Senior School St Albans

Choosing the right senior school is one of the most important decisions a family makes. So we understand how much is at stake. At St Columba’s College, our Senior School in St Albans offers something genuinely different. We believe that every young person is unique, and because of that, we build an education around each individual student rather than expecting them to fit a mould.

We welcome students from age 11 and 13, and from the very first day, they become part of something special. We call our students Columbans, and being a Columban means more than achieving good grades. It means growing into a resilient, compassionate and confident individual, ready to thrive in whatever comes next.

Academic Excellence That Speaks For Itself

We are enormously proud of our academic results. But we are even prouder of the journeys behind them. Our Senior School consistently produces outstanding GCSE outcomes. The vast majority of our GCSE results are awarded at the top grades of 9 to 7, and a significant proportion of entries achieve grades 8 or 9. Furthermore, most of our students achieve an average grade of 7 or higher across all their subjects.

These results do not happen by accident. They happen because our teachers know their students deeply. They know what motivates each young person, where they need support, and how to stretch and challenge them at exactly the right moment. So when results day arrives, our students and families celebrate success that is truly earned.

St Albans is a wonderful place to grow up, and our location gives students access to a vibrant, ambitious community. But we also look outward. Our students go on to Russell Group universities, top degree apprenticeships with organisations such as Amazon and PwC, and institutions across the globe. Because we prepare them not just for exams but for life itself.

A Curriculum Built For The Whole Person

Our curriculum is designed with holistic education at its heart. We are proud that our Head of Careers and Head of Vocational Learning sit alongside the Heads of all academic departments. This means every pathway is valued equally, whether a student is heading to a top university or pursuing a prestigious industry apprenticeship.

We also embrace digital learning, stretch and challenge programmes, and dedicated academic support. So regardless of where a student starts, we help them grow further than they imagined possible. And because we genuinely believe in the breadth of education, the arts, sport, music, drama and a rich co-curricular programme are woven throughout school life.

The Good Schools Guide describes our approach as “exemplary pastoral care, great teaching, and an emphasis on extracurricular,” resulting in happy children reaching their potential. We could not have put it better ourselves. You can read more about how independent schools support wellbeing and achievement here.

Pastoral Care That Makes The Difference

Great academic results matter deeply to us, but we know that young people cannot reach their potential unless they feel safe, known and supported. That is why pastoral care is at the centre of everything we do at our Senior School in St Albans.

Every student is known, valued and treasured. These are not just words on a wall. They shape every interaction, every decision and every relationship within our community. Our house system brings students together across year groups, building friendships and a sense of belonging that lasts long after students leave us.

Our staff take the time to understand each young person as an individual. So if a student is struggling, we notice early and act quickly. And if a student is flourishing, we celebrate them and push them further. This personal attention is what sets us apart, and it is why so many families choose us year after year.

A Community Rooted In Values

St Columba’s College is a Catholic school, and our values underpin everything we do. We believe that education is not simply about making a living. It is about creating a life. Our ethos encourages kindness, integrity and service to others, and these qualities stay with our students long after they leave.

We welcome families from all faiths and none. Our community is warm, inclusive and genuinely supportive. Parents are active partners in their children’s education, and we work hard to keep families informed, involved and celebrated throughout the journey.

Our Parent Association plays a vital role in college life, and we hold regular events that bring the whole community together. So from the moment you join us, you become part of something bigger than a school. You join a family.

What To Expect When You Apply

We know that the admissions process can feel daunting. But we work hard to make it straightforward and welcoming. We offer open events throughout the year so you can come and experience St Columba’s for yourself. We also offer private tours, because we want every family to have the chance to ask questions and get a real feel for our community.

Entry to our Senior School is available at Year 7 (age 11) and Year 9 (age 13). We assess each applicant as an individual, looking for the potential and character that will thrive in our community. We also offer bursaries and scholarships, so a St Columba’s education is accessible to as many families as possible. To find out more, visit our admissions page.

Bursaries And Scholarships Available

We are committed to making our Senior School in St Albans accessible to talented young people from all backgrounds. So we offer a range of bursaries based on financial need, as well as scholarships that recognise exceptional ability in academics, music, sport and the arts. If you would like to find out whether your family might qualify, we encourage you to get in touch. We are always happy to have that conversation, and we never want finances to be the reason a child misses out on a Columban education.

Book a Visit or Enquire Now

Get In Touch

We would love to hear from you. Whether you have questions about the admissions process, want to arrange a visit, or simply want to find out more about life at our Senior School in St Albans, our team is here to help.

Alternatively, register for an upcoming open event or book a private tour at stcolumbascollege.org/visit-us/. We look forward to welcoming you to St Columba’s College, because the best way to understand what makes us special is simply to come and see it for yourself.

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