St Columba’s College is located twenty-five miles from central London in the historic Cathedral City of St Albans, Hertfordshire. It is a thriving Catholic, independent, co-educational day school for pupils aged 4–18, comprising approximately 820 students across the Preparatory and Senior Schools.
Founded in 1939 and re-established by the Brothers of the Sacred Heart (United States) in 1955, the College’s educational philosophy is rooted in the traditions and religious values of the Order. While proudly Catholic, St Columba’s warmly welcomes children and families of all faiths, as well as those of no particular religious persuasion. The College is renowned for its strong family ethos, sense of community, outstanding pastoral care and commitment to holistic education. It is a welcoming, dynamic and forward-thinking school where the formation of the whole person lies at the heart of its mission.
At St Columba’s College, we believe that if no two students are the same, then neither are their successes. Education here is not about fitting young people into a mould, but about shaping an environment around each individual and celebrating what they become – Columbans. We recognise that success is personal and unique, that excellence is measured in relation to individual journeys, and that pupils are deeply known and valued by the community. The result is young people who are successful, resilient and kind – the hallmark of a truly holistic education.
“Developing pupils’ education, training and recreation is at the forefront of the school’s mission.” — ISI Report
As a forward-thinking digital school, St Columba’s College has introduced Surface Pro devices across the Preparatory School, Senior School and Sixth Form. Our aim is to provide a stimulating educational environment that motivates and captivates pupils, fostering a genuine love of learning and enquiry. Students are encouraged to become independent learners who take ownership of their educational pathways, viewing challenge as a healthy and essential part of growth. The development of a strong moral compass remains a central priority.
The College’s vision is underpinned by the belief that happy children are successful children. Pupils are encouraged to embrace the wide range of opportunities available to them, extending their experiences and skills both within and beyond the classroom. Whether immersed in academic research, charitable initiatives, community engagement, music, drama, clubs and societies, or a broad sporting programme, pupils are challenged to grow through experience. Every individual contributes to the vibrancy and spirit of the College community.
Our pupils are diverse, and difference is celebrated. Community and unity sit at the core of the College’s success, with individuality respected and nurtured.
“Students are respectful of their teachers and one another. This creates a supportive and productive environment where pupils feel safe and are ready to learn.” — ISI Report
The College is set within its own grounds overlooking the picturesque St Albans Abbey. Significant recent developments include the introduction of Food Technology, an E-sports Suite, MUGA pitches, a new modern dining room, a fitness suite and an Apple Mac Suite for Music. We are continually investing in our Young People’s future.
Entry. St Columba’s College admits pupils from ages 4–18. Reception is the main entry point to the Preparatory School, although applications throughout the year are welcomed, subject to assessment and suitability. Entry to the Senior School is primarily at 11+ through entrance testing and interview, with a smaller intake at 13+. Sixth Form applicants, both internal and external, must achieve a minimum of six GCSE grades at 6 or above. Applications for places in other year groups are considered where availability allows.
Scholarships. Academic and Music scholarships are awarded at 11+, 13+ and Lower 6th. Drama and Sports Scholarships are also available at 13+ and Lower 6th. Means-tested Bursaries are offered at all levels of entry.
The Curriculum. The Prep school follows a framework designed to implement future world skills via the Prep School Baccalaureate (learning skills trust). The Prep offers a broad curriculum providing Subject Specialism in Sport, Music, Science, Languages, ADT, Computing, and Life Skills, alongside excellence in core subjects.
In the senior school the curriculum is kept as broad as possible up to GCSE, where pupils choose nine or ten subjects from a wide range of Humanities, Social Sciences, Arts, Technology, Modern Foreign Languages and Science options. There are twenty-three A Level subjects currently on offer as well as Level 3 CTEC qualifications in Sport and Business. The Sixth Form curriculum is complemented by an enrichment course which includes options such as food and nutrition, personal finance and the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ).
Oxbridge potentials are provided with support of their application by an individually tailored programme. Almost all the Sixth Form students go on to universities including the Russell group, as well as Oxford and Cambridge, and a diverse range of other institutions in the UK and abroad. High-quality apprenticeships at prestigious companies form part of the career progression for several students each year.
Careers. The College has a Head of Careers and Higher Education who oversees the 4-18 Careers Education programme and provides careers advice to Senior School students. Using the latest technological software, search engines, and reference and application packages, to support students in discerning their career pathways. High-quality individual guidance is provided alongside lunchtime drop-in clinics to ensure students make fully informed decisions about subject choices, university courses, apprenticeships and careers. “The school provides comprehensive career education that supports pupils’ long-term planning and encourages ambition”
Pastoral Care is a significant strength of the College
“Excellent personal development.” — ISI Report
In the Preparatory School, care is centred around class groups, supported by a House system for competition. In the Senior School and Sixth Form, six Houses foster belonging and continuity, supported by a dedicated pastoral team. Strong, open relationships between staff and parents underpin pupil wellbeing. An age-specific pastoral programme addresses health, wellbeing, online safety, moral development and contemporary issues.
