At St Catherine’s, academic standards are high. Our value added figures are also exceedingly strong, demonstrating that our dedicated staff really do get the best out of every girl.
With our small classes and outstanding teaching staff, excellent preparation for A Level is a given. We offer individual attention and know the needs and abilities of each pupil in our care, providing support or extension as appropriate. Teachers frequently offer revision sessions outside the timetabled school day, and have an open-door policy.
Our Sixth Form curriculum includes a full range of A Level courses, encompassing the traditional subjects such as English, History, Geography, Languages, Maths and Science, as well as Economics, Politics and Psychology. We also have a wide range of creative subjects and vibrant Drama, Music and Art departments who support these interests. We endeavour to accommodate the girls’ subject choices within our timetable, ensuring that every pupil can study the subjects which suit her own strengths and aspirations.
Each girl studies four A Level subjects during Year 12, and continues with three of these subjects in Year 13. Following this model ensures the girls to receive a broad education, and that they make informed choices when selecting their final three subjects.
In addition to A Levels, we also offer all girls the chance to study for the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ). Much valued by universities, the EPQ is worth 50% of an A level, and universities often make lower offers to applicants with an EPQ. The qualification provides an excellent opportunity for the girls to demonstrate their independent research skills, and to delve deeply into a subject of their choice.
Whilst we do not look for a specific GCSE profile in girls applying for a Sixth Form place, we do expect them to gain a grade 7 in the subjects they wish to study at A Level. However, if a student is close to this level and shows aptitude and willingness in other ways, entry can be discussed with the Headmistress.
A LEVEL DESTINATION
St Catherine’s is especially proud of its Year 13 pupils who have shown maturity, resilience and strength of character over the past few years. Pupils have secured fantastic university destinations, with the vast majority achieving places at the university of their choosing. Most are going on to study at a Russell Group university, including: King’s College London, University College London (UCL), University of Leeds, University of York and University of Bath.
The School is proud of our excellent A Level teachers for their commitment and support of each individual pupil and their passion for their subjects. Many congratulations go to our A Level cohort whose hard work and ambition have led to such reward. These pupils now look forward to the next steps in their educational journeys and to careers of their choice. There is no one mould for what a St Catherine’s girl must be and we are delighted to see girls accepting places on a wide variety of competitive courses including Biomedical Science, English Literature, Mechanical Engineering, Graphic design, Psychology, HPE and Geography. and we wish them all the best for their bright futures.
| Recent University Destinations | |
| Biomedical Science, European Politics | King’s College London |
| Social and Political Sciences, History | University of York |
| Biomedical Science,Geography | University of Leeds |
| English and Classics | The University of Edinburgh |
| Medicine | University of Bristol |
| Earth Sciences | UCL |
| Medicine and Surgery | Newcastle University |
| Veterinary Medicine | University of Nottingham |
| Engineering | Imperial College London |
| Computer Science | University of Exeter |
| Marine Biology | University of Portsmouth |
| Psychology | Durham University |
| Music | Royal Academy of Music |
