St Catherine’s School, located in the picturesque village of Bramley, offers a unique blend of traditional education with a modern twist, making it a popular choice for families seeking a nurturing yet ambitious environment for their daughters. The school caters to girls aged four to eleven and is affiliated with the Church of England, providing a warm and inclusive atmosphere that embraces all faiths.
Entry into the school at 4+ is an engaging process, involving a small group taster day where literacy, numeracy, physical, and social skills are assessed through play and observation. This approach ensures that each child is given the opportunity to showcase their abilities in a relaxed setting. As students progress, more formal internal assessments are conducted for 7+ and 9+ entry, alongside a report from the previous headteacher. This thorough assessment process is indicative of the school’s commitment to understanding each child’s unique strengths and areas for development.
The school is particularly popular with families moving out of London, drawn by the promise of a rural setting that offers an ambitious education without the competitive edge often associated with city schools. The majority of students (80% in 2023) transition seamlessly to the senior school across the road after sitting the 11+ exams, which include Maths, English, Science, and Verbal Reasoning. The headteacher maintains open communication with parents, particularly in year 5, to discuss future educational pathways, ensuring that no doors are closed prematurely.
The school’s ethos is encapsulated in its description as a place where girls with dreams become young women with vision. This is evident in the lively and inspiring atmosphere that permeates the campus. The reception classes are particularly vibrant, with multi-sensory learning experiences that extend into a dedicated outdoor area complete with a gardening space, sandpit, and wooden playhouse. The emphasis on outdoor learning is complemented by quiet, focused indoor activities, such as interactive whiteboard exercises and reading sessions with teachers.
Academically, the school offers a robust curriculum delivered by long-term specialist teachers. Lessons are traditional yet innovative, with subjects like Classics and Thinking Skills (based on De Bono’s Thinking Hats theory) taught alongside French and Latin in the upper prep years. The WonderLab, a dedicated science space, is a hub of excitement where students engage in hands-on experiments, fostering a love for Science that is tested in the 11+ exams.
Technology is seamlessly integrated into the learning experience, with iPads used from year 5 for homework, research, and sharing lesson resources. Younger students participate in digital show-and-tell sessions, building skills in coding, online safety, and touch typing from an early age. By year 6, students are designing video games, showcasing the school’s commitment to preparing them for a digital future.
The academic mentoring team provides specialist SEN support and general study assistance, ensuring that all students, including the 15% who receive one-to-one support, can thrive. The school firmly believes that additional needs should not hinder a student’s success or enjoyment of school life.
The wellbeing of students is a top priority, with a strong pastoral system in place. The house system, form teachers, vertical tutor groups, and buddy schemes ensure that every girl is known and cared for. The Littlewood Lodge, a new space dedicated to academic mentoring and growth mindset work, reinforces the school’s focus on fostering a positive mindset.
Extracurricular activities are abundant, with music, sport, and drama given equal importance. The school encourages inclusivity, ensuring that every student can participate in sports fixtures, productions, and music lessons. The extensive co-curricular programme includes over 30 dance classes a week, a popular chess club, and a national girls’ chess tournament.
Located just moments from Guildford city centre, the school offers a sense of community that is both palpable and welcoming. Parents appreciate the exceptional value for money, despite the lack of a sibling discount policy. The school’s facilities, including a well-resourced library and access to the senior school’s amenities, further enhance the educational experience.
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.
