Early registration is advised for entry at all ages. There are Open Mornings, Afternoons and Evenings throughout the year to which we invite prospective pupils and their parents. Visits can also be arranged at other times. The school can accept applications from any area and is happy to accept advance registrations for younger children at any time. Pupils of other ages may also be accepted into the school, particularly if their family has moved into the area.
ADMISSION TO THE PREP SCHOOL (Year 3 – 6)
Entry to the Prep School is offered for girls aged 7 (Year 3) through to Year 6. Admission to the Prep School guarantees automatic entry in the Senior School (Year 7), ensuring a smooth and confident transition.
Parents are invited to attend an Open Event or arrange a personal visit with the Head of Prep and key staff. Following this visit, formal registration is required.
Upon registration, our Admissions Manager will schedule a prospective pupil visit and relevant age-appropriate literacy and numeracy assessments.
The application must be supported by:
- Relevant school reports.
- A formal reference from the applicant’s current school.
Prep pupils are eligible to apply for our four annual Prep Scholarships, details of which are available through the Admissions Office.
AUTOMATIC ENTRY TO YEAR 7 AND THE TRANSITION TO THE SENIOR SCHOOL
The move to the Senior School is the next step for our Year 6 girls and is seen as a natural progression. They each have an automatic place in the Senior School as they are already part of the St Catherine’s family. The entrance tests taken in December simply provide a valuable experience for the girls, and information to assist with scholarship offers and setting in core subjects.
This smooth transition allows a broad and rich curriculum to remain our focus at key stage three, while continuing to develop key skills. Our ongoing knowledge and understanding of the girls’ strengths in and out of the classroom gives continuity for entry to the Senior School and makes Year 6 an exciting final year in Prep.
ADMISSION TO YEAR 7
Registration for Year 7 2026 intake is open.
All applicants will be invited to complete entrance examinations in Maths and English on Saturday 29 November 2025. This will be followed by a Welcome Talk for parents, from the Headmistress.
For more information about this process, please see our FAQ page.
ADMISSION TO THE SENIOR SCHOOL
Applicants take one-hour papers in Mathematics and English. All papers are designed to bring out the skills and potential of each candidate, regardless of the curriculum emphasis in her current school.
Places are offered on the basis of performance in the examination; a report and reference from the girl’s current school; and an informal interview with the Headmistress, for parents and prospective pupils. The emphasis in this process is on welcoming families who seek the community life of St Catherine’s and girls willing to offer their gifts and talents to the School.
ADMISSION TO THE SIXTH FORM
Pupils currently in Year 11 at St Catherine’s do not need to apply to join the Sixth Form. They each have an automatic place.
Pupils wishing to study in the Sixth Form at St Catherine’s usually achieve six GCSEs at grades 6-9. They generally 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.
