Beyond the chapel bells at the fringe of Canterbury, where orchards border the grounds, stands a school that has quietly educated local families for six decades. St Anselm's Catholic School was founded in 1964 by the Archdiocese of Southwark as a comprehensive secondary school. Today, with roughly 1,100 students aged 11 to 18, the school remains regularly oversubscribed and emphasizes its Catholic faith alongside rigorous academic provision.
The main building, named after Sir Thomas More, is the highest point in Canterbury, with each further building named after local saints including Augustine, Edmund, Dunstan, and the martyr Thomas Becket . This intentional naming reflects the school's identity within the Catholic tradition. In 2004, St Anselm's gained specialist Science College status, and in 2015, the school converted to academy status within the Kent Catholic Schools' Partnership.
The school was rated Good by Ofsted in September 2023 , an assessment that reflects steady progress across its mixed-gender cohort. This is a state school serving students of all abilities, with no tuition fees. The sixth form, numbering around 150 students, represents a significant proportion of the school community and offers an extended range of academic and vocational qualifications. For families seeking a secondary education rooted in Catholic values without independent school fees, St Anselm's presents a tangible option — though one that sits below the highest-performing schools in England's rankings (FindMySchool data).
The school's Catholic identity shapes daily life in concrete ways. The school's community is founded on Gospel values of Love, Hope, Charity, Justice, and Peace, which permeate every aspect of school life — academically, spiritually, and socially — with students encouraged to achieve their full potential and leave with readiness to lead good, fulfilled lives and contribute positively to society.
Under the leadership of headteacher Jez Rowarth (since 2018), the school has been developing as a happy, hard-working community . The Ofsted inspection highlighted the school's commitment to safeguarding and positive relationships. Students describe a welcoming environment, with pastoral structures organized through a house system featuring Aquinas, Bosco, Merici, Stein, and Gregory Houses, each with its own identity and staff.
The physical setting reflects the school's rural location. St Anselm's occupies a rural site on the fringes of Canterbury, bordered by orchards and farmland . This setting offers space for outdoor learning — the school operates a Forest School programme — and a sense of separation from urban hustle. However, the rural location also means that students rely heavily on bus transport, with routes serving Ashford, Faversham, Whitstable, and Herne Bay across the wider catchment.
The school's code of conduct, known as "The Three R's," emphasizes respect for self, respect for each other, and respect for the environment. This language reinforces a coherent values framework that extends beyond generic inspirational posters. Staff invest in collective worship, charitable initiatives, and explicit Catholic Social Teaching, meaning the Catholic character is not superficial but embedded in curriculum design and daily routines.
St Anselm's was designated a specialist Science College in 2004 , yet its overall academic results remain below the England average. The latest GCSE attainment shows an average Attainment 8 score of 42.4, below the national figure. The school ranks 2,878 in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in the bottom 40% of secondary schools nationally. In the Canterbury area, it ranks 7th locally.
This ranking sits in the lower 40% of schools in England, indicating performance below the median. Approximately 6% of students achieved grades 5-9 in the English Baccalaureate (EBACC), a selective measure of academic breadth. The Progress 8 score of -0.02 indicates students make roughly average progress from their starting points — neither exceptional gains nor concerning losses. For a non-selective comprehensive school in an area with grammar school selection, this reflects both the mixed-ability intake and the challenge of competing for skilled teachers and resources.
The sixth form shows similar patterns. The sixth form contains approximately 150 students , offering a breadth of A-level and vocational options. A-level grades show 4% achieving A*, 8% achieving A, and 22% achieving B grades. The combined A*-B percentage stands at 34%, below the England average of 47%. The school ranks 1,973 in England for A-level performance (FindMySchool ranking), placing it again in the lower-performing band nationally, though with specific strengths in disciplines not easily quantified in broad statistics.
The Science College designation suggests deeper expertise in this area. The school is designated as a Specialist Science College in September 2004 . Science teaching benefits from dedicated facilities and sequencing. The curriculum encourages depth in biological, physical, and chemical sciences. However, the national GCSE statistics do not show Science driving exceptional outcomes; instead, the designation appears to reflect historical investment and specialist staffing rather than transformative results at scale.
England ranks and key metrics (where available)
A-Level A*-B
33.54%
% of students achieving grades A*-B
GCSE 9–7
—
% of students achieving grades 9-7
Teaching quality varies, as it does in most schools. The 2023 Ofsted judgment confirmed that teachers use detailed subject knowledge to explain new concepts clearly. Teachers use detailed subject knowledge to teach new concepts clearly . However, there are some inconsistencies in curriculum delivery, which can affect how well pupils consolidate their knowledge , indicating that strength in one classroom does not guarantee consistency across the school.
