St Columba’s College, situated within the vibrant city of St Albans, is a co-educational day school with a Roman Catholic affiliation. The institution prides itself on providing a broad and high-quality education to students from diverse religious backgrounds. With a strong emphasis on community values, the school works closely with parents to support and challenge students, enabling them to flourish academically and personally.
The college operates under the trusteeship of the Brothers of the Sacred Heart, recognising the importance of moral and spiritual qualities in developing well-rounded individuals. The school motto, Cor ad Cor Loquitur or heart speaking to heart, reflects its commitment to compassionate service and community engagement.
Academically, St Columba’s College has shown consistent performance in national rankings. In the Times 2024 Parent Power Rankings, it holds a position of 203, an improvement from 217 in 2023. At A Level, the school achieved an A* rate of 10.7%, with 36.4% securing A*/A grades and 72.7% obtaining A*/B grades. The GCSE results are equally commendable, with 36% achieving A*/9/8 grades and 57.5% attaining A*/A/9/8/7 grades.
The college’s academic success is supported by its strategic leadership under Karl Guest, who became Head in 2023. His background in theology and philosophy, combined with extensive experience in both state and independent schools, brings a fresh perspective to the school’s educational approach. Parents appreciate his strategic vision and visible presence within the school community.
St Columba’s College offers a diverse curriculum that caters to a range of interests and abilities. The introduction of textiles and photography into the curriculum, along with plans for food technology from 2025, highlights the school’s commitment to expanding creative opportunities for students. Performing arts have been enhanced, and sports programmes adapted to ensure inclusivity and engagement for all students.
The entrance process is gently selective, catering for average ability and above. Admission into prep at age four involves an informal assessment, while entry at seven requires assessments in Maths, English, and reasoning. Senior school admission at ages 11 and 13 involves similar assessments alongside interviews and references.
The college transitioned to co-education in 2021, with the sixth form now equally balanced between girls and boys. Over 80% of students progress from prep to senior school, with around 95% of sixth formers continuing to university, including approximately half to Russell Group institutions.
Teaching at St Columba’s College is more mixed ability compared to local powerhouses like St Albans School or Merchant Taylors’. This makes their results even more impressive. The vibe in prep is both purposeful and playful, with interactive learning experiences that encourage students to voice their opinions and engage actively in lessons.
In senior school, pupils are equally engaged but less exuberant. Subjects like Politics attract lively debate, while Latin is taught from year seven. Pupils can specialise from year eight onwards, choosing subjects that align with their interests and strengths.
Learning support is robust, with around 17% of prep pupils on the SEN register, rising to 36% in seniors. The school provides mostly in-class support alongside small-group sessions and one-to-one interventions included in fees. Parents praise the school’s ethos for naturally supporting children with additional needs.
The arts are a forte at St Columba’s College, with pupils earning points through club participation for their SHAPE awards—a home-grown version of DofE available at bronze and gold levels. Music is historically traditional but evolving under new leadership, with initiatives like a Samba band adding vibrancy to the programme.
Sports are also prioritised, with basketball being particularly popular due to the school’s American roots. Rugby, football, netball (including for boys), cricket, tennis, and athletics are all well-received by pupils who appreciate the inclusive sports ethos.
The college’s campus is geographically positioned in an area that offers stunning views of Verulamium Park framing the cathedral behind it. The original schoolhouse remains part of the site alongside modern facilities like a glass-fronted extension to the main building.
Pastoral care is exemplary at St Columba’s College; both pupils and parents highlight it as one of the school’s greatest strengths. Initiatives such as vertical house systems in seniors foster cross-year friendships while Feel Good Friday activities promote wellbeing among prep students.
Overall discipline focuses on reflection rather than punishment; good deeds are noticed while detentions encourage self-reflection rather than punitive measures alone.
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