Welcome To
St Columba’s Prep

We welcome you most warmly to the Prep School, a unique and happy place to learn in the heart of St Albans. We are proud of our reputation for high academic achievement with first-rate pastoral care.

With the Columban virtues of Courage, Courtesy and Compassion permeating all that we do, we aim to launch pupils on their individual journeys to becoming well-rounded, socially aware young people who are equipped and confident for twenty-first century society.

As you explore our website, we hope you will be inspired by a sense of what makes our school so special. We extend a warm invitation for you to visit us on a working day: come and meet our wonderful pupils, chat to members of our friendly parent body, tell our caring staff all about your child and how we can give him the best possible start. We look forward to meeting you.

Mr Richard McCann

Head of Prep

Your Child’s Journey

Prep School is the start of a wonderful journey through Senior School and into the Sixth Form. Throughout each phase of education, Prep, Senior and Sixth Form, we create a nurturing environment where each pupil is challenged to achieve their own best academic standard, while becoming confident, resilient and compassionate individuals.

In Reception, our pupils instantly embrace the Columban learning ethos of resilience, teamwork and a positive growth mindset. Our enthusiastic and experienced teachers and teaching assistants work closely with families to share their children’s progress.

There are daily phonics sessions, individual reading and rigorous Maths mastery challenges. These are complemented by specialist-taught enrichment opportunities such as PE, Music and French.

In Prep 1 and 2 small class sizes enable our staff to ensure that each child is both stretched and supported in developing vital academic and social skills. Interactive whiteboards and specialist subjects such as Science, Art, DT, IT and life skills as well as a host of trips, workshops and visits help to enliven the serious business of learning.