St Lawrence College, located at the heart of Ramsgate, offers a comprehensive educational experience for boys and girls aged 11 to 18. With a Church of England ethos, the college provides a nurturing environment where students are encouraged to achieve their full potential. The school is co-educational and offers various boarding options, including day, weekly/flexible, and full boarding.
The college’s commitment to academic excellence is evident in its impressive value-added results. In 2024, 28% of GCSE students achieved grades 9-7, while 24% of A-level students secured A*/A grades, with 55% achieving A*-B. This success is attributed to dedicated teachers, a broad curriculum, and a focus on core educational skills. The school is proud to be part of the Fellowship of World Class Schools, promoting the belief that intelligence is not fixed and high performance is attainable by all.
St Lawrence College is renowned for its sporting achievements. It ranks among the top 100 cricket schools in the country and has produced national champions in hockey. The sports excellence programme attracts students from around the world, supported by facilities like two Astroturfs and an Olympic-standard water base. The school employs an elite performance director to nurture potential athletes.
The arts also play a significant role in the college’s offerings. Music is part of the curriculum for younger students and available at GCSE and A-level. The school boasts a recording studio and various bands and ensembles. Drama is integrated into the curriculum until Year 9 and continues as an option for older students. The school’s 500-seat theatre hosts major productions, providing opportunities for all students to participate.
Teaching at St Lawrence College is characterised by small class sizes, averaging 15 students, allowing for personalised attention. Subjects offered include Music, PE, Photography, Latin, and more. The science department benefits from modern facilities in the Canon Perfect Centre, opened in 2018. The school organises foreign trips for subjects like Geography and Physics, enhancing learning experiences beyond the classroom.
Pastoral care is a cornerstone of life at St Lawrence College. The strong Christian ethos supports a community where consideration for others and moral values are emphasised. Chapel services are held twice weekly, with additional services for boarders on Sundays. The school embraces diversity, representing all faiths within its community.
The college offers robust support for students with special educational needs (SEN) and English as an Additional Language (EAL). About 10% of students require learning support, provided through one-to-one coaching and small-group teaching. EAL support focuses on integration, with courses available for lower sixth entry.
Boarding at St Lawrence College provides a supportive environment with four houses offering common rooms, kitchens, and ensuite study bedrooms for senior pupils. Junior boarders reside in Kirby House, a modernist building with excellent facilities. Boarders have access to Ramsgate on weekends but often choose to relax on campus.
The college’s heritage dates back to its founding in 1879 as a boys’ boarding school. It became fully co-educational in 1983 and now occupies 45 acres of walled grounds near the sea. Recent investments have enhanced facilities with new buildings contrasting with the original Victorian Gothic architecture.
St Lawrence College prides itself on its inclusive community. Pupils come from diverse backgrounds, including traditional families from local schools and international students from over 30 countries. Relationships between pupils and teachers are respectful yet relaxed, fostering a caring and supportive atmosphere.
The school’s commitment to wellbeing includes two part-time counsellors and trained mental health first aiders among staff. A rewritten mental health policy incorporates AS tracking to monitor emotional wellbeing.
Parents appreciate the school’s communication channels, particularly the parent portal providing access to marks and teacher notes. Scholarships are available for academic, sporting, and musical talents at various entry points.
In summary, St Lawrence College continues to thrive with its focus on high-performance learning and emotional wellbeing attracting families worldwide. To receive updates about this school including exam results, senior staff changes and open days please bookmark it using the button at the end of this review.
