it or not, our first camera phone had only just arrived. We were either in some kind of dark age, or alternatively living in enlightened times. Either way the next 20 years will accelerate that pace and we need to prepare our children for a very different future, where STEM will become an increasingly important element."
Mr K, Current Parent
Our Scientific Alumnae
![Ailsa Duncan (2004) - Advocating women in manufacturing]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1672915898/stcatherinesinfo/mikbwzygegojlon0c0ie/Ailisa_Duncan.jpg","width":234}])
![Anna Sawbridge (2002) – Google Head of Engagement]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1672915884/stcatherinesinfo/iha3zwqlx06zgrepfuvj/Anna_Chomse.jpg","width":206}])
![Dr Anne-Lise Goddings (2000) – Cognitive Neuroscientist]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1674035684/stcatherinesinfo/cdpyipkumj4o0ty6kyoz/Anne-Lise_Goddings.jpg","width":224}])
![Professor Beverley J McKeon (1992) – Professor of Mechanical Engineering, Stanford]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1672915984/stcatherinesinfo/brd8e7xtcadapgyugzbw/Beverley.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1672915984/stcatherinesinfo/brd8e7xtcadapgyugzbw/Beverley.png","width":267}])
How to Support
Get in touch - call our Development Director on 01483 899754 or email development@stcatherines.info to discuss how you would like to support
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Print a donation form - for Create the Future
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Print a donation form - for The 6 Campaign
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Print a donation form - for The CATalyst Campaign
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Print a donation form - for The Art&Maker Space
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Print a donation form - for The Bright Futures Bursary Programme
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Give online via your CAF account.
Recognition
We welcome the opportunity to thank those who make charitable gifts to St Catherine's School. All supporters all recognised in our online Donor Roll either by name or anonymously as is their preference. We also acknowledge gifts in our annual Impact of Giving Report. To recognise the impact of philanthropy across the School we also thank alumnae, parents and friends through plaques in new facilities and spaces and are pleased to acknowledge generous support in this way. This practice also encourages the community as a whole to consider their support.
Gifts to the St Catherine's Community
The Board of Governors of St Catherine’s welcome offers of donations of all sizes to St Catherine’s, whether in connection with specific campaigns or to the Annual Fund, thus enabling continuing development over the long term. Donations must be freely given with no expectation of anything in return other than due thanks and recognition. The Governors’ are pleased to accept lawful donations which are given in good faith and which are compatible with the School’s aims, values and strategic objectives. As the School values and safeguards its autonomy, integrity and reputation, the Governors do not accept donations when a condition of acceptance would compromise these fundamental principles. The Acceptance of Donations Policy is available on request from the Development Director.
Tax Efficient Giving
A gift of £5,000 made by a 40% tax payer will cost the donor £3,750 and be worth £6,250 to the School. A gift of £20,000 made by a 40% tax payer will cost the donor £15,000 and be worth £25,000 to the School. You can add your charitable donations on your tax return and claim back the tax.
Gift Aid - Allows the School to claim an additional 25p for each £1 you donate from the Government at no additional cost to you, this makes your donation worth even more.
Matched Giving - you can double your impact with your gift through an employer matched-giving scheme.
Payroll Giving - you can choose to give a gift to St Catherine's monthly as you earn, it is paid before tax and national insurance and so is very tax efficient; your payroll department will provide a form if this is available.
Details for BACS payments
IBAN - GB09 LOYD 3093 7400 8623 08
Bank identification code (BIC): LOYDGB21022
Account Name: St. Catherine’s School, Bramley
Bank name: Lloyds
Branch: 147 High St, Guildford, Surrey GU1 3AG
Sort Code: 30-93-74
Account No: 00862308
St Catherine’s School Development are committed to high standards of fundraising, being open and honest, clear about our activities, respectful of you and accountable for the support you give us. We are a member of the Chartered Institute of Fundraising and the Fundraising Regulator allowing you to give with confidence. Here is our Fundraising Promise. We fundraise in accordance with a Statement of Ethical Fundraising and a Gift Acceptance Policy, both of these are available on request from the Development Director on 00 44 (0)1483 899754 or development@stcatherines.info.
We recognise that as a School with a large community we have a responsibility to be aware of vulnerable adults in our Association and Development activities. To find out more about how we manage this responsibility please click here.
Your data, your privacy and being in control
We take your personal privacy very seriously. Our records are for use by the Association and for fundraising purposes. Communications might include publications, surveys, appeals and event marketing and may be sent by post, telephone or email. Rest assured we will never release your details to any third parties for use for marketing purposes. The School has a responsibility to clean our data which is done with a third party under a strict data agreement solely for this purpose. You are in control. If at any time you would prefer not to be contacted please do inform us at association@stcatherines.info
Our Promise to you
Thank you to our Supporters
Donors
Please note We take every care to ensure that donor’s titles and names are reported correctly and that all donors have been appropriately acknowledged, either by name or anonymously if they so wish. Should you note any errors or omissions please accept our sincere apology. Your gift is most certainly appreciated and gratefully received. Please do get in touch to advise us of any concerns so we can correct our records accordingly and update our online Donor Roll.