“There is a bespoke programme of pastoral care which ensures that every pupil is known and valued.” — Catholic Schools Inspectorate Report
Sporting Provision. All pupils participate in sport, and the College enjoys a strong sporting reputation. A wide range of activities is offered, including Rugby, Hockey, Basketball, Football, Tennis, Cricket, Netball, Athletics, Swimming, Cross Country, Dance, Equestrian and Golf. Facilities include a large gymnasium, fitness suite, all-weather and grass pitches, with additional local facilities adjacent to the College site.
Extended and Extra-curricular Activities. Extra-curricular provision is organised through the SHAPE programme (Service, House, Pastoral and Extra-curricular). Opportunities include STEM, Maths Challenge, sport, drama, art, chess, computing, Young Enterprise, Combined Cadet Force, Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, charity initiatives and many academic and social clubs.
Music is inclusive and vibrant, ranging from choirs, beat street drummers and orchestras to jazz, rock, samba and percussion ensembles. We know cultural, adventurous and sporting trips enrich pupil experience, being part of a global network of schools we can support this further by strong links with Brothers’ schools in the United States.
“The school provides a wide range of extra-curricular opportunities for pupils of all ages. These encourage healthy habits, motivation and social connection.” — ISI Report
Charities and Service. Service is central to the Columban ethos. Pupils are educated to understand global social and economic challenges and to respond with compassion and action. Service opportunities exist at all ages, guided by the College motto: Heart speaking to heart.
Preparatory School. The Preparatory School is located on the same site as the Senior School and benefits from access to many of its excellent facilities, as well as specialist teaching - a true 4-18 experience! At the same time, Prep pupils enjoy a range of their own purpose-built specialist areas, including a dedicated library, science laboratory, art room and Forest School, all within a warm and supportive setting. The Preparatory School also has a range of specialist teachers who work solely within the Prep, ensuring high-quality teaching and support tailored specifically to younger pupils. The Prep has a strong family atmosphere, providing a secure and purposeful environment in which expectations are high. It admits students by assessment into the Lower Prep and Upper Prep. In their final year, most Preparatory School pupils are offered unconditional places at St Columba’s College Senior School, following recommendations by Prep School staff.
Alumni. St. Columba's College Alumni is an engaging, thriving and committed arm of the school which continues that familial engagement and strength of the College. It naturally welcomes former students, staff and governors to interact with its many social, community and networking events throughout the year. It also provides access to the College business directory to build a lifelong network of friendships and call upon Alumni members for career development. Alumni are active in charitable events, specialists talks to school members, Inspirational Days, work experience, apprenticeship placement and offer careers advice and mentoring amongst many other offerings.
Fees per term (2025-2026). Senior School £8,842.80, Prep 4–6 £7,440-£7,533.60, Prep 3 £6,760.80, Reception–Prep 2 £5,722.80. Fees include VAT.
Charitable status. St Columba’s College is a Registered Charity, number 1088480. It exists to provide a well-rounded Catholic education for pupils from 4–18 years of age.
Governors & Staff:
Governors:
Mrs Barbara Elliot, MA Cantab (Acting Chair)
Mr Oli Adams, BA Hons
Mr Stephen Byrne
Br Ronald Hingle, SC, BS, Med
Br Raymond Hetu, BA, MA
Br Joseph Holthaus, MA
Mr Dominic Keogh
Ms Martha Moroney
Mrs Beth Sharpe
Mr Eugene van Dijk
Bursar and Clerk to the Governors: Mrs Rachel McHattie, BA Hons, ACMA
Headmaster: Mr Karl Guest, MA
Deputy Head, DSL: Mrs K Marson, MA
Assistant Head (Director of Studies): Ms Lucy Cronin, MA
Assistant Head (Learning, Teaching & Professional Development): Mr Nick Hele, BA
Assistant Head (Student Formation): Mr J Tatham, BA
Head of Sixth Form: Mr D Waters, BA
Head of Prep: Mr Richard McCann, BA
Deputy Head of Prep: Mr K Boland, BA
Deputy Head of Prep and SENCo: Miss C Maton, BA
Administration:
Headmaster’s PA: Mrs N Ormondroyd
Head of Prep’s PA: Mrs E McConachie
Bursar’s PA: Mrs M Clinch
Admissions Registrar: Mrs C Batour