St Columba's College
School summary
A Catholic foundation dating from 1939, St Columba's College in St Albans educates around 820 boys and girls from the ages of 4 to 18, with 11+ a principal entry point. The Independent Schools Inspectorate rated the school excellent for both education and personal development, with all compliance standards met. Faith underpins daily life, and the school carries a notably high proportion of pupils on SEN support, suggesting a community willing to look after a broad range of learning needs. Means-tested bursaries reaching up to 95 per cent of fees widen access well beyond those who could otherwise meet day fees of roughly £14,300 to £26,500.
Where every mark matters.
Places are limited and demand is high, so exam performance is what sets candidates apart. Passmate turns the months ahead into ten focused minutes a day on the exact topics this school tests.
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Latest results
GCSE grade 9-7
55%
National average 23%
A-level A*-A
43%
National average 28%
A-level A*-B
72%
National average 55%
Inspection reports
- ISI rating
- excellent
- ISI personal development
- excellent
- Last inspected
- 27 January 2026
Teaching & academics
Results sit comfortably above national benchmarks: 55 per cent of GCSE grades fall in the 9-7 range, more than double the national figure of 23 per cent, while 43 per cent of A-levels reach A*-A and 72 per cent A*-B. Maths and the sciences are strongly subscribed at both GCSE and sixth form, alongside humanities and a healthy spread of arts and social science options. The sixth form of around 160 students offers A-levels and the EPQ, with Further Mathematics, Economics and Psychology among the popular choices. Religious Studies features prominently across the curriculum, in keeping with the school's character.
Languages
GCSE subjects
Head · Mr Karl Guest
Sixth form
- Sixth-form pupils
- 160
A-level subjects
Qualifications offered
Beyond the classroom
Scholarships in music, drama and sport sit alongside academic awards, signalling areas the school actively nurtures. Drama and Theatre Studies, PE and the creative subjects appear strongly in both GCSE and A-level take-up.
School life & ethos
- Founded
- 1939
- Religious character
- RC
- Boarding
- No
- SEN support
- 43.13%
- EHC plans
- 0%
Mobile phone policy
Senior school students are allowed to bring their mobile phone to school, but once on site must turn it off and not access it during the school day. If they urgently need to contact home, students are able to ask to use them phone in the reception area.
Fees & bursaries
- Day fees (per year)
- £14,307 - £26,528
- Bursaries up to
- 95% of fees
Means-tested bursaries available from 11+, covering up to 95 per cent of fees
Schools nearby
St Albans Independent College
St Albans, East of England
Abbot's Hill School
Hemel Hempstead, East of England
Stanborough Primary School
Watford, East of England
Stanborough Secondary School
Watford, East of England
Edge Grove Preparatory School
Aldenham Village, East of England
Aldwickbury School
Harpenden, East of England
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A well-regarded Catholic day school whose academic results outpace national averages and whose generous bursaries make excellence genuinely attainable for families across the income range.
That’s where Passmate comes in. Tutoring is the most effective thing in a child’s preparation - a well-tutored child can outperform the vast majority of their peers. Passmate works alongside your tutor, not instead of them: it learns how your child thinks, finds the gaps, and shows the tutor exactly where to spend each session - so the limited time you have lands on what actually decides a place.
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St Columba's College 11+: frequently asked questions
Compiled from public data. Last checked 5 June 2026.