Senior School Hertfordshire

Choosing the right senior school is one of the most important decisions a family makes. So, if you are searching for a senior school in Hertfordshire, we want to share something important. St Columba’s College is not simply a school. It is a community built on the belief that every young person deserves to be known, valued, and treasured.

We welcome students from Year 7 upwards, and our Senior School in St Albans, Hertfordshire, offers something genuinely distinctive. Because we believe no two children are the same, we shape our education around each individual. We do not fit students into a mould. Instead, we build a new shape around each one.

A Holistic Education That Goes Beyond Exam Results

Academic results matter, and ours are excellent. But we also know that exams do not tell the full story of a child. So, alongside strong academic outcomes, we nurture resilience, kindness, and curiosity. Our curriculum is broad and ambitious because we want students to develop a genuine love of learning.

Our Head of Careers and Head of Vocational Learning sit alongside every other Head of Department. This means that every student’s pathway receives equal care and attention. Whether a student aims for a Russell Group university, a prestigious apprenticeship, or study abroad, we prepare them thoroughly. Many of our students have gone on to programmes with organisations such as Amazon, PwC, and Transport for London.

Furthermore, students who choose to study in the United States have a strong track record. A significant proportion receive scholarships or bursaries, which reflects the quality of preparation we offer here.

Senior School Hertfordshire

Outstanding GCSE Results That Speak For Themselves

Results at St Columba’s consistently place us among the strongest performers in Hertfordshire. The majority of all GCSE results are awarded the top grades of 9 to 7. A significant proportion of GCSE entries receive grades 8 or 9, and most students achieve an average grade of 7 or above across all subjects.

But because we believe success looks different for everyone, we measure progress as much as outcomes. Every student’s journey is personal, and so our expectations are tailored accordingly. We celebrate what each student becomes, not simply what they score.

Pastoral Care That Puts Young People First

The Good Schools Guide describes our approach as “exemplary pastoral care.” We are proud of that recognition, but it is simply what we believe every child deserves.

Our pastoral system ensures that every young person is genuinely known by the adults around them. We build personal relationships because we understand that a student who feels safe and supported will thrive academically and personally. This is not an add-on to our education. It sits at the very heart of it.

Our House System brings students together across year groups. As a result, friendships and a sense of belonging develop quickly. Students look out for one another, and staff know each child by name and by character. That personal attention makes a real difference, especially during the transition years of senior school.

Senior School Hertfordshire – A Rich Co-Curricular Life

 Education does not stop at the classroom door. So, we invest heavily in our co-curricular programme because we know that interests pursued outside lessons shape confident and well-rounded young people.

Students can take part in music, drama, sport, art, and a wide range of clubs and activities. Our co-curricular calendar is full and varied, and we encourage every student to try something new. Whether a student discovers a talent for debating or a passion for performance, we support their growth every step of the way.

Sport is particularly strong in our Hertfordshire home. We have excellent facilities and a competitive fixtures programme. But participation and enjoyment matter just as much as winning, and we welcome students of all abilities.

Senior School Hertfordshire

Values-Led Education In A Welcoming Community

 St Columba’s College is a Catholic school, but our doors are open to students and families of all faiths and none. Our Catholic ethos underpins everything we do. It shapes the warmth of our community, our commitment to service, and our belief that education is about creating a life, not just making a living.

Heart speaks to heart at St Columba’s. That phrase captures the spirit of our school more than any set of data could. Families who visit us often remark on how welcoming and calm the atmosphere feels. Students are confident but kind. And that reflects the values we work hard to embed every single day.

You can read more about choosing the right senior school on the Independent Schools Council website, which offers helpful guidance for families.

Scholarships And Bursaries Available

We want St Columba’s to be accessible to as many families as possible. So, we offer a range of scholarships and bursaries for students joining the Senior School. Academic, sport, music, and all-rounder awards are available, and financial assistance is offered where needed.

We encourage families to explore these opportunities early, because places and awards are competitive. Our admissions team is always happy to talk through the options with you. Find full details on our bursaries and scholarships page.

Book a Visit or Enquire Now

Conveniently Located

Our school is in St Albans, Hertfordshire, on King Harry Lane. We are easily accessible from across the county and beyond. Many students travel to us by public transport, and we are well-connected to surrounding towns and villages.

St Albans itself is a wonderful place to grow up. It is a vibrant, historic city, and our students benefit from being part of a broader community. But above all, they benefit from the extraordinary community they find within our gates every day.

Get In Touch

We would love to welcome you to St Columba’s College. The best way to truly understand what we offer is to visit us and experience our community for yourself. We hold regular Open Events and also offer private tours for families who prefer a more personal introduction.

 Whether your child is ready to join us now or you are planning ahead for the years to come, we are here to help. Our admissions team is friendly, knowledgeable, and happy to answer any questions you may have.

Contact us today to arrange a visit or to find out more about our admissions process.

Senior School Hertfordshire

Serving students from St Albans and Hertfordshire and the following areas:

Baldock, Barnet, Berkhamsted, Bishop’s Stortford, Borehamwood, Broxbourne, Bushey, Cheshunt, Chorleywood, Croxley Green, Elstree, Harpenden, Hatfield, Hemel Hempstead, Hereford, Hitchin, Hoddesdon, Letchworth, Potters Bar, Radlett, Rickmansworth, Royston, Sawbridgeworth, South Oxhey, St Albans, Stevenage, Tring, Waltham Cross, Ware, Watford, Welwyn Garden City

Skip to content