St. Catherine's School: Comprehensive 11+ Admissions Guide

Key Information Summary

• School Type: Independent Catholic girls' school
• Location: Twickenham, London (riverside location)
• Age Range: 11-18 years
• Entry Points: Year 7 (11+), Sixth Form
• Assessment: 11+ entrance examination and interview
• Founded: Over 100 years of educational excellence
• Ethos: Catholic values welcoming all faiths
• School Motto: "Not Words, but Deeds"

About St. Catherine's School

St. Catherine's School occupies a remarkable position alongside the River Thames in Twickenham, offering girls an exceptional educational experience rooted in Catholic values whilst welcoming students from all faith backgrounds. With over a century of educational heritage, the school has developed a distinctive approach that balances academic rigour with spiritual and personal development.

The school's motto, "Not Words, but Deeds," reflects its commitment to transforming learning into meaningful action. This philosophy permeates every aspect of school life, encouraging students to engage actively with their community and develop a sense of social responsibility. The riverside campus provides an inspiring environment where girls can flourish academically whilst developing confidence and independence.

St. Catherine's takes particular pride in its inclusive community, where girls from diverse backgrounds unite in pursuit of academic excellence. The school's Catholic foundation provides a strong moral framework, yet the welcoming atmosphere ensures all students feel valued regardless of their faith tradition. This unique blend creates an environment where girls can explore their potential whilst developing the character and values necessary for future leadership.

Fees and key dates for 2026/27

St. Catherine's School publishes day fees of £8,418 per term for 2026/27, taken from the school's own fees page in October 2026. Registration for the next 11+ round closes on 11 November 2026. The assessment takes place on 28 November 2026. One-hour papers in Mathematics and English, plus consideration of school report/reference and an informal interview with the Head. Fees and dates change each year, so the school's website remains the reference for the current round.

The 11+ Assessment Process

St. Catherine's School employs a comprehensive 11+ assessment designed to identify girls who will thrive in their academically demanding environment. The examination process evaluates multiple cognitive abilities to ensure prospective students possess the intellectual foundation necessary for success.

Assessment Components

The 11+ examination at St. Catherine's includes four key areas:

• Verbal Reasoning: Tests comprehension, vocabulary, and logical thinking using language-based problems
• Non-Verbal Reasoning: Assesses spatial awareness and pattern recognition through visual puzzles
• Mathematics: Evaluates numerical competency, problem-solving skills, and mathematical reasoning
• English Comprehension: Measures reading skills, textual analysis, and written expression

The assessment process extends beyond academic testing to include individual interviews, allowing the school to understand each candidate's personality, interests, and motivation. This holistic approach ensures that successful applicants will contribute positively to the school community whilst benefiting from the educational opportunities available.

How to Apply

The application process for Year 7 entry at St. Catherine's School requires careful planning and preparation. Families should begin the process well in advance of their daughter's intended start date.

Application Steps

• School Visit: Attend an open day or arrange a private tour to experience the school environment
• Application Submission: Complete the comprehensive application form with all required documentation
• Assessment Preparation: Ensure your daughter is prepared for the 11+ examination components
• Interview Process: Participate in the individual interview as part of the holistic assessment
• Outcome Notification: Receive admission decision and complete enrollment procedures if successful

Prospective families are strongly encouraged to visit the school during term time to observe the learning environment and meet key staff members. The school's open days provide valuable insights into daily life at St. Catherine's and allow families to ask specific questions about the educational programme.

Preparing for the St. Catherine's School 11+ with Taylor Tuition

Preparation for the St. Catherine's School 11+ tends to go best when it starts early and stays steady, and most families who work with us begin between twelve and eighteen months out. Our tutors, who have prepared pupils for entry to leading independent and grammar schools including Westminster, St Paul's, Wycombe Abbey and Eton, plan the work backwards from the school's own assessment format and registration deadline.

The tutors we match to 11+ preparation are drawn from a pool in which more than half hold Qualified Teacher Status, around three in five hold a master's degree or doctorate, and which includes former heads of department, exam-board examiners and teachers from independent and boarding schools. Every tutor who works with children holds an enhanced DBS check.

Families work with us online from anywhere in the UK or abroad, and in person in central London. Fees start from £50 per 50-minute session and depend on tutor level and subject, with no registration fee and a free initial consultation to talk through your child's current level and the timeline to the 11+. Families receive progress reports after sessions and have a dedicated point of contact, and we reply to enquiries within one working day with tutor recommendations.

Read more about our 11+ entrance exam tutors, or send an enquiry and we will come back with tutor recommendations.