What did you do prior to becoming Headmistress of St Catherine’s and how long have you been in the role?
I have been Headmistress for five years and prior to that I was deputy head academic at St Mary’s Ascot.
What is your subject and do you still teach at all?
Teaching English has always been my great privilege and pleasure; prior to leadership I loved being head of department. I am very glad that I still do some teaching – generally Year 9, and also some A-level. My pupils are probably not really aware that being with them in the classroom, enjoying literature and language, is usually the best part of my week.
What attracted you to the school?
I wanted to lead a faith school, and also feel passionately about the benefits of all-girls’ education. I also saw that the size of St Catherine’s promotes relationships, self-confidence and belonging.
What achievement are you proudest of since joining the school?
Strengthening and supporting an excellent staff body who are committed to the pupils they teach and care for; developing the school’s faith life and chaplaincy programmes which sit perfectly alongside an improved commitment to pastoral care; the school’s stronger academic provision and changes in reporting and tracking to ensure progress for each pupil; and further success and excellence in sport, music, art and drama programmes, as shown by the many national prizes and awards, and special activities like the school production at the Edinburgh Fringe.
What are the school’s key values, ethos and vision?
Pupils are inspired by the words of St Catherine: “Be who God wants you to be, and you will set the world on fire” – this informs our commitment to forming young women of confidence and compassion, ready to lead and serve as they find their place in the world. We have five central values which help us to live out this vision: Community, Faith, Courage, Scholarship, Service.
How do you incorporate the Catholic Faith into school life?
At St Catherine’s we take faith seriously, though we treat it lightly. This means that faith is there in form prayers, school Mass, Wednesday worship and feast days, and that it also sits gently and naturally, as part of our everyday school life. Faith life at St Catherine’s is not didactic, it lives in our community and there is a spirit of friendship and inclusivity that ensures girls of all faiths understand that each person is valued and that the school is a home, where they can belong and flourish.
What makes St Catherine’s different and sets it apart from others in the area?
Visitors always comment on the authenticity and friendliness of St Catherine’s girls and the school spirit is a very special one. Excellent and intentional pastoral care and safeguarding help each girl to know she is valued, and to grow in her understanding of others and of the world. What sets us apart from other schools is our success in this nurturing and the way this creates confidence in individual pupils, which in turn leads to academic success, ambition and resilience, as well as personal growth and happiness.
What enrichment opportunities are there for all students?
The co-curricular and enrichment programmes are extensive, including a wide range of sporting options, swimming, creative activities, debating, music, dance, Duke of Edinburgh and academic competitions. There is something for everyone and Sixth Form girls take a role in leading clubs and activities.
What are the school’s strengths – particular subject areas and extracurricular?
Within our rich academic and cocurricular programmes, Art, History, Maths and Science are particularly strong, and the girls are also especially successful at drama, athletics, swimming, debating and netball.
What is the admissions procedure? Are there any feeder schools? Scholarship or bursary schemes?
All applicants are interviewed by the Headmistress. The procedure for Year 7 includes an interview in the Autumn Term and exams in early December; applications for other year groups are processed throughout the year and enquiries are always welcome. There are no feeder schools and St Catherine’s is pleased to welcome girls from a very large number of state and independent schools. Scholarships or bursaries are available.
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