Thank you.
Please contact Jane Pink jane.pink@stcatherines.info
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Play Your Part, 2024 The Hardship Fund Legacy Pledges - Gifts in Wills Legators 2023 |
The Bright Futures Bursary Programme, 2020-24
A Gift of Gratitude Anne Angus |
We offer our most sincere thanks to all our supporters and legators in 2024-25
Supporters are presented alphabetically and we also note our thanks also to the nine donors who chose to remain anonymous.
- 67 individuals and families have made contributions this year which has raised £78,000.
- We value each donation highly and have taken great heart from the generosity of parents, alumnae, governors, teachers and staff. Thank you.
- We are delighted that more families have chosen to join our campaign to Create the Future. To date over £1.75m in total has been generously donated or pledged to The 6, The Art & MakerSpace and The CATalyst.
- £32,600 has been given to the Bright Futures Bursary Fund giving highly capable girls an opportunity to fulfil their potential at St Catherine's.
- This year we have received one legacy gift to the Bright Futures Bursary Programme. We are indebted to such donors for their generous contribution towards securing the School's future.
- We were delighted to receive a generous gift which has been directed to the Sports Department.
- We are grateful to over 950 people who have generously given their time to support the School and for more than 6,200 hours volunteered by our dedicated community members. Thank you.
Thank you so much to our alumnae, parents, Governors, staff, past parents and staff, and of course local friends of St Catherine's for your incredible support.
Should you wish to discuss your support of St Catherine’s or make a commitment to the School, please do get in touch with either:
Jane Pink: Acting Development Director
Telephone: 01483 899787
Email: jane.pink@stcatherines.info
Create The Future Donors
Create the Future
Mr and Mrs Beabey
Mr John Blauth - Governor
The Carte-Farthing Family
The Chan Family
The Fleming Family - in memory of Penny Fleming
Alison Graham
The Harlow Family
The Luo Family
Brigadier Matthew Lowe - Chairman of Governors
The Martin Family
Mr Peter Martin - Past Chairman of Governors
Matt and Tam
Dr Janet McGowan - Governor
The Panter Family
Dr Alison Paterson
The Pink Family
Mrs Thomas
The Thomassen Family
The Thompson Family
The Turner Family
The Wong Family
The Waller Family
The Senior School PTA
and four anonymous donors
The 6
A St Catherine's Family
The Ahl-Chen Family
Mr and Mrs Alexander, Freddie and Archie
The Appleton Family
Miss Naomi Bartholomew
The Chan Family
Greg and Sarah Chiappini
The Chambers Family
The Cook Family
The Coppin Family
Gareth and Donna Edwards
The Eric-Udorie Family
The K Fok Family
Mrs Christina Foord
Mr Gaunt and Ms Marciuk
Mrs Fiona Haywood
The Hobday Family
The Johnstone Family
The Karas Family
Ian and Tara Kilpatrick in memory of Kirsty Kilpatrick
The Ladoja Family
The Li Family
The MacGregor Family
Mrs Vicki Moore (nee Montgomery) 1989
The Nixon Family
The Oyeleye Family
Mrs Alice Phillips and Joanna Phillips
Veronica Povey
Mr and Mrs R Price
Simon Roberts
Tara Singh Vachani (2004)
The Wakefield Family
The Wells Family
The Wilcockson Family (Liz Dewick, 1991)
Mr P Wong and Ms L Chen
Ms Deannie Yew
In loving memory of Andrew Frederick Stacey - "Waggy"
and four anonymous donors
The Catalyst
Dr PM Atkins (1944)
The Ballard Family
Dr B M F Brown
Mr Richard Brown
Dr Anne Hunter OBE (née Tottenham), (1943)
Dr and Mrs Michael Jordan
The Kilpatrick Family
Mr and Mrs Mallin-Jones - in memory of Dr V J Cowie
Professor Beverley McKeon Reynolds, (1992)
The McKeon Family
The Mueller Family
The Roshier Family
The Da Silva Family
Tara & Sahil Vachani
The Wong Family
and four anonymous donors
The Art & MakerSpace
Victoria Beadle
Mr John Blauth - Governor
Sophie Blauth (2018)
The Burns Family
Pippa Carte
Alex Case & Bronwyn Enright
Dominic and Ailis Clarke
The Crawford Family
Karen, Helena and Isabella Farrell
Paul Farthing
Harrison Catering
The Hopwood Family
The Huxley Family
The Johnstone Family
The Kilpatrick Family
Willa King (née Hancock, 1976)
The Llewelyn Family
The Massey Family
Mags Maunder
Talei Morris
The Panter Family
Duncan Palmar
Alex Perry-Adlam
Veronica Povey
The Senior School PTA
The St Catherine's Foundation Office
The Taylor Family
The Wakefield Family
The Walker Family
Hannah Walsh
Alastair White
The Xu Family
A St Catherine's Family
A St Catherine's Family
A St Catherine's Family
A St Catherine's Family
An Anonymous Donor