The curriculum follows the national framework but with Catholic integration. Students in Years 7-8 receive five hours of Religious Education per fortnight, with all students taking Religious Studies to GCSE level covering doctrine, sacramental theology, scripture, and morals, while sixth form students receive one lesson per fortnight and many opt to study A-level Philosophy & Ethics, which prepares them for degrees in History, Law, Social Sciences, and Theology.
Beyond the core curriculum, enrichment opportunities include specific subject outreach. History students have outreach links with the University of Kent and visits to the Normandy beaches in France to understand the D-Day landings, while A-level History students undertake regular visits to Berlin to study the impact of 20th century conflicts on the European city . These structured experiences deepen learning beyond textbooks.
The school's Artsmark Gold status signals genuine investment in arts integration. St Anselm's is a Catholic School for students of all abilities, designated as a Specialist Science College , yet the Gold Arts Mark recognition indicates parallel strength in creative provision.
Quality of Education
Good
Behaviour & Attitudes
Good
Personal Development
Good
Leadership & Management
Good
In the 2023-24 cohort (112 leavers), 56% progressed to university, 1% to further education, 5% to apprenticeships, and 21% to employment . This profile reflects a mixed-ability sixth form where not all students pursue traditional higher education routes.
University destinations are not comprehensively published on the school website, limiting specific data on Russell Group or Oxbridge places. However, the school actively facilitates university preparation through UCAS guidance, personal tutoring, and careers education. The sixth form explicitly welcomes applications from all students in sympathy with the school's ethos, including those from non-Catholic backgrounds.
Entry to the sixth form is non-selective but competitive. As a faith school regularly oversubscribed, the school requires additional information to ensure over-subscription criteria are applied consistently and fairly . Internal progression from Year 11 is not guaranteed; sixth form entry requires meeting minimum GCSE grades and demonstrating commitment to the school's values. External students from other secondary schools and sixth form colleges may apply directly.
The sixth form offers both traditional A-levels and vocational qualifications including BTEC Tech Awards in Health and Social Care. The sixth form offers a wide range of advanced level and vocational courses . This variety supports different pathways: some students progress to competitive universities, others to apprenticeships, and others directly into employment or further technical training. The school's destination data suggests this diversity is genuine rather than a gap-filler for students unable to attend more selective institutions.
The school's Performing Arts department is led by Miss S. Woolford (Curriculum Lead) with Miss N. Lee as a specialist performing arts teacher . The Artsmark Gold accreditation reflects sustained investment in creative practice. Students engage with drama, music, and dance through both curricular and extracurricular channels.
The school's Chapel Choir performs at Canterbury Cathedral, elevating the profile of vocal music. Students have opportunities to learn instruments through both school provision and partnerships with external music teachers. The ensemble structure — though specific ensemble names are not detailed on the website — creates pathways from beginner to advanced musicians.
The school offers a variety of extracurricular clubs as a great opportunity for students to make new friends, gain new interests, and feel part of the school community . The Physical Education department runs both curricular provision and clubs. Key sports include football, rugby, netball, basketball, and athletics, with fixtures against local and regional rivals. The school competes in Kent-wide competitions and develops representative pathways for talented athletes.
The school benefits from onsite PE facilities including playing fields and courts. The rural setting provides space for outdoor activities impossible in urban schools. Students have opportunities for development in Duke of Edinburgh Awards, extending beyond competitive sport into personal challenge and resilience.
As a Specialist Science College, the school emphasizes STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) pathways. The curriculum includes Computing as a discrete subject alongside integrated science teaching. The Mathematics department is led by Mr O'Rourke with deputies and specialists including Mr Rescorla (responsible for Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 5), Ms Manning-Wade, Ms Kite, Mr Bird, and Mr Georgiou, with qualifications spanning mathematics, engineering, and cybernetics . This breadth of expertise supports both mainstream learners and those pursuing STEM at advanced level.
Science facilities reflect the specialist designation, with dedicated laboratory spaces for biological, physical, and chemical sciences. Students access practical work and inquiry-based learning as core experiences, not additions. The University of Kent partnership mentioned in History also extends to Science, creating potential for sixth form project work and university liaison.
The school offers a variety of extracurricular clubs, with most starting from September, providing opportunities for students to make new friends, gain new interests, and feel part of the school community . The enrichment coordinator maintains a termly club timetable updated annually, with clubs spanning academic, creative, and sporting interests. Named opportunities visible on the school website include a Library reading challenge ("16 Books Before 16"), Forest School provision, and structured trips to historical sites.
The Catholic life of the school extends into extracurricular provision through service initiatives. Students participate in charitable activities including support for Canterbury Food Bank, engagement with St Vincent de Paul Society, and environmental projects such as tree-planting on school grounds. The school's Oscar Romero Award and Faith in Action Award recognize students demonstrating Gospel values in practice.
