Q&A fact file: St Joseph’s College

What importance do you place on academics?

We offer GCSE, A Levels, and BTEC qualifications and are very proud of students academic achievement here at St Jos. For boarders we have a designated International Student Coordinate to monitor boarders' academic progress and liaise with subject teachers to support the students best. All our boarding staff are teachers except the matrons therefore students can have extra support during compulsory study time in the evening. We also believe in a well-rounded education. Our Futures' Co-ordinator has extended experience in industries for 30+ years and is keen to help every student to find any opportunity to enhance their life skills from internship to university application assistance.

What is the largest group of one nationality?

We have about 40 Chinese students in boarding which is our largest nationality.

Who will they share bedroom with?

Students will need to share if they are Year 7 to Y11 students. We have 2 beds or 3 beds shared dorms which they will share with either students in the same year group or one year group above or below.

Do they wear uniform all the time?

Students wear uniforms during school hours (8.35am to 3.45pm). They can change to their casual clothes when they are back to boarding after school, or change to sports clothes for after school clubs (3.45 - 4.45pm). They can choose to wear casual clothes during weekend. (However, we may not ask students to wear uniforms in September for hygiene purpose).

My child is particularly good at a sport what support will they get?

Sport is a massive part of the St Joseph’s College experience for all ages and the school has excellent facilities for fitness, rugby, netball, cricket, hockey, rounders, basketball, volleyball, handball, judo, tennis, athletics, cross-country, badminton, squash and table tennis. We are particularly proud of our new artificial turf pitches and changing rooms, the result of a multi-million pound investment. Off-site activities include sailing, boxercise, aerobics, golf, swimming, horse riding and mountaineering. Among all sports, we offer Elite Academy for Rugby, Football, Netball and Cricket which are integrated programme with their education. Students will get more training hours, strength & conditioning sessions, personalised analysis etc. Many of our boys and girls progress to county, regional or even national representation in their chosen sports, but in the Sixth Form some of our students begin to prepare seriously for a professional sports career. This is particularly evident in rugby, with several boys earning contracts with Premiership and international rugby clubs over the last few years. Some students choose a BTEC extended diploma in Sport and Science to which is dedicated sports education and recognised by most universities.

What makes your school special?

Our difference is most evident in the behaviour of our students – from their sense of community, their respect and support for others, their confidence and courtesy, their aspiration and achievement, their effort, enthusiasm and eagerness to help. Also we are very experienced in providing care in boarding. The communication between boarding team and parents are seamless, the care we provide here is just a home from home for all boarders.

Questions answered by Sabrina Deng, International Liaison Manager