Frequently Asked Questions

What does 'Register' mean?
It means that you have decided that St Edmund's is a school you would like your child to attend and you have completed a Registration Form with all your relevant details. You will also have paid the non-returnable Registration Fee of £85.

What happens once we have registered our child?
Their name will be entered onto our Prospective Entry database for the relevant academic year of entry and they will be eligible to be considered for a place. For Prep candidates, we will then invite you and your child to attend an informal interview with the Head of St Edmund's Prep and a Familiarisation day. For Senior School candidates, we will then invite you to attend an interview with the Head, or Deputy Head prior to the Entrance Exam. This is usually a 45 minute interview with both the child and the parents.

What does the Registration Fee cover?
It covers all the administration necessary before your child joins the school, including the organisation of tours, interviews and the cost of the Entrance Examination or assessment.

What does the Entrance Exam involve?
All students at 11+ have to take the College's Entrance Exam, which includes multiple choice tests in Mathematics, English and Non-Verbal Reasoning. Sample papers (which are based on standard NFER exams) are available from WH Smith or Amazon. The exam lasts for three hours (with appropriate breaks).

How many pupils do you have in the school?
There are currently around 775 in total. This includes approximately 125 pupils at the Prep School and 650 at
the College.

How many boarders do you have?
We currently have around 110 boarders at the College. This includes full and weekly boarders.

How many of your students are Catholic?
Approximately 40%. We also welcome students from other faiths and denominations.

Is Chapel attendance compulsory?
Yes, we are a Catholic school and all students attend Mass (regardless of their own faith or denomination) on a regular basis. Boarders also meet every morning and evening as a community to pray together.

What is the ratio of boys to girls?
It is currently around 60:40.

How many staff do you have?
There are around 60 teaching staff in the College.

Is there any special needs support?
Yes, we have a dedicated Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator and a Learning Support Assistant. It is important that any individual needs are discussed at the interview, to see if we are able to assist. One-to-one  support may be available, although there is a charge for this. We also have the 'Thomas More Society' for our most gifted and talented students.

Do we have to pay for lunches for day students?
No, this is included in the fees you pay.

Are students allowed mobile phones?
Mobile phones are useful in contacting parents and for safety on journeys, but at school, they should only be used outside, or in House areas at break and at lunchtime.

What percentage of your student body is from overseas?
About 10% of our pupils come from overseas. There are currently around 90 international students from over 20 different counties.

Can day pupils stay overnight at the College?
Yes, as long as there is a bed available in the relevant boarding area. Some pupils stay for the odd night, others may stay for longer periods. There is a nightly charge for this. (Boarding is available to students added 11 years and over).

What is your policy on bullying?
Bullying is not tolerated in any shape or form. We have an Anti-Bullying policy which is available on request. Every allegation of bullying is taken very seriously.

What are the behaviour and discipline procedures within the school?
There is an emphasis on positive behaviour and a reward system is in place. There are, however, tiers of detentions for those who breach the system. Please see our Behaviour Policy for more details.

What is the school's policy on homework?
There is a published timetable of preps. In Year 7 this usually consists of three subjects per night at 20 minutes per subject (one hour in total). This increases in higher years. In Period 7 (3.30-4.30pm) students can do some of their prep rather than an activity.

My question isn't listed here, can I speak to someone?
Please do! In the first instance, Mrs Carole Frank, in our Admissions Office who will be delighted to assist you.

You can contact her on 01920 824247 or email admissions@stedmundscollege.org

For International Students please email: international@stedmundscollege.org