St Anselm's serves the Canterbury Deanery, including the towns of Ashford, Faversham, Whitstable, Herne Bay, and Canterbury itself , creating a broad network of employer contacts for work experience. The school's Careers Education, Information, and Guidance (CEIAG) strategy includes dedicated staff mentoring, provider access agreements bringing external speakers into school, and structured work experience placements.
Sixth form students engage with university open days, apprenticeship fairs, and employer talks. The school recognizes that not all leavers will progress to university, with roughly 26% entering apprenticeships or employment directly, and actively supports these pathways with appropriate guidance and links.
The school has a large catchment area extending from Ashford to Herne Bay and from Wingham to Faversham, and is regularly over-subscribed . Non-selective admissions mean the school accepts students of all abilities, but oversubscription requires clear criteria. The school exists primarily to serve the Catholic community and Catholic children always have priority of admission, though the governing body welcomes applications from those of other denominations and faiths or of no faith who support the religious ethos of the school.
The governors admit up to 180 pupils without reference to ability or aptitude . After looked-after children, children attend feeder Catholic primary schools (St Thomas's Canterbury, St Mary's Whitstable, St Simon's Ashford, St Teresa's Ashford, St Joseph's Aylesham, Stella Maris Folkestone, St Augustine's Hythe), with children living nearest the school given highest priority, where distance is measured in a straight line using NLPG address data from a defined point within the home to a defined point within the school as specified by Ordnance Survey.
The faith criteria require evidence of Catholic commitment through parish priest endorsement or (for other denominations) minister confirmation. Families with questions can contact the Admissions Officer at admissions@st-anselms.org.uk or 01227 826200.
Entry to sixth form is open to external applicants as well as internal progressors. The school welcomes students "in sympathy with our ethos," which includes Catholic and non-Catholic students committed to the school's values. Minimum GCSE grade requirements typically apply (usually grade 4 or above in intended A-level subjects), though these are applied flexibly depending on subject and individual profile. Sixth Form leadership includes Ms K. D'Costa as Director of Sixth Form , with dedicated admissions support during the application cycle.
Applications
825
Total received
Places Offered
167
Subscription Rate
4.9x
Apps per place
This is a state school with no tuition fees. Located on the southern fringes of historic Canterbury, St Anselm's is a happy and successful wide-ability school catering for those who wish to receive a Catholic education.
The school operates a standard secondary day structure beginning at 8:50am with registration and finishing at 3:20pm. Sixth form students may have different timetabling, particularly for free study periods.
Bus lines 15, 16, 17, and P3 serve the school, with the nearest bus stop (St Anselm's School) a 3-minute walk away . The rural location means personal transport or coordinated bus services are essential for most families outside walking distance. The school's catchment extends across multiple Kent towns, making proximity to a main road important for accessibility.
A building programme includes changing facilities, new arts accommodation, and refurbished science laboratories, with premises staff working to minimize disruption and ensure site safety . The school maintains a chapel for collective worship and houses a library supporting the "16 Books Before 16" reading challenge. Dedicated science labs reflect the specialist designation. Outdoor spaces include playing fields, courts, and forest school areas.
School uniform is required and maintained as part of the school's culture. Requirements are clearly specified on the school website.
Catering is outsourced through Chartwells Compass Group. Free school meals are available to eligible families; details of entitlement should be confirmed with the admissions office.
Pupils behave very well and enjoy their lessons, with effective partnerships between parents, carers, and staff at the heart of ensuring pupils thrive, and pupils trusting staff to tackle issues robustly with good communication . The house system provides pastoral continuity throughout a student's secondary career. Form tutors, house staff, and senior leadership maintain oversight of individual progress and wellbeing.
The school has a dedicated SEN department. St Anselm's is a mainstream school with resourced provision; their resourced provision has a capacity of 15 and has 16 pupils on roll, and families requiring information on conditions the school can support are encouraged to contact the school directly . Students with EHCP are supported through coordinated plans; those with SEN support receive targeted intervention.
Mental health and emotional wellbeing are prioritized through training of staff, peer support systems, and access to counselling services. The school's explicit Catholic values framework — emphasizing hope, charity, and justice — creates a context where discussing feelings and seeking help feels culturally normalized rather than stigmatized.
Results Below National Average: The school ranks in the bottom 40% of secondary schools nationally for both GCSE and A-level outcomes. While value-added measures show students make average progress, families seeking admission should understand that this is not a high-performing school by competitive national standards. Those able to secure entry to grammar schools or independent schools with stronger academic records should weigh the trade-offs carefully.
