St Andrew's Catholic School Surrey Admissions Guide
Corey CrossIntroduction
St Andrew's Catholic School in Surrey is a highly regarded secondary school, known for its strong academic performance, Catholic ethos, and vibrant student life. If you're considering applying to this exceptional school, understanding the admissions process is key. This guide covers everything you need to know about St Andrew's Catholic School Surrey admissions, from key dates and criteria to tips on preparing for entry.
Key Facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| School Type | Voluntary Aided Catholic Secondary School |
| Location | Leatherhead, Surrey |
| Age Range | 11–18 |
| Ofsted Rating | Outstanding |
| Student Numbers | Approximately 1,200 |
Academic Performance
St Andrew's Catholic School is renowned for its excellent academic outcomes. In recent years, the school has consistently achieved outstanding GCSE and A-Level results. The Progress 8 score, which measures student progress between Key Stage 2 and Key Stage 4, is well above the national average, reflecting the school’s focus on academic growth for all students.
For GCSEs, the school reports a high percentage of students achieving grades 9–5 in core subjects like English and Maths. At A-Level, the pass rate is exceptional, with many students securing placements at top universities.
Admissions
How to Apply
To apply to St Andrew's Catholic School, you must complete the Surrey County Council Common Application Form (CAF) and submit the school’s Supplementary Information Form (SIF), which is specific to faith schools.
Key Dates
- October: Open evening and school tours
- 31 October: Deadline for submitting the CAF
- March: National offer day
Selection Criteria and Catchment Area
St Andrew’s prioritises Catholic families, with admissions criteria that include proof of baptism and a reference from your parish priest. While the school welcomes applications from all faiths, preference is given to practising Catholics who live within the local catchment area. The catchment area typically includes Leatherhead and surrounding towns.
What Makes This School Special
St Andrew's Catholic School is celebrated for its commitment to nurturing both academic and spiritual growth. It offers a range of special features, including:
- Strong Catholic ethos, integrated into daily school life
- Excellent sports facilities, such as a state-of-the-art sports hall and playing fields
- A diverse curriculum with a focus on STEM and the arts
- Extensive support for students with SEN (Special Educational Needs)
Student Life
Student life at St Andrew's is vibrant and inclusive. The school offers a wide variety of extracurricular activities, including:
- Sports teams and clubs, such as football, netball, and athletics
- Music and drama programmes, including school productions
- Opportunities for volunteering and community outreach
- A house system that fosters a sense of community and friendly competition
The pastoral care team ensures that every student feels supported, with resources like counselling, mentoring, and peer support schemes.
How to Prepare for Entry
Since St Andrew's is a high-demand school, preparation is crucial. Here are some tips to enhance your child’s chances of securing a spot:
- Research: Attend open evenings to understand the school’s ethos and expectations.
- Documentation: Ensure all application forms (CAF and SIF) are completed accurately and submitted on time.
- Faith Evidence: If you're applying as a Catholic family, gather the necessary faith documentation well in advance.
- Prepare Academically: Encourage your child to excel in Year 6 to ensure a smooth transition to secondary school.
For sixth form entry, focus on achieving strong GCSE results, particularly in subjects you intend to pursue at A-Level.
Practice Exercise
Here’s a practice exercise to help students preparing for their GCSEs:
- Choose one of your weaker subjects and identify three topics you find challenging.
- Use past papers to practise questions on those topics.
- Review your answers with mark schemes to identify areas for improvement.
Exam Technique Tips
- Practice time management by timing yourself during past paper exercises.
- Learn how to structure answers for long-response questions effectively.
- Memorise key formulas, definitions, or quotes for essential subjects like Maths, Sciences, and English Literature.
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