Oversubscription and Faith Criteria: The school is regularly four times oversubscribed, creating genuine competition for places. Faith criteria prioritize Catholic applicants, meaning non-Catholic families are accepted only if demonstrating sympathy with the religious ethos and subject to space availability. Non-Catholic applicants should understand this may limit realistic chances unless living very close to the school or demonstrating active Christian commitment through parish endorsement.
Rural Location and Transport Dependency: The school's setting on the fringes of Canterbury with a wide catchment (Ashford to Herne Bay) means most students are bus-dependent. Families living in urban Canterbury or along poor bus routes should assess transport logistics carefully. Journey times can exceed an hour for the furthest students, affecting homework time and after-school engagement.
Curriculum Consistency: Ofsted noted some inconsistencies in curriculum delivery across classrooms. While teaching quality is broadly sound, families should be aware that a student's experience may depend significantly on which teacher delivers which subject. This is less of a concern for highly motivated independent learners but more so for students who thrive with consistent methodical approach.
St Anselm's is an authentic Catholic secondary school serving a broad, inclusive community without selection. The school's Catholic identity is genuine and integrated — not confined to Religious Education lessons but visible in values education, charitable action, and the physical environment. For families seeking Catholic education without independent school fees, this matters significantly.
Academically, the school sits below the national median. This reflects both the non-selective intake (because Canterbury has grammar school selection, average-ability students concentrate here) and broader challenges in resource and recruitment faced by many state secondaries. Results are not poor — students make expected progress — but they are not strong relative to national benchmarks. A student passing the 11-plus or securing a private school place would likely encounter stronger GCSE/A-level outcomes.
The sixth form provides genuine choice between A-levels and vocational routes, with a welcoming culture toward external entrants. Pastoral structures through the house system are coherent, and the school's commitment to Catholic Social Teaching goes beyond rhetoric into practice.
Who it suits: Families for whom Catholic faith identity is a priority; students of mixed ability who thrive in inclusive settings; families valuing a school embedded in the local community over pursuit of academic rankings; sixth form students from non-selective backgrounds seeking continued education in a values-driven environment. This is not the school for families whose primary focus is maximizing GCSE/A-level grades or accessing selective universities at high rate; it is the school for those prioritizing education within a faith framework and community belonging.
Yes. The school was rated Good by Ofsted in September 2023. Students make expected progress across mixed-ability cohorts, behaviour is positive, and the school excels in safeguarding and pastoral care. Academic results sit below the England average for GCSE and A-level, so "good" reflects quality of provision across all dimensions, not academic ranking alone. The school ranks 2,878 in England for GCSE (FindMySchool ranking), placing it below average nationally but solid within its non-selective, mixed-ability context.
St Anselm's is a Catholic secondary school. All students engage with Religious Education, including GCSE Religious Studies examining Catholic doctrine, scripture, and theology. The school holds weekly collective worship, celebrates Mass at Canterbury Cathedral, and integrates Catholic Social Teaching across the curriculum. Non-Catholic students are welcome if families support the school's Catholic ethos; Catholics receive admissions priority during oversubscription.
The school is regularly oversubscribed, with roughly 4.9 applications for every place. After looked-after children and those with EHCPs, Catholic applicants (with parish priest endorsement) are prioritized. Non-Catholic families may be admitted if demonstrating sympathy with Catholic values and space allows. Distance from the school becomes the key factor within each criteria band. Families should confirm distance bands with Kent's Admissions Service before relying on a place.
GCSE Attainment 8 average is 42.4, below the England average of approximately 50. Progress 8 is -0.02, indicating students make expected progress. A-level A*-B percentage is 34%, below the England average of 47%. Results reflect the school's comprehensive, non-selective intake rather than poor teaching; however, families seeking highest-performing cohorts should be aware of these comparative metrics.
Yes. The sixth form contains approximately 150 students and offers a broad range of A-levels (approximately 26 subjects) alongside vocational qualifications including BTEC Tech Awards. Entry is non-selective but competitive; students require minimum GCSE grades (usually grade 4 or above). External sixth form applicants are welcomed. The school emphasizes UCAS guidance, work experience, and university preparation.
The school offers extracurricular clubs spanning academic, creative, and sporting interests. Named opportunities include drama/performing arts (Artsmark Gold recognition), music (including Canterbury Cathedral Choir), science enrichment, sports (football, rugby, netball, athletics), and Faith in Action community service. The school operates a Forest School programme and facilitates Duke of Edinburgh Awards. A detailed termly club timetable is updated on the school website.
The school is located on the southern fringe of Canterbury, approximately 2-3 miles from the city centre, on Old Dover Road. The rural setting is bordered by orchards and farmland. The nearest bus stops are 3-4 minutes' walk away, with regular services to Canterbury, Ashford, Faversham, Whitstable, and Herne Bay. Personal transport or coordinated bus use is essential for most families outside immediate walking distance.
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